Kidderminster Carolians RFC 32, Old Saltleians RFC 15

KIDDERMINSTER ensured there was a silverware lining to a frustrating season as they defeated Old Saltleians to lift the North Midlands Shield last Saturday.

While the club suffered a stuttering end to their campaign in the Midlands Division Two West (North), where the finished fifth, KCs produced a strong display.

They started and ended the match in control, but had to spend long periods in between defending sustained waves of Saltleians attacks.

Kiddy made a fine start when Layton Wilkinson touched down for the game's opening try.

A string of penalties awarded against Saltleians resulted in a yellow card for one of their players, and KCs used their advantage to stretch the lead to 13-0 when Chris Pinner added a penalty and winger Arthur Morgan touched down.

Both sides made a number of handling errors, which meant the game did not really flow, but Saltleians gradually worked their way back into the match with some good offloads and strong support play.

This pressure forced KCs into conceding penalties, and from a quick tap their opponents found some space and crossed for their first try after 30 minutes to make it 13-7.

George Morgan added another touch down which Pinner converted, while Old Salts scored a penalty.

Josh Winfield and Laurence Hughes added further tries for Carolians, before their rivals pulled a consolation effort back to reduce arrears.

Director of rugby Phil Knowles said: “It was a good way to end the season and the players all did well.

“The second half of the season did not go as wanted but it was a good display and it gives something to build on next season.”

Coachh Stuart Eades, who has been working with Andy McLellan in recent weeks, is set to remain at the club for the 2016-17 season.

He will fill the hole left by Stuart Such, who has been unable to continue his role because of work and family commitments.