Handsworth 12, Kidderminster Carolians 41

KIDDERMINSTER Carolians got back on track last Saturday with a six-try blast to earn a bonus-point victory in the Midlands Division Two West (South).

The Marlpool Lane side ended a two-game losing run with a six-try win in Birmingham.

It took KCs three minutes to open the scoring, with Layton Wilkinson crashing over after good work from a lineout and Chris Pinner converting.

Handsworth missed a penalty but the hosts drew within two points with a try.

In trying to stop the attack KCs' covering winger Josh Winfield suffered a facial injury and was replaced by Alex Thompson.

Carolians hit back with a four-try blitz in 14 minutes.

A forwards' drive, with hooker Joe Kingston in the vanguard, resulted in a second try for Wilkinson.

Then after good play by winger Laurence Hughes, KCs broke out at pace and centre George Morgan raced down the left,using his support runners as decoys, to score a terrific individual try.

A penalty to touch by Andy McLellan just inside KCs' half produced more clean lineout possession.

Hughes made a strong run and fly half Freddie Morgan sent his brother George over for the bonus-point try.

Several rampaging runs by Wilkinson had Handsworth in full retreat again and, after a ruck at the right corner, Alex Baldwin stormed over for a fifth try.

The last two scores were both converted by Pinner and with ten minutes of the first half still to play, Kidder were cruising at 31-5.

But they took their foot off the pedal and a spirited Handsworth finished the first 40 minutes with a sustained spell of pressure.

Handsworth hit back with their second touchdown, but George Morgan completed his hat-trick of tries before his brother Arthur added the conversion.

Kidderminster face a stiffer challenge on Saturday when they travel to leaders Banbury in the last eight of the Midlands division of the RFU Intermediate Cup (2pm ko).