Report submitted by Kidderminster Carolians

Kidderminster Carolians RFC 22, Veseyans RFC 24

KCRFC suffered a narrow defeat in their opening league fixture of the season, against a Veseyans side that dominated the forward exchanges throughout the game.

When they were able to secure some quality possession KCs’ backs looked threatening, but they spent much of the game under pressure in their own half.

David Hawkins (Hooker) and Chris May-Miller (Centre) made their first XV debuts, and both players acquitted themselves well, with May-Miller being awarded man of the match.

After some early exchanges in the centre of the field Veseyans started to dominate up front with their large pack of forwards and took the lead with a converted try after 15 minutes, following some line-out errors from KCs.

Chris Pinner kicked two long-range penalties to bring the score back to 6 – 7, before Veseyans stretched their lead with a well-executed catch and drive from a line-out near the KCs’ line.

A further Pinner penalty with the last kick of the half made the score 9 – 12 after 40 minutes, and KCs were happy to be still in touch after spending long periods defending their line.

The second half started on a brighter note for KCs, having put together a number of phases and with a strong run from Arthur Morgan they outflanked the Veseyans defence.

Ryan Wainwright created space and feed Rhys Kay who crashed over for a try to give KCs a 14 – 12 lead.

Veseyans came back strongly and despite valiant defence from KCs the visitors scored two further tries, one of which was converted, to move into a 12 point lead with ten minutes remaining.

To their credit KCs did not fade in the final stages of the game and nearly snatched an unlikely draw.

Pinner kicked his fourth penalty to reduce the deficit to seven points and a flowing move involving forwards and backs then saw replacement winger Ryan Tiene touch down in the corner.

The touchline conversion that would have levelled the scores just drifted wide and KCs were unable to threaten again as Veseyans closed out the game.

KCs are looking to arrange a friendly fixture this Saturday as they have a bye in the first round of the RFU Intermediate Cup.