KIDDERMINSTER Carolians made the most of good pre-season preparations with a win in the North Midlands Shield.

The Carolians progressed through the first round of the competition with a win over Solihull's Edwardians RFC.

From the kick-off Kidderminster were under pressure and the opening phases underlined the strength of the challenge they were facing as Edwardians ran hard and straight into the midfield.

Kieran James settled the nerves with an opening try following good pressure after Kidderminster regained possession from a loose Edwardian's pass.

The try was successfully converted by Chris Pinner.

Resolute defence, strong set piece play added to Kidderminster's high work rate for a strong first half performance and debutante lock Jasper Smith who capped a superb display with a fine individual try, again successfully converted by Pinner.

Edwardians started the second half with raised intensity and moved the ball wide at every opportunity.

This eventually resulted in Kidderminster conceding three points to a penalty near the posts.

Carolians hit back when their forwards' good work extremely hard to provide the backs with good quality service that allowed Arthur Morgan to score a try again which was converted by Pinner.

Quick movement and good handling out wide allowed Edwardians to respond with a converted try and as the game drew to a close the hosts looked dangerous.

Edwardians' pressure was only thwarted by heroic last ditch tackles and handling errors and the game finished 10-21 to Kidderminster.

Carolians travel to Old Coventrians to start their league campaign on Saturday.