KIDDERMINSTER travelled to Kenilworth and played out a close top of the table contest in Midlands Two West (south).

The game between first and third was close until the final few minutes although a gusty wind created conditions that were not conducive to good handling.

KC pressured Kenilworth for the first five minutes and following good work by the forwards, were rewarded by a try to Dave Kane, Freddie Morgan kicked the conversion.

Both sides then put together a series of good attacking moves through the back and forwards stopped by effective defensive work.

KC conceded a penalty which allowed Kenilworth into their territory and the hosts were rewarded with a try.

Another KC loss of concentration allowed Kenilworth to score two tries in three minutes, both of which were converted giving them a half-time lead of 19-7.

KC spurned the opportunity to kick a penalty close to the Kenilworth line and use the forwards to capitalise on a good platform; instead took the option of a testing kick for the posts into the wind which was unsuccessful. Further positive KC play kept the phases going to put Jess Smith over for a try, again converted by Freddie Morgan.

With the score at 19-14 to Kenilworth, pressure from KC looked as if it was only a matter of time before they would score a try to bring themselves back into the game. However against the run of play, Kenilworth put together a good move for their winger to score under the posts, they converted to win 26-14.

The two sides will clash again when KC again make the journey to Kenilworth at the weekend for the final of the midland division of the Intermediate Cup.