KIDDERMINSTER Carolians RFC bagged their first win of the season in the Midlands Division Three West (South) by getting the better of Berkswell and Balsall 16-7 on Saturday.

Andy McLellan's two drop-goals put the finishing touches to the win, which propelled KCs from the bottom of the table to tenth.

Injury ravaged KCs suffered an early set-back when prop Russell Gauden had to come off with an injured shoulder.

The disruption knocked the visitors out of their stride and Berkswell opened the scoring, when their prop forward powered over for a try, which was converted.

KCs began to gain a foothold in the game and only a last ditch tackle prevented McLellan from crossing the host's line.

Penetrating runs by Rhys Pritchard and Jake Evetts boded well for the second half and the Marlpool Lane men were happy enough to go into the break only 7-0 down.

In the second half, KCs saw Nathan Small limp off with a back injury but they still took advantage of playing down the slope.

Ten minutes into the half number eight, Leyton Wilkinson went over from a catch and drive at a lineout and McLellan added the extras to level the scores.

Five minutes later an offside offence gave KCs a penalty opportunity, which was gratefully accepted by McLellan.

A typically bulldozing run by Wilkinson resulted in quick ruck ball and a smartly taken drop-goal by McLellan to give the away side a six-point cushion.

KCs continued to the better side, but McLellan's drop-goal late on made sure of victory.

KCs take on Willenhall at home in the second round of the EDF Senior Vase on Saturday.

In the Midlands Division Four West (North), bottom side Cleobury Mortimer lost 38-25 to Staffordshire side Newcastle.

Stourport lost 68-17 to Harborne in Birmingham in the Midlands Division Five West (North).

SEE PICTURE GALLERY FROM THE GAME