HEAD coach Dave Irish hailed his Kidderminster Carolians RFC players after watching them see off Spartans in a hard fought Midlands Division Three West (South) victory at Marlpool Lane on Saturday.

The victory was KCs' first at home win this season and ended a poor run of results which had seen them slip to the bottom spot (read report) .

However, the victory lifted them to third from bottom and boosted a squad that has been hit hard by injuries this season.

"This win comes as a big relief to the players and myself," commented Irish.

"We were excellent in the first half and I spoke to many people who felt we played some of the best rugby seen at the ground in several years.

"It was a lot tougher in the second half. We had a few decisions go against us and a few nerves set in, which is understandable considering the results we've had.

"But we stood up well and held on for a win."

KCs now take on Bridgnorth away in the EDF Senior Vase on Saturday.

They are still missing captain Ben Turner (knee) and Eddie Ross (hamstring) with injuries, but Irish believes Saturday's win will have lifted his troops.

"This win will be a big boost to the players' confidence," commented the coach.

"It's a pity we don't have another league game this week but we must concentrate on winning games.

"We're still missing a few players but the injury problems have lightened and that's helped us a lot.

"We set ourselves a target of finishing fifth this season and that seems a long way away at the moment.

"But I believe there is still time to do it, although we would have to win a lot of games."