HEAD coach Dave Irish was delighted to see his injury hit Kidderminster Carolians RFC side get off to a winning start in the Midlands Division Two West (South) on Saturday.

The Marlpool Lane side got the better of Newbold on Avon 20-10, their first opening day win of the season in four years.

Victory was also impressive after KCs were forced to change the team around because several key players were out injured.

However, tries for club captain Stuart Such and Tom Oakes gunned down their opponents from Warwickshire.

Irish said: “I was delighted with the win. The team showed a great deal of mental strength to make sure we had a winning start.

“It was our first opening day win for four years, so it was nice to end that little run.

“We had to change things around because of a few injuries and it was great to see the team pull together and get a good result.

“I couldn’t single out one player because they were all superb “The captain Stuart Such was also excellent leading the team and overall I was pleased with the performance.”

KCs will be without three first team regulars for Saturday's National Junior Cup clash at Shrewsbury (3pm start).

Carl Whitehead is set to be out for four to six weeks after breaking his hand, while Matt Bennett misses Saturday’s trip to Shropshire because of a hamstring problem.

Craig Wilkinson is also set to be out for at least a month after picking up a hamstring injury.

The coach said: “We can’t get carried away with just one win, we need to keep building on it to get where we want this season.

“We’ve got a few injuries again but the club can be pleased that the players we can bring in have the right attitude, that was the most pleasing aspect about Saturday's win."


KCS OFF TO WINNING START