Match report courtesy of Bob Davies...

This was a much anticipated game to determine who would be promoted into Midland 1 West for 2019-2020. The game was played in front of one of the largest crowds seen at Marlpool Lane – estimated at over 500.

The game did not disappoint, being played at an intensity that reflected the importance to both sides. It was a pity that strong gusty wind made kicking a lottery, evidenced when both captains were opting for scrums rather than penalty kicks.KC had the better of the early exchanges and after 5 minutes concerted pressure from their forwards eventually yielded a try for Jasper Smith, converted by Freddie Morgan. If KC thought they would now take control they were mistaken as the powerful Tamworth side were making ground and re-cycling the ball, this pressure told and they earned a penalty which they kicked. Further Tamworth pressure that included a missed penalty kept the crowd on their toes.

KC came back into the game after 30 minutes and when awarded a penalty on half way opted for a scrum; a move in the backs allowed Andy McLellan to feed Arthur Morgan who produced one of his trademark jinking runs to score KC;s second try. Pressure from Tamworth brought them a converted try to bring them up to 12-10 down. Then immediately before half time KC came back close to the Tamworth line and after good pressure Jasper Smith scored his second try to make the score at the interval 17-10.

In the first five minutes of the second half KC forward pressure gave the ball to the backs, who with slick inter-passing then passed to Jasper Smith for him to score his hat-trick try giving KC a 22-10 lead. Not surprisingly Jasper was deservedly confirmed as the Hillandale Caravan Parks man of the match. Tamworth were not beaten and at one point were camped in the KC 22 for over 5 minutes but try as they might could not get over the line, each incursion stopped by the resolute defence.

KC then moved up the field and were awarded a penalty, Pinner took a quick penalty and good forward pressure in a rolling maul resulted in a try scored by Captain Mike Protheroe which eased the home spectators’ nerves.With 15 minutes to go more Tamworth pressure and a harsh yellow card to KC’s Tom Mayer for not rolling away enabled Tamworth to score a converted try under the posts to bring them back to 27-17. Tamworth continued to look dangerous but could not make any further impact on the score sheet.With under 5 minutes left KC forward pressure took them into the Tamworth 22. Mike Protheroe stole the ball in loose play, the forwards fed Freddie Morgan who made a break and passed for Chris May-Miller to crash over to score the final try. This took the score to 32-17 at the final whistle.

Tamworth must be given credit for their contribution to the game, never giving up with their ability to constantly re-cycle the ball and keep possession, however the whole KC team must be congratulated for the very well organised defence with good tackling when under significant pressure. In summary Tamworth played well however KC played better to deserve their win.

This result was a great reward to the players for the passion and competitiveness of the team who have played with their mixture of solid defence and attacking flair throughout the season. During the season they have had some wins by big margins and in total have scored over 1000 points.

Kidderminster Carolians RFC

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