KC’s were meant to be playing in the Quarter Final of the North Midlands Shield on Saturday, but when Kings Norton conceded the tie during the week a friendly fixture was arranged against Worcester Wanderers 2nd XV.

KC’s made a number of personnel and positional changes from the side that had beaten Droitwich the previous week, to give game time to last week’s replacements and to look at some different combinations across the team. The home side got off to the perfect start when they attacked from the kick off with some sharp inter-passing down the blind side to release right winger Nick Martin, who outpaced the cover defence to score after just 28 seconds.

Worcester replied with a penalty before KCs scored their second try following a break from deep in their own half, with the ball being retained for a number of phases and finished off with good handling in the backs to put the other winger, Dave Waldron, into space out wide for his first try.

Worcester competed well at the breakdown, and forced a number of errors and penalties from KC’s, but once good possession had been won the extra pace and support play from KC’s paid further dividends. Nick Martin scored his second try, following a break from Mitchell Hardwick, and then Layton Wilkinson, whose bulldozing runs made good ground all afternoon, burst through tackles from 35 yards out and carried a number of defenders over the try line.

From the resulting kick off KC’s again secured possession and moved the ball wide to Dave Waldron, who had plenty to do to beat three defenders before finishing off the try of the afternoon, which was converted by Andy McLellan. Half time score 27 – 3 to KC’s.

A heavy downpour at the start of the second half made handling and continuity more difficult, but KC’s kept the pressure on Worcester with powerful scrummaging and solid tackling that created a number of turnovers. Chris Pinner scooped up a loose ball in the opposition 22 to cross under the posts for a try which he converted, and Rob Phillips added another score following an excellent inside pass from Stu Such.

Rhys Pritchard and Mitchell Hardwick completed the try scoring in the final 5 minutes of the match, and Worcester were not able to add to their solitary penalty, despite a spirited display, and they competed well all afternoon.

KC’s return to League action next week with a trip to Leamington, who are in excellent form having won their last 4 matches.