KIDDERMINSTER came out on top in a crucial local derby clash against Cleobury Mortimer who remain at the foot of Midlands 2 West (north).

The Carolians took the lead after 15 minutes with a try from flanker Mike Protheroe on the right after a lineout drive made ground inside the Cleobury 22. The hosts responded and pegged KCs back who eventually conceded a penalty for offside in front of their posts which was slotted home.An excellent touch kick by the outside centre then took play back to KC’s 22 but the visitors still appeared to carry more of an attacking threat.

Second row Jess Smith had made valuable yards to earn a penalty on halfway they opted for a scrum in centrefield. Scrum-half Freddie Morgan made a penetrating break from the set piece before feeding his brother Arthur and the winger cantered over for Carolians’ second try and a 10-3 lead.

Kidderminster conceded a succession of penalties and eventually conceded a further three points however the visitors continued to carry a greater attacking threat with ball in hand. Blindside Rob Phillips,Smith and left wing Ryan Tiene all made telling runs before Freddie Morgan and Tiene combined to create another clear chance for Arthur Morgan only for the final pass to be adjudged marginally forward.

On the stroke of half-time fullback Mike Humphreys ran a Cleobury clearance kick back at them before linking with Freddie Morgan and Mason and when the No 8 was brought down in the shadow of the posts the ball was recycled for lock Rhys Kay to crash over at the foot of a post and Pinner’s conversion made the score at the break 17-6 to KCs. Kidderminster bagged a bonus point try less than a minute into the second half when an interception by Humphreys sparked a counter attack which resulted in a try for centre Tom Maher in under the posts which Pinner converted.

Seven minutes later a terrific effort by Kidder’s forwards shoved Cleobury off their own ball at a scrum on the hosts’ ten metre line. Freddie Morgan switched the play with his brother Arthur who initially ran infield prior to arcing back outside to outflank the cover and touch down at the corner.

The Carolians were down to 14 men when Mason was red carded for a dangerous clear out at a ruck and the boost gave Cleobury new hope. They pressurised a Kidder scrum on their own five metre line and whilst playing a penalty advantage their scrum-half darted over for their first try which their No 13 converted.

Another unconverted try added applied pressure to Kidderminster who needed to dig deep. They held out until the final minute when a spilled kick fell nicely for Cleobury’s to touch down and pick up a losing bonus point but it was not enough and the game finished Cleobury 23 - 29 KCs.

Next week KCs entertain Spartans (Midlands), kick-off 2.15pm.