Match report courtesy of Alan Dixon
Photos courtesy of Paul Hickey Photography

Kidderminster Carolians travelled to Earlsdon expecting a tough game because last October, at the home fixture, their winning margin had been a mere 3 points. This time round KCs romped home 28-15 and should have scored at least two more tries. Nevertheless, it was a bonus-point win and bodes well for the second half of their league campaign, as they are now closing in on second-placed Old Laurentians.

KCs were the first to score when, after 13 minutes, Earlsdon tried to run the ball out of defence, only to knock the ball forward. It was swiftly gathered by the visitors and passed to left winger Arthur Morgan who scored wide out. The conversion attempt failed. Earlsdon hit back with a try of their own, after a clearance kick by KCs did not reach touch. KCs defence was caught napping and the Earlsdon left winger made use of the space provided and scored near the posts. The home side now led 7-5 but this was the last time they were to do so.
A penalty by Freddie Morgan took KCs back into the lead and a second try was scored by Number 8 Jess Smith. A good passing movement had released right winger Keiran James and, when he was tackled, Smith picked up and powered over the line. From the kick-off Andy McLellan gathered and instigated an excellent phase of play. After some crisp passing, Rhys Pritchard ripped through the defence and touched down under the posts. With the successful conversion, the score now stood at 20-7 to KCs. Unfortunately, by half-time KCs were down to 14 men, when Russ Gauden was sin-binned for dissent at a decision made by the referee.

By the time Russ Gauden returned after 10 minutes, KCs were 23-10 ahead, after a successful penalty kick by Freddie Morgan. This is evidence of KCs spirited tackling and a useful stint at prop by the substitute Joe Nicklin. KCs were playing confidently, with good handling moves and incisive runs by full-back May-Miller. Another try inevitably arrived, scored by Arthur Morgan, brother Freddie missing the conversion. With the score at 28-10, KCs should have pressed home their advantage but it was Earlsdon who scored next with a strong run by their big centre, who scored near the posts. The conversion was inexplicably missed and the score remained at 28-15 and there was time for Earlsdon to snatch a win. When the same big centre gained possession from a botched kick-off, alarm bells were ringing. However, KCs defence stood firm, with Pinner outstanding, and for the last 15 minutes the pressure came from KCs.

Several times the ball was moved to danger-man Arthur Morgan, only for last-ditch tackles to stop his progress. KCs were camped inside the opposition 22-yard zone for long periods of time, with skipper Mike Protheroe and Chris May-Miller nearly over the try-line. With just minutes remaining, KCs centre Andy McLellan broke through. With acres of space to work in, he passed to Scott Lovell, who moved it on. However, with the line beckoning, the final pass was knocked on and the chance of a score squandered. KCs will have to be more clinical in their finishing in future, more tightly-fought matches; but the win was conclusive and they can move on with confidence.