Kidderminster Carolians fielded a much changed side for this home game against Sutton Coldfield, even losing a player to an injury sustained in the warm up! Whilst suffering another defeat there were times in the match when the KC spectators hoped that KC could get a win.
Lapses in KC concentration early in the first half allowed Sutton Coldfield to score a converted try. After halting a good Sutton Coldfield move KC replied with a great move through the three quarters finished off with a try to Ryan Tiene. KC came close with their attacks. however the next two scores were for Sutton Coldfield as they took advantage of deficiencies in KC tackling. KC were not to be outdone and scored again through a trade mark Tiene 70 metre run.
At half time KC were 10 – 19 down, however for two ten minute periods either side of half time KC were camped in the Sutton 22 and looked as if they were coming back into the game. Unfortunately, this 20 minute period of KC pressure went unrewarded. The game went away from KC when Sutton Coldfield came back with two converted tries, one from a good move through their backs and another from forward pressure on the KC line. KC gave away two penalties allowing the Sutton Coldfield lead to stretch.
Between these penalties KC started a good move through the forwards and after fierce pressure on the Sutton Coldfield line scored a try for birthday boy Scott Lovell, the conversion being completed by Rhys Pritchard.
More pressure from KC for the next five minutes was undone by a Sutton Coldfield try in the corner after KC lapses. KC replied with more pressure and a Ryan Tiene hat trick try yielded a bonus point.
Plus point for KC was their dominance in the set scrums and close work from the loose forwards. Standout players were Scott Lovell, Matt Rigsby and Alex Royall.
The final score shows Sutton Coldfield scoring six tries to KC’s four. Mention must be made of the Sutton stand off Ben Morgan who scored 14 points with his boot - four conversions and two penalties.
Another frustrating day for KC as they controlled big parts of the game only for their attacks to fail due to wrong decision making and poor handling. However there are several positives to take from the game.

Bob Davies