Handsworth 10

Kings Norton 27

KINGS Norton's final away fixture of the season ended in victory maintaining the Hopwood side's third place in the league.

The Ash Lane outfit quickly settled and before the first two minutes was up saw winger Matt James fly over for the first score of the game following Russell Gauden's barnstorming break through the Handsworth defence.

Six minutes later it was Gauden again who charged through the Handsworth pack to set up fly half Ken Whitehouse who evaded the cover defence before feeding Nick Thompson as he entered the line at speed. Left winger Jamie Clayton was the final cog in this move as he swept in for the second score.

As the game wore on Handsworth slowly pulled themselves back into the game and an unconverted try saw the Kings' lead halved.

After the break Handsworth camped in the Kings' half before scoring their second try following a powerful rolling maul to briefly level the scores.

Kings Norton full back Nick Thompson immediately recovered the Kings lead with a break away try before Whitehouse seized a loose ball and put his captain Mark Waudby away. Pete May took the ball on for Matt Eagles to score with Whitehouse easily converting.

James pounced on a half chance and stole in for his second score of the game with five minutes to go.

Kings Norton now have to wait upon league officials to determine a date when to play their final league match against rivals Redditch.