KIDDERMINSTER Harriers were not the only town team to come unstuck in Shrewsbury as Kidderminster Carolians' recent revival shuddered to a halt in Shropshire.

In a performance described by director of rugby Phil Knowles as the worst of the season, KCs went down without a whimper in a depressing 17-3 Midlands Three West North defeat.

The Marlpool Lane men were looking to do the double over Shrewsbury and despite several team changes had started brightly enough.

But they trailed 5-0 at the break after a defensive mistake allowed Will Jones to open the scoring with a try on seven minutes and but for a great tackle from Ambro Neri they could have been further behind.

KCs wasted the chance to get on the scoreboard when they decided to run the ball instead of kicking from one penalty and had another reversed for foul play.

Within 10 minutes of the second half KCs were only two points short of Shrewsbury when Andy Stooksbury kicked a penalty, but that proved to be the end of their challenge. George Daniels scored a try which Mattie Moris converted to put Shrewsbury comfortably ahead at 12-3, and 15 minutes later Jones grabbed his second try. After going three games unbeaten - their best sequence of the season - such a lethargic loss was difficult for KCs to swallow.

They could and should have won this encounter had they gelled as team, but sadly only Ollie Toms could hold his head up high. With leaders Newport at Marlpool Lane on Saturday, KCs need to get their act together.

Although Wednesbury won 20-13 at Willenhall in the relegation battle, KCs stay third bottom.

There was a low-scoring win for KCs thirds as two penalties from Spencer Crockett helped them beat Bromsgrove fourths 6-0.