LICHFIELD'S larger forwards clinched the game as bottom-of-the-table Kidderminster Carolians were beaten 27-10 on their travels.

The scoreline does not do KCs justice as the hosts simply used the size of their forwards to greater effect in this Midlands Three West (North) clash.

KCs worked tirelessly and were 10-7 in front by the 26th minute and could have been further ahead had the referee penalised Lichfield more severely.

The game kicked off in blustery conditions and the visitors soon found themselves under pressure.

Lichfield went ahead on four minutes with a try by scrum-half Tom Paulson, converted by Russell Clarke.

In the 15th minute, KCs broke down the left with Ambro Neri in possession and a try looked certain as he passed inside and they neared the line.

The ball would have reached flanker Ollie Toms but he was tackled before it could get to him.

Yet the referee only awarded a penalty, which Andy Stooksbury converted, rather than a penalty try and did not sin-bin the player.

KCs battled hard and took the lead in the 26th minute when centre Greg Fincher set up the move and winger Neri made considerable ground.

Ben Turner fed Dan Quinn and a try resulted with Stooksbury's conversion making it 10-7.

But the Lichfield pack were out-gunning KCs and in particular at the lineouts where they were unable to win their own ball on too many occasions.

Just when KCs were hoping for their first success in eight games against Lichfield, Paulson struck again with his second try with five minutes remaining of the first-half.

Within two minutes of the second-half, it looked as if KCs would regain the lead but Stooksbury's penalty kick was blown off course at the last minute.

KCs were put under immense pressure and their defence was breached in the 55th minute by a Jim Morris try.

Morris scored again 10 minutes later to give Lichfield a 22-10 lead.

KCs persevered and put some good moves together but, inevitably, it was the home team who did the scoring with a late fifth try.

Lichfield are certainly KCs' bogey side but, lying in third place, they will not find much tougher opposition.

KCs travel to Old Halesonians for a friendly on Saturday.