KIDDERMINSTER Carolians winger Ambro Neri made a try-scoring return to action - but was unable prevent his side losing a friendly 24-21 to Evesham.

It had been some time since Evesham visited Marlpool Lane and they contributed to an entertaining game used to put several KCs players through their paces.

Evesham opened the scoring when Jamie Cameron's try was converted by Rick Taylor before Andy Stooksbury's penalty reduced the defecit.

The visitors soon extended their lead, with Lloyd Jiles touching down under the posts for another try converted by Taylor, while another Stooksbury kick made it 14-6 at half-time.

Poor defending from KCs at the start of the second half cost them the game as Simon Thwaite and Adrian Swartz both added unconverted tries.

Trailing 24-6, KCs suddenly sprang into life. Neri, making his comeback after an injury which has kept him out since early September, was a constant threat and his speed and determination took him over the line.

There were also tries from full back James Whitehouse and prodigal son Tom Maher, who has returned to the club after a spell at Worcester

KCs could not quite draw level, but there were plenty of positives for director of rugby Phil Knowles from this 24-21 defeat.

With the injury list shortening, they enter Saturday's Midlands Three West North at home to Willenhall (kick off 3pm) in confident mood.

KCs also played Evesham but returned home unhappy after a 27-3 away defeat which flattered their opponents.

Ian Crockett's penalty was all they had to show for the trip despite some good rugby and encouraging displays from Adrian Taft and Larence Potter.

On Sat-urday, the seconds tr-avel to Hereford, while the thirds play host to the same opponents with both games kicking off at 3pm.