KIDDERMINSTER Carolians U-17s were reduced to 13 men for a while as they lost 41-12 at Malvern.

They started with 14 players and then saw Laurence Potter leave with an injury shortly before half-time, though he did return later.

KCs had made a bright start, holding the home side to just two tries before the lead was extended by the interval.

They staged a mini fight-back in the second half and gutsy forward play resulted in a Peter Worne try.

James Guest added a second and Matt Woodward converted but KCs were unable to compete fully in the set-play and line-outs.

Malvern's try count increased despite a spirited display from the visitors whose man-of-the-match was Adam Tong.