SKIPPER Eddie Ross was delighted with Kidderminster Carolians after they fought out a 17-17 draw with National League Stourbridge's second string.

Dave Allsop and Stuart Such scored the tries with Iain Crockett adding two conversions and a penalty.

KCs, who won the same fixture last year, called on four players who have alternated between the seconds and thirds as well as a veteran forward.

And the reserve side of a National League Two club should be too good for one four divisions below.

Ross picked out forward Matt Poole for special mention but was also impressed with number eight Mark Cleeton's tackling.

He said: "With the enforced changes we had to look to the players we brought in to try their hardest.

"They didn't let the side or themselves down and it should serve as a warning to some of our other players who were not available that no one's position is guaranteed.

"We return to league duty next week and I hope we can put the recent losses behind us."

Stourbridge looked settled in the early exchanges and went ahead with a sixth-minute try from Nick Foster.

KCs broke out when Matt Smith went through the visitors' defence and Ambro Neri also made headway on one occasion.

They reduced the arrears with Crockett's 10th-minute penalty but Stourbridge quickly retaliated with a second try.

Chris Wagstaffe's effort was converted by Simon Eldred.

KCs were playing their part after overcoming initial uncertainty and were just 12-10 behind at the interval.

Dave Allsop bagged the try with four minutes of the half left and Crockett converted.

Stourbridge took the game to KCs after the break and produced their third try quickly through Eldred.

But KCs finally got back on level terms eight minutes from the end after good work close to the try-line.

Hooker Stuart Such pounced on the loose ball and touched down between several Stourbridge feet with Crockett adding a well-struck conversion.

Hereford 3rds 3 KCs 2nds 15

KCs almost ensured they will win the A section of the new Berrows Merit Tables with this fine success.

Their 12th victory in as many games was achieved by tries from Rob Preston and Russell Slater along with Brett Toole's conversion and penalty.

KCs have two matches left and will have to lose by big margins with Hereford winning their fixtures to miss out on the title.

Fixtures, Saturday: KCs v Lichfield, 3rds v Dudley Kingswinford Hawks (both 3pm).

Sunday: 2nds v Black Country Police (KCRFC 2nd XV Cup semi-finals, noon).