KIDDERMINSTER Carolians Rugby Club play their first game of the New Year with a tough top of the table Midlands Three West North clash at Bridgnorth on Saturday.

Second-placed Carolians are just two points in front of their opponents and will be expecting a tight contest despite the fact they have not been beaten by the Severnsiders for some five years.

KCs, without a match in three weeks, will have to put the loss against bottom club Leek on December 22 at the back of their minds, but Bridgnorth go into the match full of confidence after two wins and a good away draw at Dixonians.

Injuries, which hampered KCs last year, have struck the club once again but are hopeful of having at least three new names on the teamsheet.

Two will be well known to Kidderminster supporters, but the third is a newcomer. An experienced player, KCs are still tidying up the details of his transfer.

Club president Ian Wilson is on a sponsored walk to the match to raise funds for the building programme at Marlpool Lane.

The 15-mile walk via Trimpley and Arley, will see the first walkers leave at 7.30am, aiming to arrive in time for the 2.15pm kick off. If anyone would like to sponsor the walk, please contact Brian Gittins on 01562-745429.

The third XV are also at Bridgnorth. The seconds and fourth XVs play Bridgnorth at home.