A STRING of changes did not put off leaders Kidderminster Carolians as they produced one of their best displays of the season to win 18-7 at Selly Oak.

The hard-earned victory over last season's relegated side keeps them top of Midlands Three West (North) by a point.

It was always going to be a tricky test for injury-hit KCs as Selly Oak had put three wins together after a poor start.

Six of the first team were out with teenager Jon Mounter in at stand-off, James Lloyd Jones moved to full-back and another young star Will Hill at centre.

But KCs demonstrated their potential with two more teenagers, Jon Easton and Ben Turner, playing well in the pack.

Team Manager Phil Knowles said: "We are pleased that despite so many last minute changes we could beat an in-form team on their own pitch.

"It was an all-round team display but once again centre Matt Smith anchored the team.

"Our youngsters gave everything and can take a lot of credit.

"We used a lot of common sense in the second half but also played some nice rugby."

The visitors went ahead with a Jon Mounter penalty in the 15th minute but a heavy and well-grassed pitch was never going to make their task easy.

Selly Oak looked dangerous on the break and proved that in the 27th minute when their stand-off Bruce Grey went over for a try.

He added the conversion to give Selly Oak a 7-3 lead at half-time.

Coach Ross Baxter and Knowles did some hard talking during the break and it did the job.

KCs came out with a different attitude though Mounter was short with a penalty from just inside the home team half.

But he made no mistake in the 54th minute to reduce the gap to 6-7.

KCs went into the lead five minutes later as Lloyd Jones' luck turned and he touched down on the left with Mounter converting.

They were now taking the game to Selly Oak and the committed Jason Sunderland set up the second try.

Sunderland set off on a run and made a lot of ground and brought Hill into the move.

He passed to Lloyd Jones who scored for his second try.

Selly Oak were completely outplayed in the second half. as KCs produced a performance of the season contender in difficult conditions.

They have a break from league action until Saturday, December 22, when they entertain Leek.

Fixtures, Saturday: Saltleians v KCS, 1sts and 3rds away, 2nds home (all friendlies, 2.15pm kick-offs).

KCs 2nds 17 Selly Oak 42

Younger players were given a chance against a strong Selly Oak side as there was no thirds match.

They started well but an early mistake allowed Selly Oak to score a converted try after 10 mins.

But it was replied with a superb effort from Ben Stainer, converted by Iain Crockett, to level the scores.

An exchange of penalties followed before a late try by Selly put them 17-10 up at half-time.

Poole scored a converted try in the second half but KCs used more substitutions and conceded five more tries.

However, it was a good performance with so many changes.