GO-AHEAD Kidderminster Carolians fought off disappointment from two years ago to formally open their new clubhouse on Saturday.

The £117,000 project in Marlpool Lane has given the ambitious Midlands Three West (North) rugby club a big boost for the future.

KCs were denied National Lottery cash in 1998 but with assistance from other organisations, including Kidderminster Youth Trust, members raised the funds themselves.

The development committee of Nigel Oakes, Mark Blakeway, John McCarthy and Neil Sollom devised a "buy a brick" appeal to help out.

Former president Jim Bennett, who recently celebrated 50 years involvement in Kidderminster rugby, opened the finished article before their 18-12 derby defeat to Old Halesonians at the weekend.