Rugby round-up

KIDDERMINSTER Carolians will take a break from their troubled Midlands Three West North campaign when they hit the Powergen Cup trail at home to Newport on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).

The Marlpool Lane men have started the league season with two successive defeats, including last weekend's 32-11 home reverse against Aston Old Edwardians.

And although player coach Andy Stooksbury knows his team will have their work cut out in their round one tie against Newport, he admits they need a cup fillip to lift them.

"We could do with a bit of a boost but we know it will be tought because they got promoted from our division last season," said Stooksbury.

"In fact we stopped them from winning the title by drawing 16-16 all with them in a game we could have won, so they'll be out for revenge.

"We're in the lowest division that can take part in this competition and realistically we stand little or no chance of winning the cup.

"The league is our priority but it's always nice to have a cup run and it would be good for morale."

KCs will be without infuential skipper Ben Turner, who could be out for half the seaosn, with medial ligament damage, so last season's captain Eddie Ross wears the armband.

John Easton returns at No 8 after an ankle problem, but Dan Quinn and Matt Bennett are missing through work and family commitments.

Against Aston, KCs produced a better performance than in their heavy 57-13 defeat to Wolverhampton, but they were again guilty of gifting their oppoinents points.

Playing down the slope in the first half they were soon under pressure, finding it difficult to secure good quality ball from the scrums and line outs.

Aston took an early lead with two penalties from Blake Bennett and they went on to open up a 25-3 lead at half time with three tries, two of which were converted.

A well-struck Tom Oakes penalty was all KCs had to show for their first half efforts.

The second half was much better for KCs and they pushed hard, with Mabon Jones coming on as replacement and making a big impact.

They were rewarded with a try of their own when Owen Jones outstripped the defece to touch down, while Oakes added another penalty to take their score to 11.

Another converted try took the Aston total to 32, leaving KCs as one of four teams propping up the table with two defeats from the first two games.

Stooksbury believes it is only a matter of time before KCs get their act together.

"We're a lot fitter than we were last season, but we've got a lot of young players and we're just a little bit light-weight up front," he added.

Stourport

STOURPORT had to dig deep to maintain their winning start to the season, winning 6-3 at strong and determined North Midlands South Two opponents, Clee Hill.

After progressing through the preliminary round of the Powergen Vase the previous weekend, Stourport were pleased to begin their league campaign with a victory.

In a low-scoring game, they had the cleaner possession and looked the more likely to score a try, but they were frustrated by the hosts' determined defence.

Ultimately, Stourport had to rely on the accurate boot of their outside half, Rob Humphries, who was successful with two long range penalties to secure the win.

Stourport seconds enjoyed a stroll in the park by completely outclassing Clee Hill during a 63-0 thrashing.

They ran in 11 tries with Martin Saunders scoring five, Richard Harper bagging a brace and John Connolly, Mike Harper, Mark Jenkins and Andy Horton also on the mark.

Steve Griffin and M Harper each kicked two conversions.

Chaddesley Corbett

CHADDESLEY Corbett also kicked off their North Midlands South Two campaign with a victory, running out 18-7 winners at Dudley Wasps.

They started slowly, conceding an early try, but recovered quickly to lead 13-7 at half-time.

Matt Jackett scored a fine individual try, dodging two tackles and latching onto his own chip to score under the posts.

That effort was converted by Nick White who also kicked two penalties.

And despite the soggy conditions after the break, Richard Billings crossed the line to secure the 18-7 victory.

Chaddesley seconds went down 22-5 to Malvern thirds after failing to take their chances as clinically as their opponents.

Ed Dunn scored their consolation try.

On Saturday the firsts play host to Bridgnorth seconds, while the seconds visit Droitwich thirds in their opening Merit Table match.

Cleobury Mortimer

CLEOBURY Mortimer endured a disappointing start to life in Midlands Four West South with a 12-0 defeat at fellow newcomers Stourbridge Lions.

Missing a couple of regulars, Cleobury, who like their hosts were promoted last season, battled bravely but were eventually beaten by four penalties.

In continual drizzle on a hard pitch the ball was like a bar of soap and despite their best efforts, Cleobury could not get the tries they were looking for.

There best chance came when Julian Harding was halted by a last-ditch tackle, while the Mortimer men wasted several other decent opportunities.

Junior rugby

YOUNG players interested in joining Chaddesley Corbett's junior section can attend their trianing sessions at 10.30am Sundays at Chaddesley Corbett Sports Club.

Expert coaching will be provided to players in all age groups under 16 - including girls.

Matches are played throughout the season and the players also enjoy an active social life.

For more information contact Max Needham on 07778 475083 or just turn up on Sunday morning.

Worcester Warriors

WORCESTER Warriors season ticket holders from Kidderminster are being offered free match day travel to and from Sixways thanks to a link-up with local bus operator, First.

They can catch special "Rugby Buses" from Kidderminster bus station or travel free on any First buses to the ground.