KIDDERMINSTER Carolians' stuttering start to the season continued with a 24-3 home defeat to Old Yardlians. And it shows little sign of letting up when they face Midlands North Three West leaders Sutton Coldfield this weekend.

Once again the size and sheer strength of their opponents was KC's downfall. They started off well and dominated territorially for the first 15 minutes but were unable to find a score.

With several mistakes creeping in to KC's play, Yardlians were able to crash over for three tries, two of which were converted to open up a 19-3 half-time lead.

Kidderminster's points came courtesy of a penalty from the boot of Tom Oakes.

The second half started poorly and Yardlians extended their lead when another mistake let the opposition in. However Kcs rallied and then produced their best rugby of the game and their superior fitness began to tell.

Olly Toms was again impressive and Dan Quinn made some good yardage but KCs could not quite make it over the line to reduce the deficit.

They bid to end a run of four straight league defeats on Saturday when they host table-toppers Sutton Coldfield who have four successive wins to their name.

There was brighter fortunes for KCs seconds who romped to a 50-5 victory over Droitwich.

Iain Crockett led the way with two tries and four conversions, with tries also coming from R Preston, JJ Bryant, Simon Higgs, Mike Green, Mark Spargo and Ben Mannion who also kicked a conversion.

KCs thirds were also victorious, running in eight tries as they won 50-0 at Dudley Kingswinford fifths.

Simon Billingsley and John Shires bagged braces, while Haydn Pearce, Ian Patterson, Grant Stewart and Rob Newton also crossed.

Spence kicked five conversions.