KIDDERMINSTER Carolians refused to be too downbeat - despite their Midlands Three West North losing run continuing with a 30-15 defeat to new leaders Lichfield.

The Marlpool Lane men gave their promotion-chasing hosts a scare and it took Lichfield until the last 10 minutes to make the game safe following a KCs fightback.

With Kidderminster giving away height and weight in every area of the field, it was no surprise to see Andy Stooksbury's men trailing 10-0 to a converted try and a penalty.

Aggressive defence and strong running, however, allowed KCs to turn over a lot of ball which the backs used to good effect as Eddie Ross reduced the defecit with a try from a quick-tapped penalty.

Lichfield restored some of their lead with a penalty before Ross, again looking dangerous, burst past the defence again to score, with the conversion by Stooksbury.

Having brilliantly fought back to within one-point, KCs then took the lead with a long 45metre penalty by Stooksbury, before a Lichfield penalty put the Staffordshire men 16-15 up at the break.

With the wind at their backs in the second half, Lichfield mounted a lot of pressure and despite KCs standing up to them the hosts were awarded three penalties to open up a 10 point advantage.

Although Kidderminster responded bravely with substitute Ben Turner, Chris Pinner, Olly Toms and Jav Iaccono all impressive, they failed to add any more points.

And Lichfield put the result beyond doubt with an unconverted try in the last 10 minutes for a 30-15 victory that somewhat flattered them.

Coach Stooksbury was pleased with KCs' work-rate and remains optimistic despite his side's eighth successive league defeat.

"If we play with the same intensity and commitment in future games we can look forward to a successful second half of the season," said Stooksbury.

KCs host fellow strugglers Newcastle at 2.30pm on Saturday.

There was victory for KCs seconds who ran in six tries to overcome Luctonians 36-24.

Tom Such bagged a brace, while Russ Slater, Jonjo Bryan, Matt Such and Simon Higgs also touched down with Iain Crockett kicking three conversions.

KCs thirds continued their winning ways with a comprehensive 41-0 victory over a disappointing Dixonian seconds side.

Tries were scored at regular intervals and with better handling the winning margin could have been far greater.