KIDDERMINSTER Carolians kicked off 2006 with a battling 38-17 defeat at home to Midlands Three West North leaders Lichfield after a series of late cry-offs.

Jon Easton, Eddie Ross and Andy Webber were unavailable, and Nathan Small pulled out with suspected appendicitis.

KCs took an early lead when Chris Pinner's try was converted by Andy Stooksbury, but they trailed 20-7 at the break.

Lichfield increased their advantage in the second half and although KCs dominated the last 20 minutes, tries from Tom Scandrett and Pinner were too little too late. KCs entertain Droitwich in a friendly at 2.15pm on Saturday.

The seconds went down 36-5 at Luctonians, while the thirds lost 15-11 to Bridgnorth ending an 11-game winning run.