KIDDERMINSTER Carolians' hopes of pulling away from the Midlands Three West North danger-zone were dealt a blow with an agonising 13-12 defeat to Sutton Coldfield.

KCs were left to rue a disastrous start which left them 8-0 down to a penalty and a try before they had even got going.

The Marlpool Lane men staged a late fightback but it was too little too late to avoid a 13th league defeat of the season which leaves them third bottom.

KCs twice came close to hitting back with Matt Rigsby being pushed into touch on one occasion and the Sutton line holding firm on another.

They finally made a breakthrough when Ben Turner drove the opposition back and Nathan Small touched down to leave them 8-5 down at the break.

With time ticking down an Andy Stooksbury penalty fell short and a final pass went forward as Eddie Ross threatened to cross.

And KCs were caught out at the other end when a poor crossfield kick was intercepted by the Sutton winger who touched down for a 13-5 lead.

KCs were not finished and another excellent back move allowed Ross to outstrip the defence to score. With Stooksbury's conversion, KCs were just one point short when the final whistle blew.

Player/coach Stooksbury said: "We're pleased that we are competing with the top teams in the division but disappointed that we made a few too many mistakes when it mattered."

KCs take on Old Yardlians at Marlpool Lane at 2.15pm on Saturday.

KC's seconds suffered a heavy 56-8 home defeat against Sutton Coldfield after recruiting a host of late replacements.

Consolation came in the form of a Ben Mannion penalty and a Ben Jones try for the under-strength seconds. They host Redditch in a merit game on Saturday.

KC's thirds recorded a 36-10 win over Chaddesley Corbett seconds.

There were two tries from Bickley and one each from Wright, Punton, Stewart and Shires, with Kay kicking three conversions.