KIDDERMINSTER Carolians got off to an explosive start to lay the foundations of a 26-13 win over Old Yardlians which eases their Midlands Three West North relegation fears.

It was important that the Marlpool Lane men burst out of the blocks after conceding early points in their past few games.

And they did just that as two Eddie Ross tries and a conversion and penalty from Chris Pinner gave them a 15-0 lead after 15 minutes.

Ross's first try came after a strong run down the wing in very little space, while his second came after a quick tap-penalty caught out the oppositions defence.

Two further Pinner penalties gave KCs a half-time advantage of 21-3 with Old Yardlians, who had a player sin-binned, kicking one of their own in between.

The visitors staged a second half revival with their fly half touching down twice to bring them within eight points of KCs, who struggled to repeat their first half form.

But five minutes from time, Russ Slater and Tom Mayer set up Dan Quinn for a try to ease KCs nerves and secure their fourth league win of the campaign.

Player-coach Andy Stooksbury said: "Our excellent start to the match provided enough points to win the game.

"That's something we've worked on recently as we've gone behind in the last four matches."

KCs entertain Edwardians at 2.15pm in a friendly on Saturday.

KC's seconds secured an impressive 31-7 win over Redditch.

They scored good tries from open play, keeping the ball moving and away from a strong set of forwards.

Tries came from Ben Mannion, Ben Stirling, M Whittard, R Preston and Ian Crockett, who also converted three.

KC's thirds overcame a young-looking Redditch side 18-3 with a Grant Stewart brace a try from Kez Giddings and a penalty.

They host Kings Norton in the merit league on Saturday hoping to stretch their unbeaten run to five games.