WITH the first team taking a break, Kidderminster Carolians second string took centre stage but failed to cope with the limelight as they lost 45-0 to their Hereford counterparts.

In the battle of second versus first in the merit table rankings, KCs were firmly beaten.

Jon Jo Bryant played his heart out, as did Mat Rigsby and Rob Delahey but tries came at regular intervals and KCs were no match for a very strong Hereford side.

They now have their sights on the Second XV Cup competition on Sunday, March 19 when they face Worcester Wanderers and Dixonians in pool matches.

KCs thirds produced a fantastic performance to virtually clinch the Merit League title with a 13-5 win over Kings Norton seconds.

The game seemed to be dominated by Kings Norton in the early stages but some excellent defence held the opposition out.

Martin Wright and Nick Kaye put in some excellent defence and Grant Stewart , Jon Shires and Mark Cleeton also somehow kept the opposition at bay.

After a scoreless first half, a Mark Cleeton try broke the deadlock and although Kings Norton levelled, Nick Kaye pooped over a penalty and Kez Giddings touched down to seal the win.

The game also marked the welcome return of former first-teamer Baz Wood.

KCs hope to ease their relegation fears when they return to Midlands Three West North action at Ludlow at 2.15pm on Saturday.