KIDDERMINSTER Carolians ended a season of struggle on a triumphant note - by clinching their first piece of silverware for many years.

The Marlpool Lane men finally secured their Midlands Three West North survival at the end of last month.

And they celebrated their league safety with a 24-18 cup final victory over Old Yardlians to lift the North Mids Shield at Stourbridge.

It is the first time in KC's history that they have won the competition.

The triumph prolonged KC's end-of-season success story which has seen them go on an eight-game winning run, including the 19-15 semi-final victory over Hereford.

In a bruising encounter, KCs came from behind to lead 13-5 at half-time with tries from Chris Pinner and Ben Turner and a Tom Oakes penalty.

They continued where they'd left off after the break with Pinner adding a second penalty and a try and his replacement Andy Stooksbury also kicking a penalty to put KCs 24-8 up.

And despite a late fight-back from never-say-die Old Yardlians, and the sin-binning of replacement Rocky Wright, KCs held on to win 24-18 and clinch the trophy.

Player coach Stooksbury was delighted with the team's efforts, saying: "It was absolutely fantastic.

"The spirit was second to none and it was a great day for the club to round off a fantastically exciting season. We couldn't have asked for any more from the guys."