Pictures: Paul Hickey

KIDDERMINSTER Carolians bagged a bonus point at Earlsdon to close in on second place in Midlands Two West (south).

KCs opened the scoring after 13 minutes, Earlsdon tried to run the ball out of defence only to knock the ball forward.

It was swiftly gathered by the visitors and passed to left winger Arthur Morgan who scored wide out.

Earlsdon hit back with a converted try after a clearance kick by KCs did not reach touch.

KCs' defence was caught napping and the Earlsdon left winger made use of the space provided and scored near the posts.

The score gave the hosts a two-point advantage however a penalty by Freddie Morgan took KCs back into the lead and a second try was scored by number eight Jess Smith after a slick passing move.

From the kick-off McLellan gathered and instigated more crisp passing, Rhys Pritchard ripped through the defence for a converted try under the posts.

KCs were down to 14 men after Russ Gauden was yellow-carded for dissent just before half time.

By the time Gauden returned KCs were 23-10 ahead after a successful penalty kick by Freddie Morgan.

The visitors continued to dominate with good handling moves and incisive runs by full-back May-Miller.

Eventually Arthur Morgan made the pressure pay with another try but Earlsdon again answered with try of their own from the backs.

The hosts pushed forward from the restart but KCs' defence stood firm with Chris Pinner outstanding and they turned defence into attack.

Despite plenty of territorial advantage in the final minutes KCs were unable to add to their lead.

McLellan broke through for KCs and passed to Lovell, who moved it on however the final pass was knocked on and the chance was squandered.

The game finished 15-28 to Carolians, their next scheduled fixture is at home to Evesham on Saturday March 2.