IMPROVING Kidderminster Carolians made it three wins in a row in the Midlands Division Three South (West) by edging out Silhillians 13-10.

Victory ensures that their hopes of breaking into the top five of the division are very much alive.

KCs are only two points behind sixth-placed Earlsdon with four matches of the season left.

Once again the Marlpool Lane men showed their determination to win a close fought game.

Andy McLellan's accurate kick allowed KCs deep into Silhillians' territory and from the lineout Tom Maher was driven over for a touch down.

The Solihull side levelled the scores just before half-time with a try.

KCs piled on the pressure and after two powerful drives were halted illegally by Silhillians, but they made the crucial breakthrough when Chris Baldwin crashed over for a touch down to make it 10-5.

McLellan's drop goal handed KCs an eight-point advantage and despite a late try by the home team, dogged defending ensured the team returned to Worcestershire with a useful victory.

KCs take on fourth-placed Old Laurentians at home on Saturday.

The club has been upgraded to level two of the Rugby Seal of Approval scheme.

The award was given after it proved it has an ongoing plan covering child protection, health and safety and coaching.

Chairman Brian Garrett said: "We are very proud of the club's progress in recent years and the accreditation is just reward for all the hard work of the committees and volunteers.

"This award demonstrates to parents that we have a well-organised mini and junior section, led by Pete Cook, which delivers coaching and care that can be relied on for children. It also underline the quality of our coaching facilties and set-up."

Training for minis and juniors takes place at 10am on Sunday mornings, with senior training Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7pm at Marlpool Lane. New players of all ages and standards are welcome to join.

n Stourport face the biggest game of their season on Saturday when they take on relegation rivals Five Ways Old Edwardians in the Midlands Division Five West (North).

Victory over the Hopwood based side at Walshes would see them swap places with Five Ways and move out of the relegation zone because Stourport have superior points difference.

The team were edged out by mid-table St Leonards on Saturday 20-19 a result which left them second from bottom.