KIDDERMINSTER Carolians' four-game winning run in the Midlands Division Three West (South) was stopped in its tracks by Stourbridge Lions in Saturdays' 14-3 loss.
The team struggled to cope with the windy conditions in the second half as home side Stourbridge punished the visitors for defensive errors.
Defeat dents the team's hopes of breaking into the top five of the division. With two games of the season left, sixth-placed KCs trail fifth-placed Old Laurentians by three points.
With strong winds making it difficult for KCs to kick for position on Stourbridge's big pitch, the visitors worked hard and controlled the lineouts and scrums.
KCs made an error midway through the first half after being awarded a penalty but the kick failed to find touch and allowed the home team to regain possession.
The hosts took advantage and went ahead with a penalty. The wind ensured that attempted clearances by KCs were not relieving any pressure and a drop goal by the Lions made it 6-0.
Andy McLellan cut the home side's lead in half with a penalty and KCs took charge of the game but found themselves trailing 11-3 after Stourbridge scored a try from a counter-attack.
The touch down knocked the side's confidence and they could not find a way through Stourbridge's defence before a final penalty completed the visitor's defeat.
KCs will be hoping to get back to winning ways in their final two games, when they welcome Leamington to Marlpool Lane on Saturday, April 12 and go to Edwardians the following week.
Stourport's hopes of escaping the bottom two in the Midlands Division Five West (North) were dashed after losing to Aldridge 10-5 on Saturday.
Defeat means that the team can't catch Five Ways Old Edwardians, who are third from bottom, and are relegated.
Stourport end the season away at Old Griffinians on Saturday, April 12.
KCs under-10s beat Dudley Kingswinford 25-5, 25-0 and 10-5, with tries for Sam Faulker (3), Elliot Murphy (3), Callum Tinsdale (2), Jason Lapworth, Jack Pugh, Alex Brady and Justyn Holloway.
The under-12s got the better of Dudley 52-0 and 14-28, with Miles Henderson (4), Miles Perry (2), Mitchell Dwyers, Ryan Hatton, Eddy Maiden and Henry Cook scoring tries.
David Bisset kicked five conversions, while Dwyers (2), Dom Garbett (2) and James Murphy also added more points.
KCs' under-9s team got the better of Dudley 15-5 with Stuart Hare and Anthony Hudson in good form.
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