KIDDERMINSTER Carolians' winning form was brought to an end in a top of the table clash with Berkswell and Balsall Heath.

The weather and the muddy pitch made handling difficult, in the first half KC played down the sloping pitch with a very strong wind behind.

The opening score came after KC forced their way into the Berkswell half and a penalty in front of the posts was converted by Tom Dalton.

KC continued to pressurise in the Berkswell half and with a good drive into the opposition 22 were able to force a penalty, Berkswell having a man yellow-carded.

From the resulting quick penalty KC made ground through the forwards and Simon Clarke twisted over to score an unconverted try.

KC were playing well with real commitment in defence with good tackling coming from captain Ryan Wainwright, Ted Morgan and Jack Barratt.

KC came close to scoring on several occasions, however the difficulty in retaining the ball and good defence from Berkswell prevented any further score si the visitors went into half time 10 points to nil ahead.

In the second half Berkswell were using the advantage of the slope and wind to pressure KC; however good defence was keeping them in the middle of the field. The first Berkswell score was a gift from KC; a poor pass was pounced on and Berkswell made 50 metres to score, KC kept the scorer to the right-hand touch and they were unable to convert the difficult kick which hit the upright.

KC, although playing well in the forwards, were finding it difficult to throw the ball in straight in the windy conditions, from the resulting scrums Berkswell were able to take control with their dominance in the set piece.

Berkswell used their strength in the forwards forced their way over for their second try to bring the scores level. This time they converted a difficult kick to take the lead 12-10.

KC were unable to get the clean possession needed to get the backs working and just before the final whistle Berkswell pressure earned them a third try, a carbon copy of their second try, this unconverted, giving them a 17-10 win.

KC contributed much to the game however should not be too down hearted, because although beaten by a better side on the day could point to the conditions not suiting the pace of the KC side.