KIDDERMINSTER Carolians eventually overcame an able Malvern side 28-12 in the RFU Intermediate Cup Midlands third round at an unusually muddy Marlpool Lane.

The visitors started confidently but the hosts soon got into their stride with the three Morgan brothers looking particularly threatening.

Following a penetrating burst by centre Arthur Morgan, space was created for wing Josh Winfield to go over in the corner and scrum-half Chris Pinner converted well on nine minutes.

But four minutes later Malvern struck back from a line-out on the KCs 22, setting up a rolling maul that proved unstoppable as they drove all the way to the line for a classic forwards try.

On 20 minutes, a clearance bounced kindly for the chasing Malvern players to put them on the front foot again and fluent phases were finished off by second row Grant Fraser, who went round under the posts.

Centre Ben King had a simple conversion for a 12-7 lead.

KCs scored next as centre George Morgan ran in from outside the 22 for the equalising try, which Pinner improved to nudge the hosts back in front at 14-12.

In worsening conditions 10 minutes before half-time, KCs made the important breakthrough with a third try.

A kick ahead struck a post pad and the ensuing melee resulted in a five-metre scrum for the hosts before Pinner darted under the posts and converted to open up a nine-point lead.

The start of the second period was just as competitive as the first and KCs had to rely on the trusty boot of full-back Andy McLellan at times to keep the visitors at bay.

A naive Malvern offside offence gave KCs the option of a scrum 15 metres from the line and they made the most of the opportunity to send George Morgan over for his second try, which Pinner again improved.

Although trailing 28-12 and needing three scores to win, Malvern were still by no means out of the game.

From one chance, the visitors’ King cut back into traffic and was wrapped up when he had men to spare outside.

A Malvern scrum 10 metres out then looked menacing, but great work on the floor by flanker Mike Protheroe at the breakdown that followed saw the danger cleared.

Winfield was then beaten to the ball at the other end but the hack into touch by Malvern brought to an end a thoroughly enjoyable cup tie, which was a credit to both sides.