KIDDERMINSTER Carolians made the RFU Intermediate Cup Midlands semi finals after causing an upset at Banbury.

The Marlpool Lane side triumphed 11-5 against the Midlands Two West (South) leaders at Bodicote Park in the last eight on another wet, miserable afternoon.

KCs began with the benefit of a vicious wind at their backs and used lineout possession to launch a series of attacks.

Full-back Andy McLellan came into the line to crash over wide out on the left for a 5-0 lead after only four minutes.

From turn-over ball, the Midlands Two West (North) visitors won a penalty in the hosts’ 22, which scrum-half Chris Pinner kicked to extend the advantage to 8-0 in the 11th minute.

After both sides were warned about infringing at the breakdown, KCs openside Mike Protheroe was sin-binned.

Illegal use of the elbow gave Pinner another penalty chance from 25 metres out and he made no mistake to increase the lead by half time.

Banbury had put 105 points past struggling Droitwich in a dominant display the previous weekend but were kept quiet by KCs, who then retained possession well in the second period.

A timely tackle by Arthur Morgan prevented a try but KCs were penned in and Banbury found flanker Sean Bannister in space out wide to cross for a try 25 minutes from time.

With the pitch turning into a mudbath, the visitors brought on fresh legs with Jack Tunstall and Ben Turner replacing Simon Clarke and Matt Rigsby.

They were let off the hook as Banbury badly missed a kick at goal from the 10-metre line.

KCs showed admirable discipline to stay ahead but then had to endure an agonising eight minutes of additional time.

They conceded five penalties but Banbury tried to run all of them and the Worcestershire side held out for a memorable win.

Fifth-placed KCs return to league action on Saturday with a home fixture against Harborne (2.15pm start).

Meanwhile, Ledbury won 20-12 at Willenhall in the third round of the RFU Senior Vase Midlands.