A SECOND successive defeat continued a miserable start to the Midlands Three West (North) campaign for Kidderminster Carolians as they were soundly beaten 51-19 at Bridgnorth.

Bridgnorth were hospitable hosts as they opened their new ground in memory of recently-deceased former president and Kidderminster player of the 1940s, Edgar Davies.

But that was where the Shropshire side's generosity ended as they handed out a strong beating to the visitors.

Neither team had covered themselves in glory in their opening matches of the season with KCs going down to 18-26 at home to Wolverhampton and Bridgnorth losing 16-8 to Camp Hill.

In response to the previous weekend's setback, KCs moved Andy Stooksbury to full back and brought in Iain Crockett at stand-off.

But they were under so much pressure throughout the game it is questionable whether it was a good idea or not.

Stooksbury and his opposite number Simon Pennington have been rivals in the kicking stakes for years, and within minutes both had converted penalties. During this time KCs also had a man "sin-binned" and this hardly helped matters.

Bridgnorth led 24-16 after Mal Walker scored the game's first try and Pennington converted before the Bridgnorth skipper went over twice for a brace and converted both of them.

In reply KCs, who had to cope with the blow of losing winger Ambro Negri through injury following a collision, saw Dave Allsop cross the line with Stooksbury kicking a conversion and two further penalties.

The second half was a different story as Bridgnorth ran KCs ragged.

They perhaps regret an early decision to kick an easy penalty instead of going for touch because although Stooksbury made it 24-19, the chance of a try from a line out might have been a better option.

Within eight minutes KCs had been made to pay the price as Bridgnorth went on the rampage, racking up 24 points.

Pennington kicked a penalty and converted three tries by Walker, Mike Preece and Adam Smallwood.

Bridgnorth looked sharper and fitter and were aided by the disappearance of the KCs defence as Pennington had the last word with his third penalty and his 31st point.

It was an occasion to remember for Bridgnorth with the opening of their new ground, but an afternoon Phil Knowles and co will want to forget.