A FIFTH loss in a row continued Kidderminster Carolians' worst start to a season for many years on Saturday.

KCs could console themselves though with their best display yet in a 11-9 home defeat to top-five side Burntwood when they were undone by a late penalty.

But despite working hard, their players rarely looked like crossing for a try throughout the match at Marlpool Lane.

Losing full-back Iain Crockett, who made speedy runs, and influential back-row forward Bruce Hodges with injuries did not help their cause.

KCs started well and went ahead after eight minutes with an Andy Stooksbury penalty but Burntwood drew level through a similar effort from Beaman.

The visitors were tested once or twice but somehow kCs could never penetrate far enough, although Stooksbury kicked them ahead on 23 minutes.

The home side retained the lead into the interval but should have been further ahead and they paid the price in the second period.

An unconverted try for Cummins put Burntwood in front for the first time but KCs then suffered a moment of ill discipline.

Stooksbury was just wide with a 40-yard penalty before a fight resulted in two Kidderminster men sin-binned with one Burntwood player joining them.

KCs defied being down to 13 men by playing well and regaining the lead through Stooksbury's third penalty.

In the closing minutes, a penalty was missed and Cummins added his second to decide the contest for Burntwood.

KCs need a confidence booster in Saturday's home game against win-less Old Satleians.

Hereford 8 KCs 2nds 8

KCs got into gear after a slow start in the merit table but fell behind to a try with a conversion not allowed due to the time rule used by the referee.

Owen Jones scored for KCs to bring the scores level before half-time and then they spent 60 per cent of the second period in the Hereford half.

But the visitors could only add a Tom Oakes penalty and Hereford equalised with a harsh penalty in a rare attack.

KCs 3rds 34 Stourport 3rds 7

The unbeaten thirds took off with an exciting second-half try feast after leading just 3-0 through a Lawrence Round penalty.

Scorers were Tim Lohoff (two), Pete Warn, Mike Green and Ken Bickley with man-of-the-match Round converting three.

Stourport's efforts were rewarded with a converted try in the second half.

Fixtures, Saturday: KCs 1sts v Old Saltleians, Evesham v 2nds, 3rds v Evesham (all 3pm).