Fitness worry for KCs in friendly

KCs were without some key players but others like Giovanni Iacono, Matt Such, Paul Weston and the returning Dan Quinn played their part.

It was a fine display at times but Selly Oak were stronger in the fitness department.

They opened the scoring with a converted try on four minutes but KCs turned the match around.

A try from Quinn was converted by Andy Stooksbury and quickly followed by Matt Such and Adrian Taft adding their names to the scoresheet.

Oak scored an excellent second try and were level at 17-17 by half-time.

KCs performed well in the first 20 minutes but despite a good pack display, Stuart Such was having difficulty throwing in the new ball at line-outs.

The second half produced more good running rugby but also plenty of mistakes.

Matt Bennett scored an early try followed by one from S Such, both converted by Stooksbury.

Oak came on strong in the closing stages and scored two tries inside four minutes to trail by just four points at 31-27.

But with two minutes left, M Such dived over to put the game out of their opponents' reach.

New club captain Eddie Ross is confident of a better display for the season proper.

But Ross may miss a game or two himself after picking up a cheek bone injury in the first half.

KCs entertain relegated Shrewsbury in the opening league match on Saturday.

Fixtures, Saturday: KCs v Shrewsbury, 1sts and 3rds home, 2nds away (all 3pm).

Ludlow 32 KCs 2nds 12

KCs conceded two early tries against strong opposition and were behind 17-7 at half-time.

Skipper Rob Preston bagged their try and then Ken Bickley converted.

In the second half, KCs applied themselves well with a Richard Ellis try but Ludlow added three more unconverted efforts.

Barry Turner and James White had good games which bodes well for the new season.

Chaddesley Corbett 32 KCs 3rds 0

Under-strength KCs did not play well though new captain Chris Smith singled out Tim Wagstaff and Jordan Hackett for praise.