AN under-strength Kings Norton crashed out of the Intermediate Cup at the first hurdle, losing 36-24 to Edwardians on Saturday.
The Hopwood side took on their Midlands West Four North opponents without a first team hooker and were sunk by three quickfire tries after the break.
Hooker Gareth Cooksey is out with a thigh injury and with natural replacement Richard Adams unavailable, skipper Mark Waudby had to reshuffle.
Still smarting from relegation to the Midlands West Four South, Kings are pinning their hopes on a good league season starting at Stourport on Saturday (ko 3pm).
Prop Mark Tourt has returned to the club and could step up through the ranks after playing for the Thirds at the weekend and student Ben Butcher could start.
Cooksey faces another fortnight on the sidelines and his brother Phil is set for a lengthier lay off with a similar injury.
Prop Guy Walton has gone into semi retirement and back row Martin Oster and winger Paul McGlynn are ruled out for the league opener.
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