MID-TABLE Kidderminster Carolians suffered a third Midlands Three West (North) defeat of the season after a weakened line-up slipped 32-7 at Stafford.

But the game was marred by a neck injury suffered by a home player that resulted in a 25-minute delay for an ambulance.

It was the third time in five league matches that KCs had conceded over 30 points, surely some sort of club record.

Travelling to the game without a recognised hooker was always going to be difficult and so it proved.

KCs, with stand-off Tom Oakes, scrum-half Ben Stirling, centre Duncan Carthew and back-row forward Dan Quinn promoted from the 2nds, were never able to match Stafford.

Consistently losing the scrums and many of the line-outs, the visitors were 22-0 down inside the first half-hour.

KCs' only real chance came when skipper Adrian Taft broke from his own half and jinked his way through the Stafford defence but he was stopped about ten yards from the line.

Tom Oakes fell short with two penalty kicks, one from around 35 yards out although the long grass did not help the kicking.

KCs did not lack commitment with Jason Sunderland and Mark Cleeton putting in their usual hard work.

The injury, soon after a 51st minute try for Stafford, brought a rest for the KCs players and it must have done them all a bit of good.

Within a minute of restarting, the impressive Ambro Neri picked up 40 yards out and left Stafford standing as he touched down near the posts. Oakes converted.

But the home side added a penalty to their total and remain one position ahead of sixth-placed KCs.

They take a rest from competitive rugby this weekend before the third round NPI Cup match at Old Laurentians.

And their scheduled friendly against Pershore has been postponed as their opponents have a rearranged league match.

KCs have an outstanding cup record and this might be the match to restore some pride.

KCs 2nds 14 Stafford 2nds 24

The absence of promoted players gave KCs a problem but this was not a bad display.

Stafford led 14-0 at half time with two converted tries but Ian Doidge closed the gap with a second-half try which was converted by Iain Crockett.

Crockett also converted a try scored by acting skipper Simon Northcott that made the score 14-14.

However, Stafford had the best of the game by adding two more unconverted tries.

Stafford 3rds 76 KCs 3rds 0

KCs trailed 50-0 at half-time but skipper Kevin Pugh thought they performed well in the second half.

Fixtures, Saturday: Pershore v KC 2nds, 3rds v Pershore.