KIDDERMINSTER Carolians slipped to a disappointing 47-24 defeat at home to Shrewsbury in Midlands Two West (North).

In early September KCs had comfortably despatched the visitors 55-5 in the second round of the North Midlands Shield but, despite the return of a number of experienced players, they found fast improving Shrewsbury an entirely different proposition and slumped to their third consecutive league defeat.

The Shropshire side started on the front foot and when Kidderminster’s backs were caught offside they kicked the penalty to touch to establish field position.

Shrews turnover-ball maintained the momentum and after seven minutes their early pressure was rewarded when full-back Tom Cookson knocked over a simple penalty.

The visitors continued to monopolise territory and possession and Tim Andrews crossed the whitewash with Cookson’s conversion giving them a 10-0 advantage.

A second Cookson penalty increased the lead and KCs soon found themselves trailing 20-0 as left-wing Jack Martin scored with Cookson adding the extras.

Carolians hit back with a George Morgan try and three minutes later centre Rhys Pritchard cut back inside the Shrewsbury defence to score under the posts. Morgan made no mistake with the conversion.

KCs’ joy was short lived as a weak clearance kick went straight to Shrewsbury wing Nick Smout, who gave his side a 25-12 lead at the interval.

Prop Matt Rigsby went over for a try that reduced the arrears to 25-17, but Martin touched down in the corner to restore the visitors’ 13-point advantage.

Midway through the half, Shrews scored at the foot of the posts through hooker Rob Sankey, improved by Cookson, and three minutes later Smout beat his man to increase the lead to 42-17.

Kidderminster were being continually stretched by a Shrewsbury side playing with real confidence and ten minutes later they conceded again when Martin completed his hat-trick.

To their credit, KCs staged a grandstand finish and they managed a consolation bonus point fourth try when scrum-half Chris Pinner went over, with Pritchard converting, but it was too little far too late.