KCs hit by Newbold power in cup exit

KCs scored four tries but conceded seven to the in-form Midlands Two West (South) visitors, who had only lost one game all season.

KCs withstood an early onslaught and took the game to the opposition.

Josh Winfield’s kick was fumbled under the posts, gifting the chasing winger a try and full-back Sam Taylor converted on 20 minutes.

But the Warwickshire side replied quickly when Ben Thompson passed for fellow lock Mick Pails to go over with centre Ethan Wokey converting.

Wokey kicked a penalty and KCs missed a chance to score before being punished by wing Rory Blood’s unconverted try.

With the last kick of the half, Taylor’s well-struck penalty reduced the deficit to 15-10.

Newbold started the second-half determined to stamp their authority and Blood finished well in the right corner.

KCs number eight Layton Wilkinson was sin-binned and their depleted pack could not stop a fine move capped by wing James McGill’s try.

Wokey converted for a 27-10 lead but the hosts showed plenty of character.

Five minutes of KCs pressure was rewarded by scrum-half Chris Pinner’s try.

The visitors then allowed a kick to bounce on halfway and Winfield was tackled before the try line only for second row Alex Baldwin to scoop up the ball and close the gap to 27-20.

Wokey missed an easy penalty but Newbold went up a gear and Blood completed his hat-trick of tries.

Ten minutes later, centre Eddie Scott went over from a scrum and Wokey added the extras.

Blood was sin-binned harshly and KCs lock Jack Tunstall eventually stretched over for a try in reply, which was converted by Pinner.

But Newbold had the last word when captain Phil Reed touched down and Wokey kicked the extras to secure their place in the next round.

However, KCs gave a heartening performance against accomplished opponents.

They visit Stafford in Midlands Two West (North) on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Worcester Wanderers return to action at Whitchurch in Midlands One West on Saturday.