KINGS Norton are hoping to arrange a friendly at the weekend after pulling out of the Powergen Intermediate Cup.

Norton were drawn away to Hereford in the first round of the competition and skipper Pete May decided to withdraw in the face of a number of absentees through holidays, work commitments and injury.

With Hereford relegated from a league three divisions higher than Norton last season, the skipper felt his side would be better served by a pool fixture on Saturday.

Kings kicked-off the season with a 23-11 defeat at the hands of an Old Yardleians team relegated from Midlands Three West North last season with scrum half Martin Hefford scoring an unconverted try and winger John Hefford kicking a penalty.

The visitors were reduced to 14 men three times and suffered because of the indiscipline.

May is hoping to give a run out to second row Paul Nesbitt blindside flanker Martin Oster and back row Mark Waudby at the weekend.

All three are waiting for their first start after unavailability and May wants them available for the following weekend when Kings return to competitive action at home to a Marconi team promoted from Warwickshire One last season.