OLD Laurentians 48 Kidderminster Carolians 18 was not as bad as the scoreline might suggest in the third round of the Rugby Union's Intermediate Cup.

With the injury list seemingly unending, KCs faced tough opposition, but came out with their heads up. OLs are a division above and have lost only one competitive game this season.

That was the previous week's battle against Malvern, so KCs knew that they faced a daunting task.

The re-signing of veteran prop Paul Drew made a big difference. He gave the pack some much needed stability and they had a good afternoon in the set pieces if not always in the lineouts.

The first half really belonged to the home team.

They led 29-6 at half time with four tries three of which were converted plus a penalty. KCs Andy McLellan had kicked two penalties.Although KCs conceded a further 12 points, (two tries, one converted) in the first ten minutes of the second half, they were having a better share of the play. The reward came with two tries. The first, from a penalty five yards out, was scored by hard working flan-ker Jason Sunderland.

Thirteen minutes later KCs scored again.

From a scrum 30 yards out Eddie Ross, restored to his best position on the right wing, carved his way through the home defence to score near the posts. It was conveted by McLellan.

Laurentians did score another converted try just before full time, but had there not been some poor defending by KCs in the early stages, then they might not have had such a comfortable looking victory.

The position of scrum half has presented a problem for KCs but Ben Stirling looked as if he might have done his chances little harm with a gutsy performance.

Drew did his part as did Sund-erland and fellow back row forward Mark Cleeton.

Things are looking a little brighter,and although the problems of a long injury list does not help, there was confidence in this perormance.