AN exciting game between local rivals eventually saw Kidderminster win 26-14 against a much-changed Stour side.

This now leaves the Lions to concentrate on trying for promotion having gone out in both cups.

The game started with great pressure from the away side with good movement between their powerful forwards and backs.

The Lions held on tenaciously in these first exchanges and it was the home outfit that opened the scoring after 15 minutes with a try by Elliott Daly, who pounced on a misplaced pass and scorched away from the cover to score under the posts.

The conversion by Vaughn gave a great early boost at 7-0.

Kiddie came back straight away and scored five minutes later with an unconverted try. The game was nip and tuck at this stage with both packs holding up well.

The Lions came more into the game in attack and after 30 minutes a fine try instigated by Jack Noott and finished off by Cass Brooks led to another conversion and a 14-5 lead.

A couple of close call attempts from both sides ensued but the half ended at the same score.

Unfortunately for the Lions Connor Madden was injured leaving them without a specialist prop and this was a telling factor in the second half.

After a couple of near misses for the Lions, especially when Hopkin dropped a pass when clear down the right, the powerful KC's pack exerted more pressure than the Lions could withstand.

They scored three unanswered tries influenced by their pack and George Morgan at 12, with two tries converted, to run out eventually comfortable winners.

However, this hides a brave performance from the Lions who were much changed, with several promising performances in the pack and in the backs which bodes well for the future.

A welcome return to combat at this level from Danny Cox and Duncan Chance was a feature of the game.