SHIPSTON-on-Stour’s twomatch winning run in Midlands Two West (South) was ended by a 29-17 home defeat to Kidderminster Carolians.

Crucial away wins at Upton and Leamington by 29-13 and 21-16 respectively had lifted the Warwickshire side away from the drop-zone.

The fourth-from-bottom hosts tackled a tougher proposition in high-flying KCs but put up a fight.

Despite playing up a substantial slope, the visitors were well on top early on but could only score through a penalty.

Shipston’s first attack saw them edge 5-3 ahead when they won turn-over ball and their winger dodged through tackles to cross for a try.

Five minutes later, they earned possession again and a breakaway down the right resulted in a second try which was well converted.

With half-time approaching, a converted effort from KCs pegged them back to 12- 10 at the interval.

Carolians powered home after the break with an opportunist try to go back in front. They produced two more efforts to go 27-12 ahead and claim the bonus point before tempers frayed and Shipston’s skipper was yellow carded for dissent.

The hosts remained resolute and a converted try plus nine minutes of time added on kept the game in the balance but KCs’ hung on.