INSPIRED Kings ended their nine-match losing streak in the Midlands Division Two West (South) as they outgunned Southam by five tries to one to earn a much-needed bonus point on Saturday.

And in the process the Hopwood Park-based side lifted themselves out of the bottom two.

From the start it became obvious Southam were missing a few key players and the hosts powerfully drove over for prop Chris Hands to score an unconverted try.

A long upfield clearance by Louis Stelling allowed the Norton pack to reclaim the ball and they repeated their earlier efforts with Hands again claiming the decisive touch, centre Ben Manners converting well.

Southam came back into the game with their lively backs pressurising the home side to gain a penalty which flew wide. The muddy conditions suited the forwards and Kings were a constant threat with over-exuberance spoiling most of their efforts.

On 34 minutes the home pack again drove over and number eight Ben Boyce scored their third try which Manners improved.

Kings’ new fly-half Jake Pratley had a good debut, kicking out of hand and running well in difficult conditions. Southam then missed a second penalty just before the break, but Norton went into the interval with a comfortable19-0 lead.

Kings opened the second period with a fourth converted try from open play when Rob McGhee avoided a last-ditch tackle and drove over from close range, Manners successfully converting.

And Mark Wardby completed the hosts’ scoring with a powerful charge, before Southam were finally rewarded with an unconverted try.

Kings visit Cheltenham North on Saturday (2.15pm ko).