KINGS Norton head coach Ian Jackson feels his side have a good chance of earning promotion from the Midlands Division Four West (South) after a narrow defeat to leaders Rugby Lions.

The Hopwood-based outfit tasted their first loss when they were edged out 10-0 by the table-toppers.

Rugby had scored 170 points in their first three games but well-drilled Kings had worked hard to restrict them.

Norton are currently sixth in the table but have a game in hand in the top three and are keen to bounce back following their relegation.

He said: “We had Rugby watched and to be honest, they did what we thought.

“We couldn’t have asked any more from the lads and apart from one moment when we didn’t carry out our game plan we matched Rugby.

“I felt we should have earned a bonus point. To be honest, I think Rugby will win the league but beyond that there is not another team as strong as them.

“I think we’re in a false position because we’ve played a game less and not many teams can handle our intensity and will fade after 30 minutes.”

Only three years ago Lions had been playing at National North Two level before they were hit hard by financial problems and had to start at the bottom of the league system.

While a Gary Bott penalty had handed the away side a narrow half-time lead, Kings saw Ben Manners come close to with two penalties.

He and Jack Barwick also produced try saving tackles.

But Adam Attenborough’s 71st minute try earned Lions a hard fought win, despite heavy pressure from the hosts.

Winger Jack Manners could play a part in Saturday’s trip to third-placed Stoke Old Boys (3pm ko), after he returned from the club from a spell at Old Halesonians.

l Redditch resume their league campaign at the Rugby Lions on Saturday.

The Kingfishers have not played in the league since their 41-0 defeat to Kings.

Bromsgrove Road-based side have played three matches so far in the league, beating Five Ways Old Edwardians 31-7.