KINGS NORTON 18, OLD YARDLIEANS 28

KINGS Norton’s hopes of escaping relegation suffered a setback despite a spirited display against title-chasing Yardleians on Saturday.

A last gap penalty denied the Hopwood-based side what could be a valuable bonus point for second from bottom Kings in the Midlands Division Three West (South).

A converted effort and a penalty saw the visitors take a 10-0 lead but Norton hit back when Shane Rees pounced on the loose ball to score.

Rob McGhee's 50 metre run nearly frustratingly did not force any points as Yardlieans went into half-time 10-5 ahead.

Yards edged ahead with a try early in the second half but Louis Stelling touched down and Manners added the conversion for Norton in reply.

Yards picked up another try but Norton drew within a point after Manners pounced to bag and convert his solo effort.

The hosts had a player sin-binned and Yardleians scored their fourth touch down before a late penalty rubbed salt into their wounds. Kings are at home on Saturday when they tackle Upton on Severn in a must-win game.