KINGS Norton continue to find things tough as they succumbed to another narrow defeat against Claverdon.

They gained just a losing bonus point from the 13-10 home defeat last Saturday.

They fell behind after 13 minutes, to a penalty awarded for a high tackle. This was followed with a second successful kick, awarded for crossing in defence.

Once Kings pulled themselves together, they finally brought their speedy wingers into the game and the Manners brothers caused serious problems to the visitors defence.

After 25 minutes, Jack Manners’ mazy run down the left wing came to a stop 10 metres short of the line. The ball was cleared by Claverdon but it only meant Ben Manners could collect and finish on the opposite flank.

Claverdon responded well and forced Kings back. However, with four minutes of the half remaining, Ben Manners caught yet another clearance on half way to race through despairing tackles for his second try.

It was Claverdon that began strongly at the restart. After 17 minutes of the second half, Claverdon kicked a penalty to Kings’ 22-metre line, won the ball and fed their Fijian centre to go over. The conversion gave them the lead once more.

Kings pressurised for the remainder of the contest but missed two vital penalties before losing Jack Manners with a broken nose. They eventually ran out of steam and fell to defeat for the second week in a row.

Kings will travel to face Old Coventrians this Saturday (2.15 pm).

Meanwhile, Woodrush maintained their lead at the top of Midlands Division Three West (South) with a 17-15 win over Southam.