Bletcher looks at positives from loss (From Kidderminster Shuttle)
Get involved! Send your photos, video, news & views by texting KS NEWS to 80360 or e-mail us
Bletcher looks at positives from loss
1:00pm Friday 11th January 2013 in Sportsview
HEAD coach Ian Bletcher took the positives from Kidderminster Carolians’ defeat to Midland Two West (South) leaders Old Laurentians.
The Marlpool Lane outfit suffered their first home loss of the season as the table-toppers powered to a 58-24 victory.
But Bletcher was encouraged by the four tries his side scored to secure a bonus point.
He said: “I was really pleased with the first 10 minutes and how we ended the game but the bit in the middle was not good enough.
“I don’t think many teams will score four tries against Laurentians so we will take that as a positive.
“At times I was very happy with the defending which was heroic but at others we allowed Laurentians to run through us at will.
“But if we can build on this display, particularly the precision and effort we had in the first 10 minutes, then we can be very positive.”
Bletcher was also full of praise for 17-year-old Mitch Hardwick, who made his debut on the wing for KCs at the weekend.
A product of the club’s youth team system, he has already caught the attention of Worcester Warriors skipper and former Wyre Forest resident James Percival.
“Mitch did ever so well on Saturday,” said the KCs’ head coach. “I believe he can develop into a player capable of performing at a higher level.
“He’s physically able and has a fantastic attitude and I don’t see him staying out on the wing.”
Bletcher believes second-placed Kenilworth will be searching for revenge when KCs go to Warwickshire in the league on Saturday (2.30pm ko).
Kidderminster inflicted their only league defeat of the campaign when they won 27-15 at home.
“I am sure Kenilworth have been targetting this game,” commented the head coach.
“They will come at us hard and we will have to be ready for them.”
KCs will be without the services of brothers Chris and Alex Baldwin because of work commitments but that ensures Rob Phillips a chance to shine in the first team.
