IAN Bletcher says Kidderminster Carolians have recovered some of their old spirit after a disappointing start to the season.

Head coach Bletcher was in buoyant mood after watching his side crush Dunlop 65-14.

He said: “It was a really good win on Saturday and obviously the score doesn’t reflect how tough it was for the first 15-20 minutes.

“It was a competitive match but I think we played our best rugby for a long time.

“The backs were solid in defence and the forwards showed some great running and handling.”

Next up for KCs is a testing trip to face Earlsdon in Midlands Two West (South) on Saturday (3pm).

“I’m looking forward to the game but I realise it is going to be a tough one. They lost at home to Stourbridge Lions and will be itching to get one over us.”

Their task at the weekend will be made all the more difficult by the absence of both Baldwin twins, Chris and Alex, due to work commitmens while Ben Binnian will also missing.

Bletcher also revealed that three players will have to undergo fitness tests as Jake Evetts took a knee in the ribs in the opening five minutes aginst Dunlop, Jordan Hatch hurt his knee on debut a week earlier and Mitchell Hardwick is struggling with a hamstring problem.

All three are rated 50/50 to start.

“It may not be our strongest side but I’m hoping we can keep the momentum going,” said Bletcher. "But obviously that has been disrupted by the injuries.

“However, I’m pleased that the old Kidderminster spirit seems to be back. We are a side best suited to an open running game. There was some terrific interplay on Saturday and our willingness to work for each other was back to what it used to be.

“We’ve had some tough times this season in the league but there appears to be a light at the end of the tunnel.”