Bletcher looks to shore up defence (From Kidderminster Shuttle)
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Bletcher looks to shore up defence
12:00pm Friday 5th October 2012 in Sport
HEAD coach Ian Bletcher believes Kidderminster Carolians must learn from their defensive errors quickly as they look to maintain their unbeaten home record against high-flying Kenilworth on Saturday.
KCs haven’t lost in the Midlands Two West (South) at Marlpool Lane since March.
But that sequence will be severely tested by Saturday’s second-placed opponents.
Bletcher has been concentrating on the defensive aspects this week after Saturday’s 36-12 loss to leaders Old Laurentians.
While pleased with the effort and commitment of his players, he was concerned about the gaps at the back.
“Laurentians have some fantastic players and are one of the best teams in the league but we were inconsistent,” said the coach.
“At times we defended like heroes but at times we were also childlike.
“We defended really well for 10 minutes but for the other 30 my mother could have done better.
“We’ve got to learn to play consistently for 40 minutes, have a break and do it all over again.
“There was no lack of heart, effort or endeavour but Old Laurentians had that bit of pace which can make a difference.
“But this week we’ve worked hard in training on areas we needed to improve.
“I have been really pleased with the attendance, it’s been very high.
“We’ve come far in a short space of time, it wasn’t that long ago we lost seven games in a row, but we’ve still got to keep improving.”
Bletcher also wants to turn their home ground into a fortress.
He added: “We’re at home and we want to defend our unbeaten record.
“I am expecting a good crowd and it’s a magnificent place to play rugby.
“Kenilworth have some classy backs and a strong forward row so it will not be easy.
“I think this week we won’t be as open and we’ll be using the forwards more to push us on.”
Meanwhile, KCs have been handed a tough away derby against Wolverhampton in the RFU Midlands Intermediate Cup’s second round on Saturday, October 13.
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