Bletcher: Our response to horror injury was superb (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Bletcher: Our response to horror injury was superb

12:00pm Friday 7th December 2012 in Local

KIDDERMINSTER Carolians head coach Ian Bletcher hailed the swift response of the club’s support staff after Edwardians player Ben Mann suffered a serious injury.

Saturday’s North Midlands Shield clash was delayed for an hour when Mann broke his leg in two places at Marlpool Lane.

He was attended to by KCs’ main first aider Bill Breeze and player Paul Stride, who is also a nurse.

Mann was then taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Worcester.

Bletcher said: “The Edwardians player was very unlucky, he was tackled but unfortunately his body went one way and his legs another.

“You could hear the snap from the touchline, so everybody knew it was a serious injury.

“But I was delighted that the structure of the club worked so well. Bill Breeze and Suzi Godson were quick to respond and one of our players Paul Stride, who is actually a nurse, had just stripped off to come onto the pitch.

“Fair play to the players after that because it would have been easy to lose focus, but they kept their shape and discipline and won the game.”

Bletcher had a look at several players and tried others in new positions such as Andy McLellan at inside centre and Sam Taylor at scrum half.

He also blooded Alec Thompson on Saturday.

Meanwhile, KCs will be aiming to bounce back from their league loss at the hands of Droitwich a fortnight ago, when they play Leamington at home on Saturday in Midlands Division Two West (South) (2.30pm ko).

The head coach said: “This is a game we are a bit nervous about because Leamington are a side that seem to be improving.”