Bletcher keen to heed Laurentians lesson (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Bletcher keen to heed Laurentians lesson

9:00am Thursday 3rd January 2013 in Local

HEAD coach Ian Bletcher believes Kidderminster Carolians will have learned from their mistakes when they entertain Midlands Two West (South) leaders Old Laurentians on Saturday.

Bletcher accepted the blame for their 36-12 defeat in September and admits he will be using more ‘pragmatic’ tactics against the leaders.

KCs go into the game in good form on the back of three straight wins.

“Old Laurentians are like us in that their biggest concern is to play attractive rugby to win matches,” said Bletcher.

“You get the feeling that is their main priority, even ahead of winning the league.

“Like us they will play hard but go on the attack.

“I admit I made a mistake the last time we played them, we tried to match their style and it backfired, so this time we will have a more pragmatic approach to the game.”

KCs have a full strength squad to pick from ahead of the top-of-the-table clash.

Bletcher believes he’s got plenty of squad options to choose from after watching the seconds defeat Stourbridge in their last match before Christmas.

He continued: “We have a lot of players to choose from which is fantastic.

“We only pick players who attend training and that policy is working well.

“I was really pleased with the way the seconds played against Stourbridge and it only strengthens our position.”

Meanwhile, Bletcher issued a warning to Newbold-upon- Avon after they called off their league clash on December 22 at short notice.

KCs were missing brothers Chris and Alex Baldwin for that festive clash but the Wyre Forest club will boast a full-strength squad for the game which has been rearranged for Saturday, January 19.

“The Newbold game was called off at the 11th hour which was frustrating,” added Bletcher.

“Apparently they were missing several players but so were we.

“They might rue calling the match off because the next time we face them we should have everyone available for the game.”