Bletcher praises McLellan after loss (From Kidderminster Shuttle)
Get involved! Send your photos, video, news & views by texting KS NEWS to 80360 or e-mail us
Bletcher praises McLellan after loss
12:00pm Friday 18th January 2013 in Local
Praised: Andy McLellan was hailed by KCs head coach Ian Bletcher.
HEAD coach Ian Bletcher hailed the performance Kidderminster Carolians stalwart Andy McLellan after Saturday’s disappointing defeat to second-placed Kenilworth.
The fly-half was one of a handful of players who stood out as KCs went down 36-22.
Bletcher felt many of his team did not show enough commitment or desire in the defeat.
Mitch Hardwick, Ben Turner and Arthur Chiverton were other players to come out of the game with their heads held high according to Bletcher.
He said: “Andy was absolutely fantastic on Saturday as were one or two others.
“There are lots of people who say they are Kidderminster through and through but actions speak louder than words and Andy has always been very committed to the club.
“I was very disappointed on Saturday because many players did not show the right attitude or commitment.
“Too many were trying to do the hard things first, maybe they were intimidated by Kenilworth’s league position which is silly because we’ve beaten them once already this season.”
The coach is set to make changes ahead of Saturday’s re-arranged clash at Newbold-on-Avon (2.15pm ko) in the Midland Two West (South).
Scrum-half Alex Thompson is set to step up from the seconds, while Tom Maher is available again.
He said: “I always look at the performance rather than the result and changes must be made.
“Alex Thompson has been fantastic for the seconds and he deserves his opportunity.
“Ben Turner picked up a shoulder injury on Saturday but is working very hard to try and be available.
“Newbold are a side with results very similar to us so it could be very close.”
Bletcher also heaped praised on gifted KCs rookie Harwick.
He added: “Mitch is a real talent. “In the first minute he took a catch he had no right to and drove forward 30 metres and everyone took notice.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t give him enough of the ball but his try was an affirmation of his ability.”
click2find
