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FROWNS HAVE turned to smiles at Kidderminster Carolians, the Midlands Two West (South) club that last season only just dodged relegation and lost 90% of their successful colts side.
Ian Bletcher, an ex-RFU development coach, arrived as new head man last July to find a “dispirited” group of players in need of a pick-me-up.
“Over pre-season the coaching team worked hard to change the culture and increase the enjoyment,” says Bletcher.
“We put emphasis on doing conditioning with your mates and worked on basic handling and movement skills. We went for a simplified game plan involving all the players. Making a good start was critical. Once you start winning it’s much easier.”
Success ensued in 13 of their first 14 matches – putting them joint top with Kenilworth – and a Midlands semi-final in the RFU Intermediate Cup now looms.
Bletcher believes he has three of the land’s brightest young coaches in Andy McLellan, Rhys Pritchard and Jake Evetts, the first two of whom play in midfield.
Yet they are also upskilling at every opportunity, attending pre-season at Sale and gleaning breakdown tips from Matt Ferguson at Northampton. “You need to challenge what you’re doing,” Bletcher adds. “A lot of the Premiership clubs are very supportive but you have to make the first move.”
It doesn’t stop there as world-eminent Professor Joan Duda has provided input in the field of player empowerment. “We’ve had some remarkable results because of that.”
The club itself could soon achieve global renown because it’s conceivable that in the next few years they will field a whole back-line from one family!
Nick Morgan, a former Kidderminster fly-half, has eight sons and they all seem to have inherited his rugby genes. The oldest, George, plays for Stourbridge, full-back Arthur and fly-half Freddie are outstanding players for Carolians, and the rest? Coming up on the rails!
Carolians are our November Team of the Month. If your side merits the next award, email alan.pearey@ti-media.com to explain why. Please include December results and high-res photos. Email stories and pics to Clubs Editor Michael Austin at aus231@aol.com or call 01400 282189. Team of the Month entries to alan.pearey@ti-media.com