BROMSGROVE boss Dan Protherough will follow the example set by England head coach Eddie Jones in warning of the dangers of complacency.
The table-topping Boars chalked up a ninth victory in nine matches in Midlands One West after a 32-19 win at Rugby Lions last weekend and will look to extend the sequence to a perfect 10 against top-five side Stoke-on-Trent at Finstall Park tomorrow (Saturday).
Director of rugby Protherough has been delighted with the progress so far, but stressed there is still plenty of improvement to be made.
“If you win nine out of nine, you are going to be happy but I think the message is that we are always trying to get better,” he said.
“We don’t want to rest on our laurels.
“I was listening to Eddie Jones at the weekend and he was talking about being on a winning run and continuing to improve. If you don’t keep striving to get better, other teams will catch up and then it’s too late.
“We are looking to keep improving on the pitch, and off the pitch.
“We are trying to become better in our awareness – we are trying to make steady improvement week in, week out.”
Protherough admitted the Boars needed to show plenty of determination to overcome the physical challenge of Rugby at last weekend.
It was nip and tuck in the first half until they moved 22-14 at half-time and secured a bonus-try five point haul to remain one point clear of Burton.
Chris Hooper touched down for the first score, converted by James Upton, before Rugby replied for 7-7. Ed Spalding regained the lead for Bromsgrove with another try converted by Upton, only for the Lions to level at 14-14 before Ethan Priest scooted over. Another Upton conversion and penalty opened an eight-point lead going into the second period.
Josh Holt touched down for a fourth try, with Upton’s boot adding another conversion and penalty.
Despite having to make four changes through injury, the Boars showed their strength in depth, with right wing Bryn Williams making an impressive debut after his summer arrival from Redditch.
“The opposition were really physical and it became a real battle,” said Protherough. “The reality is that when you are top of the league, you are there to be shot at. It’s like playing a cup final and your opponents come flying out of the blocks.
“But to come away from a top-five side with five points and looking reasonably comfortable was another sign we are moving in the right direction.”
