BROMSGROVE RFC head coach Dan Protherough has warned his players that they must put in the hard yards against Worcester on Saturday (3pm), before they can truly celebrate their Midlands 1 West triumph at Finstall Park.
The Boars extended their winning run with a 43-27 victory away to Whitchurch last weekend, though it was not all plain sailing for them, as they trailed 19-7 going into the break.
Protherough was a very pleased man after the game, but knows that his side made it difficult for themselves after their usual levels were not reached during the opening half.
“In the first half I thought we were very poor, whilst Whitchurch looked very good and deserved to be ahead at half-time.
“But we came out in the second and showed the qualities that have made us champions.
“We showed resilience, composure, and went back to basics.”
“At half-time we spoke about the parts of our play that we needed to improve on.
“We needed to stop giving away penalties, and to up the intensity in our play, and that’s what we did.”
His side achieved one of the “mini” targets that he set for his side in the final fixtures upon being crowned champions, as they surpassed 1,000 points scored for the season last weekend.
Protherough highlighted the one final target that he wanted his side to achieve to cap off a successful 2018/19 season – to ensure the Boars go a season unbeaten at home.
“We set ourselves the goal of winning every game at home, and to turn Finstall Park into a fortress – which we’ve achieved this season.
“We want to complete that target and to get all of our fans down to the ground to celebrate what we have achieved, but we are all going to have to work hard for it.”
The Boars head coach re-iterated the need for his Bromsgrove side to show the desire that has put them at the top of the tree in the division for one final game, in order for his players to end the season on the highest possible note.
“The general message in many ways is about personal and team pride, and the intrinsic desire to not let ourselves down in the final game.
“We’ve won the league over the course of a season, not one or two games – we wouldn’t want to end the season on a low in front of all of our fans.
“Worcester have scored nearly 200 points in the last three games, and they’ll be targetting this game as another opportunity to impress, we’ve got to go into it with the right mentality.”
He remains aware that the Worcester match-up will place his side in precarious situations during the match, but is keen to see how the Boars respond in those moments.
“There will be tough moments in the game that we’ve got to prepare for undoubtedly.
“It’s all about how we deal with them, and how we react when they do come.
“Then after the game if we’ve done just that, we can enjoy the party to end our fantastic season.”
Supporters attending the game are invited to come in Hawaiian fancy dress, with street food vendors, live music, karaoke and more set to be held at Finstall Park for a day that promises to be packed full of action – on and off the pitch.
Entry to the game is just £5 for adults, or £10 for a family pass (two adults and two children).
