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Pre Season Friendlies Dunstablians (a) Bedford Athletic (h) Broad Street (a)  Luctonians (a) Peterborough (h)  Market Bosworth (a) South Leicester (h) Rugby Lions (a) EDF Cup Longton (a) Luton (h) Walsall (a) Scunthorpe (h) Newport (h) North Mids Cup Luton (a) Longton (h) South Leicester (a) Whitchurch (a) North Mids Cup Market Bosworth (h) Peterborough (a) Luctonians (h) Broad Street (h) Bedford Athletic (a) Dunstablians (h) Scunthorpe (a) Walsall (h) Lichfield (a) Beverley (a) play off

Saturday 28th April - North/Midlands Play Off

BEVERLEY 7 - DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 3

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 Andy McLellan, 14 Nigel Francis, 13 Simon Fletcher, 12 Gareth Davies, 11 Ian Gowland, 10 Eddie Smith, 9 Alan Mitchell, 1 Dan Chesham, 2 Adam Blackford, 3 Alex Francis, 4 Shaun Griffiths, 5 Ben Connett, 6 Ian Langford, 7 James Bullock, 8 Pete Knight (Capt). Replacements: 16 Dan Shakespeare, 17 John Fallon, 18 Andy McEwen, 19 Gareth Bown.

DK’s return to the national league must be put on hold for another year as they were narrowly beaten by their hosts who managed to cling on for victory despite being under heavy pressure for two thirds of the game. Coach Mark Wilson and DK lads were sorely disappointed at the manner of the defeat as Beverley, aside from their somewhat controversial early try, exerted less pressure on them during the game than virtually any other side they have played against this season.

The DK pack dominated the lineout, took two balls against the head and they were by far the better drilled eight in the loose, yet Beverley deserved their win for their extraordinary defensive effort. Though having most of the possession and a huge territorial advantage for most of the game, DK were simply unable to breach the home line despite camping on it for long periods. The visitor’s distribution in the backs was nowhere near sharp enough and their wingers saw little of the ball. They missed two simple kicks at goal from in front of the posts which by themselves would have been enough to win the game and they were also guilty of naivety. After the game the excellent referee Michael Tutty expressed some surprise that DK had opted to kick at goal after he had given a last warning to Beverley that their next offence would incur a penalty try for persistent offending (this whilst under heavy pressure on their own goal line early in the second half). The official was presumably intimating that with Beverley walking on eggshells, DK should have turned the screw with either a catch and drive or an attacking scrum from the penalty.

DK were at full strength with Nigel Francis returning to the right wing and Ben Connett to the second row. The pack played superbly as a unit, Adam Blackford took two balls against the head as DK turned up the heat in the second half, Ben Connett and Shaun Griffiths were superb in the lineout and around the park whilst the back row kept the home side under pressure by regularly turning over the ball in the loose. The DK Coaches Man of the Match was scrum half Alan Mitchell who was a constant threat and kept the home defences busy throughout.

The early exchanges were pretty even with DK showing few signs of nerves and looking confident on the ball. Beverley skipper and scrum half Ian Archibald was wide with a 5th minute penalty then after 13 minutes DK fly half Eddie Smith had to leave the field after being concussed in a heavy tackle. He was replaced by young colt Gareth Bown. Beverley opened the scoring with a try after 15 minutes. A professional foul from a Beverley prop on DK skipper Pete Knight who was blocked illegally when attempting to tackle Beverley No 8 James McKay created a momentary lapse in the DK cover and McKay was allowed to break deep into the DK 22 before sending in Beverley’s impressive open side flanker David Worral for a try converted by Ian Archibald. No real complaints from DK, most sides do it these days and even the best refs and TJ’s find it almost impossible to pick up after the ball has gone.

DK were beginning to impose themselves in the loose and the home side were frequently penalised for some desperate defence, their No 8 James McKay was yellow carded on 24 minutes for persistent offending. Towards the end of the half it was all DK but sterling defence from Beverley just managed to keep them at bay. Andy McLellan missed a straightforward penalty in front of the posts in stoppage time, possibly put off by the shameful antics of a few drunken louts on the club balcony behind the goal. To be fair the Beverley club officials were extremely embarrassed by this and offered their profuse apologies after the game.

Half Time: BEVERLEY 7 DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 0

The Beverley goal line was again under siege for much of the second period and Andy McLellan succeeded with a 47th minute penalty to make it 7-3. DK intensified their attacks and the home goal line led a charmed life as the visitors pounded it incessantly. Most sides at this level would have folded under the pressure but a combination of superb defence from Beverley and a few poor options from DK left the home line intact.

Beverley’s David Worrall was yellow carded for foul play on 57 minutes along with DK’s James Bullock for retaliation. Now totally dominating territory and possession, it seemed only a matter of time until DK broke through. Andy McLellan missed another penalty in front of the posts after 66 minutes but DK’s pressure was unrelenting. They came close on several occasions but the heroic Beverley cover was not found wanting. Gareth Bown almost made the line near the end but the ball was dashed from his grasp with the line beckoning. Beverley wound down the clock and must have been mightily relieved to hear the final whistle.

So the game was lost but DK can be proud of a tremendous effort, Coach Mark Wilson has succeeded in producing a very competent forward pack and there is certainly talent in the back line that with a little tweaking could quite easily produce a title winning side next season.

 p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 21st April

LICHFIELD 14 - DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 22

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 Andy McLellan, 14 Jon Shankland, 13 Simon Fletcher, 12 Gareth Davies, 11 Jon Shankland, 10 Tom Bissell, 9 Alan Mitchell, 1 Dan Chesham, 2 Adam Blackford, 3 Dan Shakespeare, 4 Ben Connett, 5 Ollie Shakespeare, 6 Ian Langford, 7 James Bullock, 8 Pete Andy McEwen. Replacements: 16 Alex Francis, 17 Shaun Griffiths, 18 Russ Gauden, 19 Layton Wilkinson, 20 Liam Reynolds; 21 Gareth Bown

As expected, Lichfield gave DK a thorough and testing workout in their last game prior to the playoff encounter with Beverley in Yorkshire next Saturday. Lichfield RFC who have battled back from a barren period over the past few years, gained promotion last year, finished in fifth place in Midlands West 2 this season and are well on the way to regaining their former status as one of the leading junior clubs in the Midlands region. Today’s game was also Lichfield’s long serving loose head prop Vince Mackin’s last game for the club.

DK had the lion’s share of possession during the game and their back row regularly turned over the home side’s ball, but a combination of excellent defence from Lichfield and some rather slipshod passing cost the visitors dearly. On three occasions in the first half they created clear overlaps only for the final pass to go badly astray. As a result the home side grew in confidence and though their attacking options were somewhat limited, they scored two excellent tries and DK were only able to make the game safe in stoppage time.

DK gave a debut to eighteen year old colt Gareth Bown in the last 20 minutes and his polished, nerveless cameo performance at fly half must have impressed everyone in the ground. He scored a superb try and his handling and passing were simply flawless. There is no doubt that DK have unearthed a future first team number ten. I just hope we can hang on to him for a while!

DK rested skipper Pete Knight, fly half Eddie Smith and wing Nigel Francis but were otherwise at full strength. The back row kept DK on the front foot for most of the game with excellent games from Ian Langford, Layton Wilkinson, James Bullock and Andy McEwen. The half backs played well, Alan Mitchell especially, was buzzing at scrum half and is in a good run of form at present.

With a stiff breeze at their backs DK began strongly and kept Lichfield penned inside their own half but the home side were well up for this game and the visitors were unable to find any gaps during the opening period. The game was played between the Lichfield 22 and halfway for the most part, but the pressure came to nothing as DK gave away too many penalties when in possession. Towards the end of the half DK created several clear cut chances to score but schoolboy passing errors let them down badly with the cover well beaten

DK finally got points on the board in time added on at the end of the half when Ollie Shakespeare was driven over for an unconverted try after their umpteenth rolling maul.

Half Time: LICHFIELD 0 DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 5

Though they were now against the breeze, DK continued to dominate possession and Andy McLellan increased their lead to 0-8 after 57 minutes. This seemed to galvanise the home side, for the first time in the game they managed to apply sustained pressure and after winning quick ball from a ruck near the DK 22, the ball was spread wide for full back Spencer Brown to take it at pace and neatly step inside the DK cover to touch down at the posts for a fine try. Prop Mark Poole added the extras for to bring Lichfield within a point at 7-8 on 62 mins.

DK immediately upped the ante and successive catch and drive penalties took them into the Lichfield 22. Quick ball from the maul saw debutant fly half Gareth Bown ghost through the Lichfield defences for a stunning try after the merest hint of a dummy had totally wrong footed the home cover. Andy McLellan converted for DK to regain their 8 point cushion at 7-15 after 70 minutes.

Lichfield were far from finished and when DK unaccountably lost the ball on their own 22m line, Lichfield second row Roy Menmuir was quickest to respond by picking up and eluding a couple of lunging tackles before plunging over the line close to the posts. Mark Poole converted and the home side were again just a point behind at 14-15 with a couple of minutes left.

It was DK that had the final word though. A good break from James Bullock followed by an astute kick ahead from Andy McLellan saw Lichfield knock on close to their goal line, playing the advantage; Ian Gowland picked up and sent in Ian Langford under the posts for the try. Gareth Bown converted for a final score of 14-22 to DK.

Next week brings DK’s biggest game of the season, the playoff for a place in National 3 North - away against Beverley RFC who were runners-up in North1. The kick off time at Beverley is 3 pm. p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 14th April - Midlands 1

DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 45 - WALSALL 13

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 Andy McLellan, 14 Nigel Francis, 13 Simon Fletcher, 12 Gareth Davies, 11 Jon Shankland, 10 Eddie Smith, 9 Alan Mitchell, 1 Dan Chesham, 2 Adam Blackford, 3 Alex Francis, 4 Shaun Griffiths, 5 Ollie Shakespeare, 6 Ian Langford, 7 James Bullock, 8 Pete Knight (Capt). Replacements: 16 Dan Shakespeare, 17 Ian Langford, 18 Tom Bissell.

The last home game of the season is henceforth to be known as the Dave Vaughan Memorial Game and yesterday was the inaugural event. A large crowd of 5/600 turned up to enjoy the sunshine and pay their respects to a great DK clubman as Dave’s wife Jasmine dedicated DK’s re-vamped scoreboard in his honour. David would have been no doubt mortified by all the fuss but it was a fitting tribute to a super guy. He would have also been delighted to see DK win handsomely by seven tries to one against their near neighbours Walsall.

Walsall have been somewhat unfortunate this season with a horrendous injury list leaving them severely under strength for a large part of the season. It has only been in the last few weeks that they have been anywhere near full strength and though relegated they have been one of the form teams of late having won their last three league games before today. Losing local derbies like today’s against Walsall and Bromsgrove before them is, to say the least, disappointing both from both a financial and social aspect, Walsall certainly have better backs than most sides in this division and hopefully they will bounce back next season.

Both sides were lacking key players on the day, in DK’s case Ben Connett and top try scorer Ian Gowland were unavailable and Richard Port who had played so well at Scunthorpe was still injured. DK were well on top in the pack throughout but had some sticky moments in the first half when their normally efficient drift defence, well, just drifted away at times! Certainly the visitorsl were guilty of missing a couple of very clear try scoring opportunities in the first half, but DK tightened up considerably after the break to score four unanswered tries. Though the DK backs are still not at their best, the DK Coaches Man of the Match, Eddie Smith had an inspired game, battered and bruised at the end as usual, he blunted many Walsall forays with typical bravery in the tackle. Scrum half Alan Mitchell had a good game, especially second half as did full back Andy McLellan who kicked beautifully from hand and for goal as well as pulling off a couple of superb, head on, try saving tackles. In the pack Dan Chesham, Andy McEwen and Shaun Griffiths stood out and Ian Langford was in brilliant form after replacing skipper Pete Knight early in the second half.

DK took the lead in the first minute after turning over Walsall possession in midfield and moving it quickly to the left wing where Jon Shankland did extremely well to shrug off a couple of tackles to score an fine unconverted try in the corner for 5-0. Walsall’s excellent fly half Matt Wood put Walsall in front 5-6 with penalties on 10 and 13 minutes as the DK cover desperately infringed to stop the visitor’s impressive back line. Walsall lost flanker Steve Halbert to a yellow card for punching after 17 minutes and DK took full advantage with a couple of converted tries on 20 and 22 mins. They drove Walsall back towards their own line from a penalty then good hands from Gareth Davies and Eddie Smith sent in Nigel Francis under the posts. Two minutes later a break through the middle from big Ollie Shakespeare carried on by Andy McEwen saw him send in Eddie Smith for a fine try. Andy McLellan (2) converted both tries for DK to lead 19-6 after 24 minutes.

Walsall hit back immediately; quick ball and even quicker hands saw centre John Critchley break wide with the DK cover in his wake to send in full back Chris Mould. Matt Wood converted for 19-13. With both sides trying to play fast open rugby in the perfect conditions, Walsall looked the more fluent with the ball in hand but then DK had a lot more of the ball. The visitors in fact missed a couple of glorious opportunities to score but over-complication saw good build ups squandered, a fact that the visitors would rue come the second half.

Half Time: DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 19 WALSALL 13

A late tackle on DK left wing Jon Shankland led to a penalty catch and drive deep in the Walsall 22 and Shaun Griffiths was driven over easily from a powerful rolling maul, Andy McLellan converted and DK were 26-13 ahead on 42 minutes. Walsall knocked on with the line beckoning after 48 minutes and DK punished them with their fifth try after 57 minutes. Camped on the Walsall line Ian Langford was held up just short but the ball was re-cycled for the impressive Andy McEwen to crash over for an unconverted try to make it 31-13. Walsall lost Steve Halbert to a red card for stamping on 71 minutes whilst DK’s Shaun Griffiths got a yellow for retaliating.

With Walsall over-committing men forward, Gareth Davies broke the line on 74 minutes, Ian Langford was on his shoulder to take the scoring pass, Andy McLellan converted and DK were out of sight at 38-13 up after 74 minutes. Walsall kept plugging away and only a thunderous tackle right on the line from Andy McLellan, saved a certain try after 77 minutes. Deep into stoppage time another blockbusting tackle from Andy McLellan saw DK kick ahead, Walsall fumbled the ball and Nigel Francis was on it like a flash to cruise in for his second try of the afternoon, Andy McLellan again converted for a final score of 45-13 to DK. p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

DK have arranged a friendly game at Lichfield next Saturday 21st April prior to their big playoff game at Beverly on Saturday 28th April.

Dave Coyle is running a supporters coach to Beverley. Contact him at dcoyle@junckers.co.uk for further details. Tickets - Adults £10.00, Children £5.00 - on sale at the club on Tuesday 17th & Thursday 19th - 7 till 7.30 pm. PLEASE NOTE REDUCED PRICES

Saturday 31st March - Midlands 1

SCUNTHORPE 20 - DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 8

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 Andy McLellan, 14 Nigel Francis, 13 Ian Gowland, 12 Gareth Davies, 11 Jon Shankland, 10 Eddie Smith, 9 Alan Mitchell, 1 Dan Chesham, 2 Adam Blackford, 3 Alex Francis, 4 Shaun Griffiths, 5 Ben Connett, 6 Ian Langford , 7 Richard Port, 8 Pete Knight (Capt). Replacements: 16 Andy McEwen, 17 Layton Wilkinson, 18 Jon Shankland

DK have played tolerably well enough in patches this season to reach the playoffs in what has been a distinctly average Midlands 1 division, with none of the leading clubs likely to make any impression at all in the national league without substantially improving their teams. So it was yesterday at Heslam Park. Though the DK pack were dominant in both loose and scrum for 80% of the game and won enough possession in the first hour to have racked up a large score, their backs just never turned up, they created nothing, missed far too many first up tackles and five out of six kicks at goal to boot. The “Greens” on the other hand were desperately fighting to hold on to their league place and though under the cosh for most of the game they made the best of their limited opportunities and, after realising the DK backs were firing blanks, upped their game to end with a flourish to earn a crucial and hard earned win. The Greens scored three long range tries, all individual efforts and all poorly defended, in left winger Rewiti Viamoso they had the most incisive back on the park, though receiving very little ball in the game, he scored two brilliant individual tries and looked a class above this level.

One note of discord was the boorish behaviour of a couple of inebriated home “soccer style supporters” in the stand who not only abused the excellent referee Steve Johnson throughout but also tried (successfully) to put off DK’s goal kicker by “singing” as the kicks were executed. Scunthorpe RFC are a smashing family club just like DK with mainly home grown players and their committee will I know have been mortified by such childish and moronic behaviour. A few beers and rugby have always gone well together, but this was unacceptable

DK had a couple of enforced changes, with former Greens flanker James Bullock and centre Simon Fletcher unavailable (both were sorely missed) Ian Gowland moved into the centre and Richard Port onto the openside flank. Jon Shankland took Gowlands place on the left wing. Skipper Pete Knight having made a miraculous three week recovery from a dislocated kneecap returned at No 8 and Ben Connett at second row. Layton Wilkinson, Andy McEwen and Dan Shakespeare made up the bench. Whilst the DK pack was well on top of the Green’s eight for most of the game, their backs could do little right. Despite loads of good ball, distribution from the DK half backs was fitful and the ball rarely got out to the wings, both centres were well marshalled by their Greens counterparts and though DK hogged the ball for long periods there were precious few scoring opportunities created by the backs. More seriously, on the few occasions that the Greens threatened, huge holes appeared in the DK rearguard and heaven knows what damage they might have done with a little more ball!

The Greens began strongly, a strong breeze kept DK pinned in their own half but they survived the opening Green’s onslaught only to concede a try after 9 minutes. Wing Nigel Francis was penalised after a tackle and the penalty was quickly tapped for Green’s talented left winger Rewiti Viamoso to outpace the DK cover down the left hand side to score a superb individual, unconverted try out wide for the Greens to lead 5-0. It was pretty much all DK for the rest of the half though the Green’s backs always looked the sharper on the break and only a great tackle from Andy McLellan prevented another Green’s score on 25 minutes when wing Lewis Jones broke through. McLellan and Green’s Micky Dunk were yellow carded on 27 minutes before Ian Gowland reduced the arrears to 5-3 with a 30th minute penalty

Towards half time DK pressure on the home goal line intensified and the Green’s conceded 3 consecutive penalties in stoppage time. It was a defining moment in the game as Andy McLellan, against the breeze and the couple of idiots in the crowd missed all three kicks at goal.

Half Time: SCUNTHORPE 5 DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 3

Now with the strong breeze in their favour DK redoubled their efforts and Ian Gowland was unlucky when the Greens dropped the ball in midfield, he hacked on 35m downfield but lost the ball on the line. The DK pressure continued and they were finally rewarded after 48 minutes when Gareth Davies touched down following a blindside move from a ruck on the Green’s line to give DK a 5-8 lead. Almost immediately their hard won advantage was squandered as a defensive kick following the Green’s kick off was fielded by Green’s centre Mark Watterson who carved through what seemed like most of the DK side to score close in. Tim Robinson converted and the Greens were back in the driving seat at 12-8 up. An excellent try but where was the DK cover again?

The DK pack again tried hard to redress the balance but to their credit the Greens, now with a clear chance of victory, played their best rugby of the game in the last 5 minutes and a Tim Robinson penalty after 77 minutes was followed by another tremendous virtuoso try in stoppage time from left winger Rewiti Viamoso who again left the DK back line in shreds as he cruised through from his own 10m line to score another memorable try in the corner giving the Green’s a fully deserved if slightly flattering margin of victory.

DK have no game next week. Their final league game is at home against Walsall in 2 weeks (14th April). DK’s playoff game against Beverley, near Hull (away) is a fortnight later on the 28th April. Both Kick offs are 3pm.

p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 17th March - Midlands 1

DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 25 - DUNSTABLIANS 14

 

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 Andy McLellan, 14 Nigel Francis, 13 Simon Fletcher, 12 Gareth Davies, 11 Ian Gowland, 10 Eddie Smith, 9 Alan Mitchell, 1 Dan Chesham, 2 Adam Blackford, 3 Alex Francis, 4 Shaun Griffiths, 5 Ollie Shakespeare, 6 Ian Langford (Capt), 7 James Bullock, 8 Layton Wilkinson. Replacements: 16 John Fallon, 17 Richard Port, 18 Jon Shankland

 

DK’s victory over third placed “Dees” ensured that they can finish no lower than second in Midlands one and are now certain of at least a play off spot. They can of course still win the league title in the unlikely event of Luton slipping up in one or both of their last two league games whilst DK win both of theirs.

 

This was no game for the purist, with so much at stake for both clubs it was a tense affair. DK played well in the first and last quarters of the game but their discipline in between let them down badly and a game they should have won in some comfort was only decided in the last few minutes. In the event of a playoff DK look likely to have to travel to Beverley, just north of Hull in the East Riding of Yorkshire, as to date they have lost one more game than the North 1 club, though Beverley lost to Westhoe yesterday and their points difference advantage over DK was cut to 10 points. They have two games left and still have to visit fourth placed Huddersfield, so home advantage is still very much up for grabs.

 

DK had two enforced changes to their side, Layton Wilkinson replaced injured skipper Pete Knight at No 8 and Ollie Shakespeare came in for Ben Connett (work commitments) in the second row. Al Francis started at tight head prop after impressing in recent weeks with John Fallon on the bench. New signing Jon Shankland made his debut from the bench in the second half and helped create DK’s third, match clinching try. Whilst DK’s performance was pretty low key at times there were some very good performances. The back row of Ian Langford, Layton Wilkinson and James Bullock had to work very hard to make up for the loss of Pete Knight and they did well. Gareth Davies was in superb form again (if a little tempestuous at times!) but Mark Wilson’s Coaches Man of the Match was hooker Adam “Beef” Blackford whose wholehearted effort around the field and pinpoint lineout throws ensured that the loss of DK’s specialist jumper Ben Connett did not affect their lineout possession one iota. “Beef” is probably DK’s most improved player over the past few games. His props Alex Francis/John Fallon and Dan Chesham all had impressive games too.

 

ohn White missed an early penalty opportunity for Dees when Shaun Griffiths handled in the ruck but the visitors went ahead after 8 minutes when they were gifted a try. A injudicious defensive kick from DK’s Andy McLellan was run back at the home side by Dee’s South African centre Gerhard Swart who was tackled near the line by Gareth Davies but still managed to pop up a pass for scrum half Stuart Hall to run in unopposed for an unconverted try and a 0-5 lead. Stung into action DK hit back almost immediately. Great foraging from Dan Chesham turned over Dee’s ball for Gareth Davies to make a searing break through the centre, he handed on to Andy McLellan who atoned for his earlier error with an exquisite back flipped pass to Simon Fletcher that wrong footed the Dee’s cover and enabled Fletcher to race in and score at the posts. Andy McLellan converted for 7-5 on 10 minutes, then, after more heavy home pressure Dee’s N0 4 Tom King was yellow carded and Andy McLellan landed the 19th minute penalty to stretch DK’s lead to 10-5.

 

At this stage DK looked as if they would overwhelm their visitors but 5 minutes of madness before half time changed all that. Without Pete Knight DK were not quite as efficient at the breakdowns as usual and Dee’s fly half John White reduced the arrears to 10-8 after 37 minutes when the home side were penalised. Layton Wilkinson was then yellow carded for blatant offside on 39 minutes, White giving Dees a 10-11 lead from the penalty. They went 10-14 up in injury time when Gareth Davies’s dissent at another penalty saw it moved 10m forward to give White an easy kick.

 

Half Time: DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 10 DUNSTABLIANS 14

 

14 man DK continued to live dangerously exasperating their supporters with some inappropriate “Cavalier style” rugby, throwing the ball around in their own 22 instead of using the stiff breeze to clear. After the return of Layton Wilkinson they finally managed some concerted pressure and when Dees were penalised on 54 minutes, DK executed a perfect catch and drive from the penalty lineout for Dan Chesham to be driven over for an unconverted try to restore DK’s lead at 15-14. DK were now rampant again and Dees did well to defend a couple more strong catch and drive attempts by the home side.

 

After failing to drive home their advantage DK had to defend a Dee’s catch and drive on 72 minutes and were fortunate that John White narrowly missed a 76th minute penalty for the visitors. DK then battled their way back to the other end and two great consecutive tackles from Richard Port forced Dees to give away a penalty under their own posts. Andy McLellan converted it for DK

to increase their lead to 18-14.

 

DK made sure of the points with an excellent try in stoppage time. A fine break from new wing Jon Shankland saw him round his man before feeding Gareth Davies on his inside, keeping up the momentum Davies found flanker James Bullock up in support as a good flanker should be and he scored under the posts. Andy Mclellan converted and DK were home and dry.

 

DK have no league game next week but are hoping to arrange a fixture to maintain their momentum. Their next league fixture is against Scunthorpe (away) on Saturday 31st March. KO 3pm. p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

 

Saturday 10th March - Midlands 1

BEDFORD ATHLETIC 12 - DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 19

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 Andy McLellan, 14 Nigel Francis, 13 Simon Fletcher, 12 Gareth Davies, 11 Ian Gowland, 10 Eddie Smith, 9 Alan Mitchell, 1 Dan Chesham, 2 Adam Blackford, 3 John Fallon, 4 Shaun Griffiths, 5 Ben Connett, 6 Ian Langford, 7 James Bullock, 8 Pete Knight (Capt). Replacements: 16 Al Francis, 17 Richard Port, 18 Jon Shankland

DK’s tremendous win at Putnoe Woods against their old rivals Ath was tempered by the loss of their influential skipper Pete Knight who suffered a dislocation of his right patella (kneecap) after falling awkwardly midway through the second half. Knighty has been without doubt, the major driving force behind DK’s success in the current campaign and it is a huge blow to both the player and to DK that his season should be so cruelly cut short at this crucial stage. Everyone at DK wishes Pete a speedy recovery from his injury

The game was a great advert for Midlands 1 rugby. Both sides were desperate for the points but for differing reasons, DK hoping to gain promotion back into the national leagues and Ath, after a run of five consecutive defeats, to avoid the unthinkable - relegation. It was an absorbing, pulsating contest, well refereed by Ross Campbell and played in the true spirit of the game, hard but fair. Midlands 1 has been ultra competitive this season, with any of the teams in the lower half of the table being capable of beating the top sides on their day, perfectly illustrated by Ath’s 19-36 thrashing of DK at Heathbrook back in September. DK just about deserved the win this one as they won more possession and dominated territorially but they might well have been happy to take just a point ten minutes from time as Ath battled valiantly for a desperately needed result. The DK pack had a definite edge in the loose play throughout, but the home side’s talented backs were always a handful given a modicum of space, as a side, Ath certainly did not look likely relegation candidates.

Eddie Smith made a welcome return at fly half for DK and was the only change to the starting XV that beat Broadstreet a fortnight ago. The bench comprised of Al Francis, Richard Port and new signing Jon Shankland a former winger for Orrell and New Brighton. In another first class team performance there were several outstanding performances. The DK lineout was the best it has been all season with Adam “Beef” Blackford consistently hitting his jumpers and having a very sound all round game to boost the DK offensive. The back row was again outstanding against a very good Ath back row. Second rows Ben Connett and Shaun Griffiths both had top games and the front row held their own, young Al Francis making a significant impression at tight head after coming on from the bench early in the second half. Half backs Alan Mitchell and Eddie Smith played very well but the DK Coaches Man of the Match was Gareth Davies who was outstanding, his creativity and sound defence making a huge contribution to the win.

With the game less than 2 minutes old DK were caught cold when a pinpoint high kick from Ath’s venerable fly half Ashley Tapper (Ashley seems to have been playing for them forever!) eluded both DK centres and the awkward bounce left full back Andy McLellan stranded as it bounced fortuitously into the arms of Ath’s pacy left winger Simon Elphick who wasted no time at all in touching down at the posts though Simon unfortunately pulled a hamstring in the act of scoring and took no further part in the game. Ashley Tapper converted for Ath to lead 7-0. DK immediately applied heavy pressure and camped in the home half for 15 minutes. Several lineout catch and drives were well defended by Ath but after another one on 20 minutes, DK drove up to the Ath line before releasing quick ball straight down the three-quarter line to Ian Gowland who squeezed in at the corner for an excellent unconverted try to make it 7-5.

Ath struck back immediately with a good try of their own. Andy McLellan’s sliced clearance gave Ath a lineout 15 metres out from which Ath set up a rolling maul then released quick ball down the line to fullback Jamie Elphick entering the line at pace to outflank the DK cover before touching down. Tapper’s attempted conversion hit the post to leave Ath 12-5 up. Despite having well over 60% of the possession and territory DK were unable to penetrate a solid Ath rearguard before half time.

Half Time: BEDFORD ATHLETIC 12 DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 5

DK began the second half with a bang; they hit their stride immediately when an incisive brake from Gareth Davies was continued by Ben Connett then Shaun Griffiths before being transferred back to Gareth Davies who surged past several defenders across the front of the posts to score close in. Andy McLellan converted and DK were level at 12-12 after 44 minutes. At this stage DK should really have sewn things up. As in the first half, they spent 10 minutes camped on the home line but somehow Ath managed to keep the DK pack at bay until the visitors were badly disrupted after 54 minutes with a serious knee injury to their skipper Pete Knight that saw him stretchered off to hospital.

Despite the loss of such an influential figure, DK continued to press. Ian Langford replaced Knight at No 8 and Richard Port came off the bench to replace Langford at blindside flanker and it worked pretty well. Shaun Griffiths looked to have scored from a rolling maul on the hour but the ball was adjudged to have been held up. Ath weathered the storm then, with 10 minutes left came back into the game strongly but DK were not going to let this one slip and defended resolutely. A crooked throw from Ath gave DK an attacking scrum in stoppage time and they drove up field, Ath conceded a penalty but Andy McLellan’s kick was just wide.

The drama was still not over, DK put a strong rolling maul together in the 6th minute of injury time and looked odds on to score before Ath hooker Swanwick pulled down the maul. He was yellow carded for his efforts and DK opted for the scrum from the resultant penalty. They drove the 7 man Ath pack back over their own line and No 8 Ian Langford picked up to dive over for the winning try. Andy McLellan converted for 12-19 and a minute or so later gleefully booted the ball into touch at end the game.

Whatever happens next, DK have proved conclusively they are a match for any side in Midlands 1 as they have now beaten every side in the division at least once.

DK are at home to Dunstablians next Saturday. KO 3pm. p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 24th February - Midlands 1

DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 29 - BROAD STREET 12

 

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 Andy McLellan, 14 Nigel Francis, 13 Simon Fletcher, 12 Gareth Davies, 11 Ian Gowland, 10 Tom Bissell, 9 Alan Mitchell, 1 Dan Chesham, 2 Adam Blackford, 3 John Fallon, 4 Shaun Griffiths, 5 Ben Connett, 6 Ian Langford, 7 James Bullock, 8 Pete Knight (Capt). Replacements: 16 Al Francis, 17 Andy McEwen, 18 Liam Reynolds

 

After a very poor patch of form that has seen DK lose four of their last six league games, they turned the corner with an emphatic, four tries to nil victory over Broadstreet who by contrast have been unbeaten in 2007 winning four and drawing one of their games in a rapid rise up the table, including an impressive 19-10 win over league leaders Luton only last week. DK coach Mark Wilson had demanded a positive response following the recent disappointments and thankfully he got it.

 

This was by no means a polished performance and there were of course all the usual errors and many missed opportunities, but crucially there was an urgency and belief in their play from the start that has been missing in the past few weeks. The body language spoke volumes and the result was that they completely outplayed their visitors who never looked remotely like scoring a try and they might well have racked up a big score had they spread the ball wide more often in an increasingly one sided second half.

 

There were several changes from last week’s line-up with centre Simon Fletcher and wing Ian Gowland back from holiday Alan Mitchell was restored to scrum half. In the forwards John Fallon came in at tight head and Ben Connett into the second row after five weeks on the sidelines. After last week’s poor show the forwards looked transformed. The front five, though creaking just a little in the set scrums, comprehensively outplayed “Street” in the loose and the visitors were reduced to some dubious strong arm tactics in attempting to redress the balance.

 

Ben Connett was a pivotal figure, outstanding in the lineout as usual but also, alongside skipper Pete Knight and Ian Langford, providing good leadership by constantly cajoling and encouraging the pack. Good communication is crucial and provided the basis for a very sound performance from the pack. The back row was again immense. Is there a better back three in Midlands 1 than Pete Knight, Ian Langford and James Bullock? The backs had a good day too; Nigel Francis was tremendous, scoring two great tries, handling superbly and solid as a rock in defence. Ian Gowland got a try and was a constant danger to the Street rearguard. Gareth Davies was inspirational and well supported by fellow centre Simon Fletcher. Alan Mitchell had an excellent game at scrum half and finally winger Liam Reynolds who made his DK debut from the bench after Tom Bissell’s injury really got stuck in with some good darting runs and a couple of eye catching tackles.

 

DK looked purposeful from the start and scored a peach of a try after just 6 minutes. Three consecutive attacking rucks and quick ball from Alan Mitchell had Street in disarray as the ball was flung down the line to right wing Nigel Francis who took it at pace to neatly step inside his man and score a text book (unconverted) try to give DK a 5-0 lead. Stung into action Street pressed hard but were comfortably held by the DK defence until fly half Dan Richards landed a 17th minute penalty for 5-3. DK quickly regained the initiative and hit Street with another fine try on 24 minutes. Great foraging by Ian Langford saw him steal the ball from the Street pack and set up an attack. The ball was again moved at pace to Nigel Francis who brilliantly touched down in the corner under pressure for another unconverted try putting DK 10-3 up.

 

Dan Richards kicked a 30th minute penalty for Street to make it 10-6 before tempers became little frayed and DK’s Shaun Griffiths and Street’s Luke Watts were binned on 34 minutes for fighting. Despite this it was clear that DK’s pace and invention were causing the visitors all manner of problems culminating in an excellent third try for the home side after 38 minutes. Good breaks from Nigel Francis and then Gareth Davies set up another swift DK attack. A huge pass from skipper Pete Knight found the ubiquitous Gareth Davies wide on the left and he sent in Ian Gowland for another fine (unconverted) try to make it 15-6 at the break.

 

Half Time: DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 15 BROADSTREET 6

 

DK missed early opportunities to increase their lead and they then lost John Fallon to a yellow card after 50 minutes for pulling down a maul. Dan Richards kicked the penalty to bring Street a little closer at 15-9. Though they were down to 14 men DK were unfazed and Andy McLellan restored their advantage with a 55th minute penalty to make the score 18-9. Dan Richards (59) and Andy McLellan (64) swapped further penalties to take the score to 21-12.

 

Finally restored to 15 players DK piled on the pressure. The visitors were now pretty much a spent force, their early belligerence had long since faded and from the Street goal line the ball was fed back into the pocket, Andy McLellan neatly dropped a goal to make it 24-12. Further heavy pressure in stoppage time resulted in a fourth try for DK when replacement flanker Andy McEwen crashed over from a maul on the Street goal line.

 

DK have now beaten every side in the league barring Bedford Athletic who they face away from home next Saturday (March 3rd) KO 3pm p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

 

DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 23 - LUCTONIANS 28

Saturday 17th February - Midlands 1

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 Andy McLellan, 14 Jake Evetts, 13 Alan Mitchell, 12 Gareth Davies, 11 Nigel Francis, 10 Tom Bissell, 9 Ben Rimene, 1 Al Francis, 2 Adam Blackford, 3 Dan Shakespeare, 4 Ian Langford, 5 Shaun Griffiths, 6 Pete Knight (Capt), 7 James Bullock, 8 Layton Wilkinson. Replacements: 16 Dan Chesham, 17 Ben Connett, 18 Andy McEwan

DK’s lack of strength in depth was highlighted in another listless display. Losing at home to lowly Luctonians in front of a good crowd is probably as bad as it gets. Yes, DK were short of a few players due to holidays and injury but there can be no excuses for such an inept display from both forwards and backs. On this form they will be fortunate to end up in mid-table with promotion now just a pipe dream.

The front row, indeed the front five, just did not compete, they were second best throughout and for the third game running they lost scrum balls against the head. DK desperately need more steel and passion in this crucial area if they are to aspire to a higher level. By popular opinion, playing in the second row severely constricts Ian Langford’s natural game; he looked for more comfortable later on restored to the flank. It was a similar story in the backs where wholesale changes, some enforced, affected the balance and the back line did not function.

Good luck to Luctonians in their fight for survival, they have struggled this season but to their credit they quickly sensed DK’s vulnerability and finished worthy winners on the day. The Luc’s supporters were, as usual, in good voice, none more so than the irrepressible “Tommo” who, fortified by a modicum of pre-match hospitality, was in particularly good vocal form throughout, helpfully assisting the excellent lady referee Clare Daniels by bellowing sound (and occasionally not so sound) advice, what seemed like every ten seconds or so!!

With top try scoring wing Ian Gowland and centre Simon Fletcher on holiday and with Eddie Smith injured in training, DK brought in Jake Evetts for his debut on the left wing, Alan Mitchell filled in at centre, with Tom Bissell at fly half. Ben Rimene replaced Alan Mitchell at scrum half. Only DK’s back row came out of this debacle with honour intact, Skipper Pete Knight was named DK Coaches Man of the Match for another great performance in adversity, no one could have done more for the cause. Layton Wilkinson and James Bullock were also on top form as was Ian Langford later on.

Though Andy McLellan kicked DK 3-0 up after 2 minutes when Luc’s failed to release the ball, it was quickly apparent that the disjointed home side were all over the place. They lost the first scrum against the head and had Luc’s been a little more confident early on they might have had a couple of tries very quickly as they had a couple of 3:1 overlaps in the first ten minutes. Lucs drew level with a penalty from scrum half Chris James after 13 minutes and went ahead with a bizarre try after 17 minutes. DK full back Andy McLellan fielded a ball inside the Luc’s half then managed to fling a crass inside pass right into the arms of Luc’s centre Bruce Ruthven standing on his own, minding his own business and who gratefully received and ran 50m to the line for an unconverted try to make the score 3-8.

DK’s performance had been pretty appalling for the first 20 minutes or so but they finally got lucky after 25 minutes. Luc’s had knocked on in a promising position and as the ref played advantage Gareth Davies picked up the loose ball to break quickly down the left before releasing a perfect pass for Alan Mitchell to score close in, Andy McLellan converted for DK to lead 10-8. The lead was short lived as DK continued to make the most basic of errors then infringed to try and rescue the situation. Luc’s Chris James took full advantage, slotting penalties on 28 minutes and then 36 minutes to lead 10-14. DK’s only spark of inspiration in a dire first half came on 37 minutes by virtue of a great piece of play from Tom Bissell deep iside the Luc’s half. The young fly half stepped inside his man beautifully to break forward and feed Alan Mitchell outside him, Mitch’s short break and pass inside was snapped up by flanker James Bullock who swept in near the posts. Andy McLellan converted for DK to go in 17-14 up at the break.

Half Time: DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 17 LUCTONIANS 14

DK tried hard initially to break free of their first half lethargy and were duly rewarded when Andy McLellan kicked them 20-14 ahead after 53 minutes. The bad habits quickly returned though and a poor kick from Ben Rimene who was coming under increasing pressure, enabled Lucs to launch a quick-fire attack through their backs. The DK back line was AWOL and right wing Mark Panniers trotted in for an easy try converted by Chris James to nudge the visitors 20-21 ahead on the hour. This seemed to knock the stuffing out of the home side and further inept defence saw them leak another soft try after 65 minutes, Lucs backs taking advantage of huge holes in the DK rearguard to route the ball through several pairs of hands, culminating in centre Bruce Ruthven sprinting in for his second try converted by Chris James for Lucs to lead 20-28

Luctonians wing Mark Panniers was rather harshly yellow carded for not rolling away after the tackle on 74 minutes and Andy McLellan kicked the penalty to make it 23-28 but it did little to inspire a DK side whose ambitions in the game had dissipated well before the end.

DK are at home to Broad Street next Saturday. KO 2.30pm. p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 3rd February - Midlands 1

PETERBOROUGH 26 - DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 25

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 Andy MCLellan, 14 Nigel Francis, 13 Simon Fletcher, 12 Gareth Davies, 11 Ian Gowland, 10 Eddie Smith, 9 Alan Mitchell, 8 Pete Knight (Capt), 7 James Bullock, 6 Ian Langford, 5 Shaun Griffiths, 4 Ollie Shakespeare, 3 Dan Shakespeare, 2 Adam Blackford, 1 Dan Chesham Reps: 16 Al Francis, 17 Layton Wilkinson, 18 Richard Port.

Leading 19-25 deep into injury time and looking quite comfortable for most of the second half after coming back from 19-13 down at half time, DK managed to claw defeat from the jaws of victory in the last play of the match. It was overall a pretty poor performance against a side that after losing several first team players for various reasons, have slipped down the Midlands 1 table and had lost their previous seven games, their last win being way back in mid November. This unexpected reverse gives DK a mountain to climb to achieve the promotion that the DK faithful were hoping for.

Ian Langford’s yellow card in injury time didn’t help much but DK should not really have been in such a vulnerable position. Throughout the game they won lots of good ball but far too often it was both aimlessly and needlessly kicked away, usually straight down the throat of the talented Boro full back Louis Kleynhams, gifting Boro far more quality possession than they would probably have managed on their own. DK looked much the better side with the ball in hand and would no doubt have many more opportunities to have put the game beyond reach of their opponents had they used the more obvious options.

Wing Nigel Francis made his first DK start for over a year after injury and had a very sound game, scoring a fine try in the process. Young prop Al Francis came onto the bench in place of John Fallon (broken nose) and had a very good spell after coming on in the second half. Generally though the DK pack played in fits and starts with only flanker James Bullock outstanding. DK’s new signing from Solihull was in great form throughout and was DK’s Man of the Match by a good way.

The game was fairly even in the early stages but DK were behind after 10 minutes when after conceding a penalty Boro opted for a catch and drive and loose head prop Nico Steenkamp burrowed over for the try. Full back Louis Kleynhans converted for Boro to lead 7-0. DK then had a good period of pressure and Simon Fletcher (2) brought them within a point at 7-6 with penalties on 13 and 23 minutes before they took the lead with a textbook try on 24 minutes. Left winger Ian Gowland made the initial break,close, slick inter passing took play up to the Boro 10m line where it was moved at pace down the three-quarter line to Nigel Francis who scored in the corner with Simon Fletcher converting from touch to put DK 7-13 up.

DK then conceded two tries, both from unforced errors. The first came from a combination of a poor kick out of defence followed by an error in midfield that saw Boro score a smartly taken try when the loose ball was turned over and passed through several pairs of hands for flanker Darian Uys to touch down with Kleynhans converting for Boro to regain the lead 14-13 after 29 minutes. The second try, in stoppage time was a little unlucky for DK. Gareth Davies’s attempted clearance was sliced and the awkward bounce was straight into the arms of Boro’s surprised but highly delighted left winger Irmis Kukulskis who could hardly fail to score. Kleynhams converted and DK were 19-13 down at half time despite having the lion’s share of possession.

Half Time: PETERBOROUGH 19 DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 13

DK were a shade unlucky to be six points down and set about to immediately redress the balance. They put the Boro line under heavy fire and the host’s scrum half Wimpie Jonker was yellow carded for pulling down a promising rolling maul. From the penalty catch and drive DK made no mistake and lock Shaun Griffiths was driven over for an unconverted try to make the score 19-18 after 51 minutes. DK repeated the dose after more heavy pressure on 58 minutes. They drove a maul fully 20m up to the Boro line where Dan Chesham scored. Simon Fletcher converted and DK seemed to be on their way at 19-25 up.

Unfortunately, instead of continuing in the same vein, keeping the ball in hand and ruthlessly going for the kill, DK seemed content to play out time and handed the initiative to Boro with some poor defensive kicking. The home side tried hard but even then DK were under no real pressure until they lost Ian Langford to a yellow card for not rolling away, in injury time. The home side saw their last possible opportunity and to their credit they managed to crab across to the posts from a rolling maul against DK’s depleted pack, where replacement prop Jeff Watt claimed the try. The conversion from under the posts was a formality for Kleynhans and DK paid a harsh penalty for misusing superior possession.

DK have no game next week. They are at home to Luctonians a week later on Saturday 17th February. KO 2.30pm.

Saturday 27th January - Midlands 1

DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 37 - MARKET BOSWORTH 0

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 Andy McLellan, 14 Ian Gowland, 13 Simon Fletcher, 12 Gareth Davies, 11 Ian Gowland, 10 Eddie Smith, 9 Alan Mitchell , 1 Dan Chesham, 2 Adam Blackford, 3 John Fallon, 4 Ollie Shakespeare, 5 Shaun Griffiths, 6 Ian Langford, 7 James Bulloch, 8 Pete Knight. (Capt) Replacements: 16 Dan Shakespeare, 17 Layton Wilkinson, 18 Nigel Francis.

DK’s Yo-Yo form of the past few weeks continued as they hammered Market Bosworth by five tries to nil, making a mockery of their limp performance at Whitchurch in the North Midlands Cup last weekend. Despite the scoreline MB were certainly no pushover, their set piece play was flawless, they won excellent lineout ball and generally gave DK a tough test in the scrums whereas failure to provide regular accurate ball for their jumpers lost DK quite a lot of possession with which they might well have hit fifty points.

DK’s strength was in the loose where they won the game hands down; they overwhelmed their visitors to such an extent that they dominated 75-80% of the game territorially and try as they might MB just could not break this stranglehold. Importantly DK managed to keep their discipline this week, keeping all 15 players on the field meant there was no respite for MB and this told on the opposition in the last quarter.

DK were back at full strength for this game with skipper Pete Knight returning at No 8, Eddie Smith at fly half and Gareth Davies in the centre. Ollie Shakespeare returned from injury to replace Ben Connett in the second row. New signing from Solihull James Bullock started at openside flanker after an impressive debut off the bench last week. There were any number of candidates for Man of the Match with skipper Pete Knight, Ian Langford, Eddie Smith, Simon Fletcher (22 points -2T,3C,2P), Gareth Davies Ian Gowland and new boy James Bullock all having excellent games, but Mark Wilson’s Man of the Match was full back Andy McLellan for his authoritative and much improved performance at full back. Recent concerns with his kicking out of hand were soon forgotten and his confidence grew visibly as the game progressed.

Excellent early enterprise from Eddie Smith saw DK pressing on the visitor’s line and from a scrum inside the MB 22 the ball was spread wide to Gareth Davies whose sublime step and pinpoint pass to fellow Simon Fletcher saw his fellow centre glide in to touch down near the posts after 5 minutes for an unconverted try and a 5-0 lead. The next 35 minutes or so proved highly frustrating for DK as they almost totally dominated the game but just could not add to their lead. Simon Fletcher was wide with penalties on 22 and 36 minutes but a combination of unforced errors and resolute defence from MB denied DK until Simon Fletcher kicked a penalty in stoppage time to increase the home lead to 8-0 at half time.

Half Time: DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 8 MARKET BOSWORTH 0

DK again pressed hard at the start and after a couple of near misses they went further ahead on 49 minutes when after a maul deep inside the MB 22 DK probed the blind side and super hands from Gareth Davies sent in Ian Gowland for an excellent unconverted try to increase the DK lead to 13-0. DK now moved up a gear and Ian Gowland was unlucky to see his chip ahead scrambled away on 53 minutes. By now Layton Wilkinson had replaced Ollie Shakespeare and his dynamic presence really shook up the visitors pack. On 52 minutes and after overwhelming pressure Ian Langford drove over near the posts and Simon Fletcher converted for 20-0. MB then lost flanker Steve Morfill to a yellow card for hands in the ruck. Simon Fletcher kicked the penalty for DK to lead 23-0.

Market Bosworth made a concerted effort to take the game to DK but the home side sealed the result after 66 minutes when a superbly timed interception from Simon Fletcher saw him race 75m to score. Fletcher then converted his own try and DK were home and dry at 30-0 up. MB had another flurry but great defence from Simon Fletcher and Nigel Francis prevented a score and DK turned over the ball and surged forward, good hands again from Gareth Davies and Andy McLellan found Ian Gowland in space albeit about 70m out from the MB line. The winger pinned back his ears and went for it, rounding MB’s hapless full back en route to score a glorious try at the posts, his 6th in 3 weeks. Simon Fletcher again converted to complete the scoring for DK.

DK are away for their first ever visit to Peterborough RFC next week. KO 2.15pm.

 

Saturday 20th January - North Midlands Cup

WHITCHURCH 27 - DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 22

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 Andy McLellan, 14 Ian Gowland, 13 Simon Fletcher, 12 Tom Weaver, 11 Ian Gowland, 10 Tom Bissell, 9 Alan Mitchell (Capt), 1 John Fallon, 2 Adam Blackford, 3 Dan Shakespeare, 4 Ben Connett, 5 Shaun Griffiths, 6 Andy McEwen, 7 Richard Port, 8 Layton Wilkinson. Replacements: 16 Russ Gauden, 17 Dan Chesham, 18 Ollie Shakespeare, 19 Ian Langford, 20.James Bullock, 21 Ben Rimene, 22 Kirk Munro.

When DK’s coach Mark Wilson said that the North Midlands Cup was not a priority, he couldn’t have expected his team to take it quite so literally! There is no point in beating around the bush; this was an abject performance, most of the first half was a shambles from a DK point of view, they missed first up tackles, were undisciplined and the kicking out of hand from experienced players was again generally woeful, with only young Tom Bissell seeming to have a clue where the touchline was! Whitchurch are a league below DK in North 2 West and were low on confidence having lost their last five games including a 35-0 hammering at the hands of Vale of Lune in last Saturday’s league match, however they were well up for this game and wanted it more. They tackled like demons and showed plenty of flair in attack with inside centre Mike Swetman outstanding, breaking the shaky DK back line almost at will. There can be no complaints from DK who were deservedly beaten by the better side on the day. The sides scored four tries apiece but Mike Swetman’s proficient boot ensured that Whitchurch went through to the Semi Final. As one of the favourites to win the NM Cup, DK’s defeat is potentially a very costly one for the club as the winners automatically qualify for next season’s EDF Energy Senior Cup and even first round losers in this competition receive several thousand pounds for their efforts.

Discipline, or rather indiscipline, is an area certain players need to address. Two yellow cards for foul play at a crucial stage in the game, just when they seemed to be getting back on top, effectively ended their challenge. The first, awarded against Shaun Griffiths for stamping occurred after the excellent referee Gareth Masters had already given DK a penalty, unforgivable! The second, also for stamping, was against captain for the day Alan Mitchell – his fourth yellow card of the season - and occurred when DK were in a good field position, pressing hard near the home line. Both lads are excellent players for the club but were no use at all to their team mates whilst kicking their heels on the touchline.

With players being rested or unavailable, DK had to experiment a little in the back row and the backs. Richard Port returned on the open side flank with Andy McEwen at blind side and Layton Wilkinson at No 8 and Ian Langford on the bench. Tom Bissell deputised for Eddie Smith at fly half and Tom Weaver for Gareth Davies at inside centre. Tui Asi Pito replaced the injured Warren Port on the right wing. New signing from Solihull, James Bullock was on the bench and immediately caught the eye with a fine 20 minute cameo appearance in the second half, topping it off with a smartly taken try. The DK back row was less effective than normal but No 8 Layton Wilkinson, despite carrying a knock from last week, was still the best forward on the field. The DK Coaches Man of the Match was left wing Ian Gowland, who was always a threat and bagged another two well taken tries besides an excellent 10 minutes as an emergency scrum half when Mitch was in the bin.

DK made the worst possible start. A simple defensive kick to touch was missed and Whitchurch immediately ran the ball back at their visitors with centre Mark Williams touching down after easily cutting through DK’s floundering rearguard. Mike Swetman converted and the hosts were 7-0 up inside a minute. Though Simon Fletcher missed a 13th minute penalty for DK they were still reeling from the opening score and it took Man of the Match Ian Gowland to steady their nerves after 14 minutes. The winger kicked ahead then raced 25m to tackle the catcher into touch. From the lineout the ball was spread wide right where Ian Gowland popped up on the other wing to score a fine try making it 7-5. More forward pressure from Whitchurch saw DK penalised and Mike Swetman increased the home lead to 10-5 after 21 minutes.

This score seemed to sting DK into action and they hit back quickly when John Fallon was driven over from a tremendously powerful driving maul on 21 minutes, Simon Fletcher added the conversion for DK to lead 10- 12. Though in front DK were not playing with any real conviction and on 31 minutes they conceded a second try when, after conceding two penalties in quick succession and were unable to react when quick hands found Whitchurch right wing Rob Jones in space and he scored an unconverted try wide out to make it 15-12. DK were sorely missing the experience of Eddie Smith and Gareth Davies in their back division and after 38 minutes Whitchurch scored again after turning over possession in midfield and again running the overstretched DK rearguard ragged, scrum half Rich Baxter cruising in from near halfway for another unconverted try to make it 20-12 and leaving DK with a second half mountain to climb.

Half Time: WHITCHURCH 20 DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 12

DK did not improve at the restart and fell further behind after 48 minutes. They missed yet another simple penalty to touch in the home 22 and Whitchurch surged strongly up field and into the DK 22 where they set up a rolling maul from which flanker Paul Appleby was driven over for their fourth try. Mike Swetman converted to put Whitchurch 27-12 up and DK had handed the opposition yet another try from an unforced error.

DK rallied strongly and a tapped penalty after 52 minutes saw the ball moved quickly to Ian Gowland who shredded the home cover for his second and DK’s third try. The visitors at long last seemed to be getting their act together and the Whitchurch were showing the first signs of fatigue when DK went and shot themselves in the foot. Yellow cards for Shaun Griffiths and Alan Mitchell after 53 and 59 minutes respectively pretty much ended DK’s hopes in the game. Perversely even with 13 men they still managed to take the game to the tiring Whitchurch side and had Simon Fletcher passed to Gowland on 58 minutes DK would almost certainly have scored, DK’s pressure eventually told after 67 minutes when, still a player short they pressed the home line from a penalty catch and drive before moving the ball right to debutant flanker James Bullock who powered over in the corner for an unconverted try to make it 27-22.

Incredibly, DK missed another penalty for touch which would have taken play deep into the home 22, then a poor final pass from Andy McLellan on 76 minutes robbed the hapless Gowland of another certain try. Whitchurch may have ridden their luck a little in the final minutes but DK simply did not deserve to win this one. DK are at home to Market Bosworth (L) next Saturday. KO 2.15 pm. p.stinton@btinternet.com

Saturday 13th January - Midlands 1

SOUTH LEICESTER 14 - DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 15

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 Andy McLellan, 14 Ian Gowland, 13 Gareth Davies, 12 Simon Fletcher, 11 Warren Port, 10 Eddie Smith, 9 Alan Mitchell, 1 John Fallon, 2 Adam Blackford, 3 Dan Shakespeare, 4 Ben Connett, 5 Shaun Griffiths, 6 Andy McEwen, 7 Pete Knight (Capt), 8 Layton Wilkinson. Replacements: 16 Dan Chesham, 17 Tui Asi Pito, 18 Kirk Munro.

DK’s performance in a nail biting win on their first ever visit to the friendly South Leicester club was a one hundred per cent improvement on their turgid performance against Longton last week. It had to be, SL are a very tough side to beat on their own ground, prior to this game they had only lost one game at home, to leaders Luton in their first home league game of the season. It was an absorbing game, the lead changing hands several times, SL could have won it at the death but full back John Boden was wide with a penalty in the 9th minute of stoppage time allowing DK to take the points in a narrow, but fully deserved victory.

With the exception of a couple of early errors, the lineout functioned pretty well with no repeat of last week’s problems but DK are still wasting far too many penalty opportunities by their odd inability to get the ball off the park. The simple process of kicking the ball into touch even with yesterday’s swirling gale like conditions should not really pose much of a problem, should it? Goal kicking though was nigh on impossible and Simon Fletcher had little chance with his five kicks at goal whereas in normal conditions he could well have scored another 8/10 or more points. Overall however this was an excellent team performance against a strong and very committed opposition

Things did not begin well for DK. Dan Chesham had a knee problem during the warm up and was replaced in the front row by John Fallon. With Ian Langford still absent Andy McEwen again deputised on the blindside flank. The DK pack was much more effective and tenacious unit this week with DK Coaches Man of the Match Layton Wilkinson outstanding in the loose. SL just could not handle his powerful bursts from the base of the scrum and he caused havoc for the home side all afternoon. Skipper Pete Knight was pretty awesome in the loose too and young Andy McEwen improves with every game. Brought into the action early, John Fallon had a good game on the loose head, showing several nice touches. The backs were pretty good too, strong games from Mitch, Eddie Smith and centres Gareth Davies and Simon Fletcher. Warren Port made several good breaks on the right wing and scored the final try whilst left wing Ian Gowland showed his class, touching the ball twice in the game and scoring two tries.

Control was extremely difficult in the gale force wind blowing across the pitch but DK made a positive start against the elements and made most of the early running. Simon Fletcher was wide with penalties on 11 and 25 minutes though accurate kicking was almost impossible at this stage with the wind at its strongest. SL’s open side flanker Adam Wheatley was yellow carded on 25 minutes for coming in from the side but DK were unable to take advantage and it was 14 man SL who surprisingly took the lead against the run of play with a try after 33 minutes.

SL won a ruck just outside the DK 22 and the ball was moved open where it was knocked on but quickly retrieved. Unfortunately the otherwise excellent referee was unsighted, still on the blindside of the ruck. The ball was then cleverly chipped over the advancing DK cover by fly half Mark Lord for centre Keiran Collins to collect and touch down at the posts. Full back John Boden converted for SL to lead 7-0.

DK then had a couple of chances, surging breaks from the in-form Layton Wilkinson then Ben Connett put Warren Port away but he was hauled down just short and SL scrambled the ball away. Another Warren Port break shortly after ended in similar fashion before DK reduced the arrears with a try in first half stoppage time. Yet another rampaging break from Layton Wilkinson then superb hands from Gareth Davies and Andy McLellan sent in Ian Gowland to make it 7-5 at half time.

Half Time: SOUTH LEICESTER 7 DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 5

DK hit the ground running at the start of the second half. SL full back John Boden failed to make touch from inside his 22, Andy McLellan fielded the ball on the right and swung over a huge infield pass to Ian Gowland who, spotting that the South cover was fragmented made an arcing run at great pace to outflank the whole SL rearguard and score a superb unconverted try wide out to give DK the lead 7-10 on 41 minutes.

Now with the elements in their favour, DK looked to increase their lead but good defence from SL kept them at bay before indiscipline led directly to a SL try after 63 minutes when DK were penalised for foul play. SL tapped and ran, constantly picking up and driving – one of their most effective ploys - up to the DK line where lock Adam Cox forced his way over, John Boden miraculously, in the conditions, converted it and SL were back in business at 14-10 up. Ben Connett then, not for the first time this season, saved DK’s bacon by a superb leap to steal an SL lineout throw 5m out from the line as the home side pressed to seal the game.

DK hit back strongly and took the game to SL, then after a series of drives on the SL line the ball was whipped out to the backs where an excellent long pass from Andy McLellan gave Warren Port, who injured an elbow in the act of scoring, just enough room to squeeze in at the corner for an unconverted try allowing DK to nose ahead 14-15 after 71 minutes. DK played out normal time without too many problems but in the 10 minutes of injury time they conceded two penalties, both difficult kicks which to the immense relief of the DK faithful, Boden sent wide. Not too many sides will come away from South Leicester RFC with a result this season and DK can take pride in a job well done.

DK are away at Whitchurch next week in the quarter final of the North Midlands Cup. KO 2.15 pm.

Saturday 6th January - Midlands Division 1

DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 6 - LONGTON 17

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 Andy McLellan, 14 Ian Gowland, 13 Gareth Davies, 12 Simon Fletcher, 11 Warren Port, 10 Eddie Smith, 9 Alan Mitchell, 1 Dan Chesham, 2 Adam Blackford, 3 Dan Shakespeare, 4 Ben Connett, 5 Shaun Griffiths, 6, Pete Knight (Capt) 7 Richard Port, 8 Layton Wilkinson. Replacements: 16 John Fallon, 17 Andy McEwen, 18 Kirk Munro.

Incompetence and indiscipline were the hallmarks of DK’s unexpected reversal at the hands of lowly Longton who fully deserved their win as they were the better side overall. However, they will rarely get handed as much gift-wrapped possession by their opposition as they were yesterday. Despite having two of the best lineout jumpers in the league in Ben Connett and Shaun Griffiths DK hooker Adam Blackford had one of those days and just could not locate them. DK lost a lot of their own ball inside the Longton 22 and it made a huge impact on their attacking options. DK’s kicking out of hand was also woeful with full back Andy MCLellan unable to find touch from several attacking penalties, some well inside the Longton half. By contrast Tony Wheat the veteran Longton full back gave a master class in the art of both goal kicking and kicking out of hand that regularly kept DK at bay. To add to this fairly deplorable state of affairs scrum half Alan Mitchell picked up another yellow card for stamping as a Longton hand was preventing release of the ball.

Unlike their hosts, Longton’s basics were spot on. They were very strong in both set scrums and lineouts and although DK had a clear edge in the loose, they were unable to exploit it fully, mainly because of the aforementioned flaws in their game. Longton’s tight head prop Brookes was the cornerstone of their pack and though he looked “older than God’s dog” (as a joker in the crowd quaintly put it), he was hugely influential, especially in the first half. With their inspirational flanker Ian Langford out of the side through illness, DK skipper Pete Knight moved to No 6 with Richard Port at No 7 and Layton Wilkinson at No 8. Whilst under early pressure in the scrums, the DK pack soon settled down to play well, with the back row again outstanding. No one tried harder than DK Man of the Match - Shaun Griffiths who refused to be intimidated by several cynical cheap shots and was outstanding in the loose. The DK backs were generally well contained by Longton, though the ball they got had very often been expertly slowed down by the visitors pack who led a charmed life, hapless referee Nick Ashton missing several such incidents in a game he will want to quickly forget.

The Longton pack was a handful from the start and DK were under immediate pressure. Centre Paul Green kicked Longton 0-3 up after 14 minutes when DK were caught offside. DK soon got into their stride after this and Eddie Smith dummied through on 18 minutes only to be denied just short by a fine tackle from the Longton winger. Simon Fletcher kicked DK level on 21 minutes when Longton were offside and DK were beginning to worry the visitors with their pace. On the half hour and just when it seemed that DK were getting on top, Alan Mitchell attempt to free the ball at a ruck on the visistors line resulted in his yellow card ruining a good scoring opportunity, taking the pressure off Longton and leaving DK with 14 men. Longton immediately upped the ante and after two well defended scrums on the DK line the referee awarded a penalty try to Longton. The scrum was slowly moving sideways with the visitor’s No 8 on his knees with the ball wedged between them, he was in no position to drive forward or score, but it was given and Paul Green’s conversion saw Longton lead 3-10 after 37 minutes.

DK then got caught cold with a sucker punch. From a lineout near the DK 22 in stoppage time, three of the four Longton front jumpers moved back quickly just before the ball was thrown in. All of DK’s front jumpers followed them, leaving the Longton number 1 jumper a clear run down the touchline his pass inside found hooker Craig Wilson up in support to crash over virtually unopposed. This was a well thought out ploy that saw DK 3-17 down at half time.

Half Time: DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 3 LONGTON 17

DK piled on early pressure forcing Longton to give away penalties but the home side could not get the ball off the park for an attacking throw and when they did, the throw usually ended up in Longton’s hands. DK frittered away numerous opportunities to get back into the game in the third quarter by their catalogue of unforced errors and only had a 54th minute Simon Fletcher penalty (making it 6-17), to show for it.

Longton weathered the storm and the last ten minutes were played mainly in midfield with the visitors taking few chances in what was to be a rare victory for them at Heathbrook. DK had a last minute surge but John Fallon was penalised on the Longton line summing up a miserable day all round for the Heathbrook crowd of around 500, despite the atrocious conditions and who must have been sorely disappointed with their team on the day.

DK are away at South Leicester next week KO 2.15pm. p.stinton@btinternet.com

Saturday 16th December - Midlands Division 1

LUTON 13 - DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 3

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 Andy McLellan, 14 Ian Gowland, 13 Gareth Davies, 12 Simon Fletcher, 11 Warren Port, 10 Eddie Smith, 9 Alan Mitchell, 1 Dan Chesham, 2 Adam Blackford, 3 Dan Shakespeare, 4 Ben Connett, 5 Shaun Griffiths, 6 Ian Langford, 7 Pete Knight (Capt), 8 Layton Wilkinson. Replacements: 16 Alex Francis, 17 Robert Chivers, 18 Kirk Munro.

Luton finally laid their Dudley bogey at Newlands with their first ever win against the Black Country boys at the fifth time of asking. The league leaders deserved their win for a gritty, committed performance and an outstanding defence under pressure; they now look odds on certainties for promotion. The home side made far fewer errors than DK who were very disappointed to lose, despite having the lion’s share of possession and territory overall, they were unable to unlock the home side’s resolute defences. DK also spurned a number of kickable penalties, opting for lineout catch and drives instead. In such a close game and with Luton’s defence in mean mood these were conceivably questionable options. Overall the result was a fair one and it leaves the sides with honours even for the season.

Perhaps even more so than their talented opposition, the major problem for DK on the day was their sheer number of unforced errors they committed, losing the ball in contact and poor handling being particular and continual weaknesses, resulting in numerous promising attacking build-ups being squandered throughout the game. The uncharacteristic profligacy of their visitors eased the pressure on Luton at crucial times and affected DK’s momentum. On the plus side DK were stronger than Luton in the set scrums, taking two balls against the head and locks Ben Connett and Shaun Griffiths were again superb in the lineout, winning all their own ball and stealing several Luton throws, but the home side were a little more dynamic in the loose where their back row more than matched DK’s very competent back three.

DK were hampered somewhat in their preparations for the game by the late loss of key open-side flanker Richard Port (illness). DK re-jigged their back row with skipper Pete Knight at open-side and Layton Wilkinson at No 8, otherwise the side was the same as against Scunthorpe 2 weeks ago. Whilst the DK pack were superior in the set pieces the Luton eight were tenacious in the loose and it made for an absorbing game. DK Coaches Man of the Match was centre Simon Fletcher whose astute line kicks kept DK on the front foot for long periods and his excellent defence, saving a certain try with a superb tackle in the second half from a Luton breakaway.

After four straight losses to DK, Luton began the game in determined fashion and pinned the visitors inside their own half. Strong forward pressure in the loose provided the platform for their early crucial score and what proved to be the only try of the game. After 11 minutes Luton won a ruck in front of the DK posts and scrum half Steve Gray was stopped just short but from the re-formed ruck the same player wriggled over from close range. Fly Half Mark Gray slotted the conversion to put Luton 7-0 up. DK by now had come more into the game and put several good phases together but on every occasion they ended up by either losing the ball in contact or knocking on. From one such error on 25 minutes, Luton swept back inside the DK half where a snap drop goal effort from Mark Gray 35m out, bounced in off the crossbar to increase the Luton lead to 10-0.

DK totally controlled the last 15 minutes of the half, spending the last 10 camped on the Luton goal line but despite coming close on several occasions they were unable to penetrate the well drilled home defences. During this time they had three catch and drive opportunities, two of them from penalties whereas points in the bag might have added more momentum and sowed a little doubt into Luton. As it was, the home side survived with their 10-0 lead intact up until half time whistle.

Half Time: LUTON 10 DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 0

A brilliant break from Ian Gowland shredded the Luton cover straight after half time; he managed to get the ball away before being tackled but a then wild pass ruined the move when a try looked “on”. DK kept up the pressure and Simon Fletcher kicked their only points with a 55th minute penalty to make it 10-3. This should have been the signal for an all out DK offensive but just after Luton had kicked off, DK were awarded a penalty inside their own 22, instead of kicking long for touch and winning the lineout, DK, for some unaccountable reason chose to tap and run - and yes, the ball was then lost in contact!! DK then immediately gave a penalty away to give Mark Gray the easiest of kicks to make it 13-3 to Luton on the hour. You couldn’t make it up!

Luton had very few opportunities after this though it needed a superb cover tackle from Simon Fletcher on 71 minutes to stop a Luton breakaway attack. Frustrated and stung into action by these niggling errors DK tried very hard to break down Luton in the last quarter of the game, lots of pressure and well inside the home half, but try as they might they could not find a way through. No doubt with the second half mauling they received at Heathbrook in November still fresh in their minds the Luton lads were determined not to let this one slip!

DK’s next First XV league fixture is at home to Longton on 6th January KO 2.00.

The traditional Boxing Day fixture between DK 2nds and Stourbridge 2nds is at Stourbridge. KO 11am.

Saturday 9th December - North Midlands Cup - Preliminary Round

DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 15 NEWPORT 11

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 Andy McLellan, 14 Ian Gowland, 13 Gareth Davies, 12 Tom Weaver, 11 Warren Port, 10 Tom Bissell, 9 Kirk Munro, 1 Alex Francis, 2 Chris Condliffe, 3 John Fallon, 4 Ben Connett, 5 Jamie Harding, 6 Andy McEwen 7 Richard Port, 8 Layton Wilkinson. Replacements: 16 Russ Gauden, 17 Neil Chivers, 18 Robert Chivers, 19 Ryan Wickets, 20, Jacob Evetts, 21, Liam Reynolds

Compared with DK’s champagne form of recent weeks, this fairly dour North Midlands Cup game provided rather more basic fare. Having made no less than ten changes to the side that thrashed Scunthorpe last week; this was perhaps understandable as the home side struggled to find any kind of rhythm, especially in a dreadful first half. Whatever the game lacked in terms of quality however was mitigated by the tremendous physical effort put in by both sides and taking into consideration the large number of changes, DK did superbly well to come back and win the game from being 0-11 down just before half time against a tough and committed Newport side who are lying 3rd in Midlands 2 West with eight wins from eleven games to their credit. Newport, with former DK winger Marc Millward on one flank, certainly had their chances and will be rueing a couple of glaring misses either side of half time. DK generally had the upper hand in the pack, but struggled badly with painfully slow ball to their backs from the set pieces and both rucks and mauls. On a lighter note Neil and Robert Chivers became the first ever twins to play together in DK’s 1st XV watched by their proud dad Tony.

DK made six changes in the pack including the whole front row of Alex Francis, Chris Condliffe and John Fallon. Jamie Harding came into the second row and Andy McEwen and Richard Port into the back row. There were four changes in the backs including half back pair Kirk Munro and Tom Bissell, centre Tom Weaver and Andy McLellan at full back. Richard Port was probably the best player on the park and was DK Coaches Man of the Match for another superb performance at open side flanker. He was everywhere, especially in defence, rescuing the DK backs on more than one occasion with decisive try saving tackles. Hooker Chris Condliffe also caught the eye with several barnstorming trundles and Ben Connett, crucially, took three consecutive Newport throws inside the DK 22 just before the final whistle when Newport were striving desperately to save the game. Andy McLellan had a sound game at full back after returning from injury.

The opening 10 minutes were played almost exclusively between the 10m “tram lines” as both sides probed for openings. The visitors gradually inched forward and their pressure produced a try after 17 minutes when Tom Bissell was a tad unlucky to see his attempted clearance charged down by Newport flanker Richard Harris who also got the luck of the bounce to touch down over the line and give the visitors a 0-5 lead. Compared to recent weeks the game seemed to be being played at half pace, DK in particular were unable to get the ball out at pace from the scrums and rucks, starving their backs of any space to work in. The visitors went 0-8 up on 34 minutes with a penalty from scrum half Jamie Simpson then they increased their lead to 0-11 with another penalty from the same player on 37 minutes, Gareth Davies’s dissent sending DK back a further 10m to make Simpson’s kick a formality.

Newport then missed out on what could have been a match winning score as they broke through the DK cover on the left only for Richard Port (who else!) to appear from nowhere to flatten the would be scorer. DK finally shook off their lethargy to score a try in stoppage time when they shoved Newport back over their own line from a 5m scrum for No 8 Layton Wilkinson to pick up and power over. Tom Bissell converted and DK were back in it at only 7-11 down.

Half Time: DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 7 NEWPORT 11

DK looked far more interested after the break as they battered away at Newport’s goal line for the first 5 minutes. One excellent opportunity was wasted by not moving the ball wide but then after 46 minutes an excellent forward break from Chris Condliffe saw him smash right through the Newport pack, the ball was quickly moved wide from the resulting ruck for Ian Gowland to streak over wide out for a fine try that put DK 12-11 up. Less than a minute later Newport had a golden opportunity to increase their lead further but their ball carrier seemed to look for a tackler when it looked easier to score! Ian Gowland duly obliged him with a superb tackle that prevented a certain try.

DK resumed the offensive and had the visitor’s hanging on by the skin of their teeth for a good 10 minutes before a well struck penalty from Tom Bissell put DK 15-11 up after 62 minutes. Newport tried hard to get back into the game after this but the home side defended well and kept their focus. DK had a few anxious moments before the end with a couple of poor options being taken from the base of the scrum, resulting in turnovers to Newport. Fortunately for DK, Newport’s final efforts were eclipsed when Ben Connett’s lineout heroics snuffed out their late rally with three consecutive “steals” against the throw inside the last 10 minutes.

DK are away at Luton next week for their crunch league encounter with the league leaders. KO 2.15pm.

Saturday 2nd December

DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 39 - SCUNTHORPE 5

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 Kirk Munro, 14 Ian Gowland, 13 Simon Fletcher, 12 Gareth Davies, 11 Warren Port, 10 Eddie Smith, 9 Alan Mitchell, 1 Dan Chesham, 2 Adam Blackford, 3 Dan Shakespeare, 4 Ben Connett, 5 Shaun Griffiths, 6 Ian Langford 7 Pete Knight (Capt), 8 Layton Wilkinson. Replacements: 16 Al Francis, 17 Andy McEwen, 18 Tom Bissell.

In recording their eighth consecutive league win DK played some of their best rugby for years in a cracking first half performance that saw them 34-0 up at the break having scored five unanswered tries. It was not as if Scunthorpe - always tough opponents - were particularly poor, but DK started well and just got better. All of their tries resulted from excellent movements, brilliant handling and pace. The Greens battled hard throughout as shown by their stiff second half resistance but they were simply outclassed by a rampant DK in the first period.

In the second half DK lost some shape due to a couple of injuries and several replacements but they had effectively won the game with their scintillating play in the opening 40 minutes. With Tui Asi Pito back in New Zealand following the sudden death of his father, Warren Port replaced him on the wing with Kirk Munro at full back. Layton Wilkinson was at No 8 with Andy McEwen taking his turn on the bench. In another tremendous all round DK team performance it was a very difficult for Mark Wilson to pick out his Man of the Match. In the pack Ben Connett had a great game, he was unbelievably good in the lineout taking the opposition ball at will and the pace and quality of the ball he and fellow second row Shaun Griffiths delivered off the top gave the DK backs a huge space advantage, enabling them to create overlaps time and again. Always a talented ball player Ben looks back to his best form following illness. Both locks were also very strong in the loose. The front and back rows were at their best with Langy and Knighty working like Trojans leaving Wilko to blast huge holes through the Green’s pack. The backs had a good day too. Both half backs were in great form, Mitch back to his feisty best and nobody, not even the fearsome Andy Fish got past DK’s extraordinary fly half Eddie Smith. Both centres, Gareth Davies and Simon Fletcher were superb in attack and defence. These lads have had a tough time recently, both losing their mums in recent weeks and it was Gareth Davies who edged the Coaches Man of the Match award for a truly inspired performance, drawing praise not only from DK supporters but also from several of the opposition players and supporters. Ian Gowland scored 2 tries with fellow wing Warren Port setting up one of them.

DK opened the scoring on 3 minutes when the Greens were offside in front of their posts. Simon Fletcher kicked the penalty to put DK 3-0 up. After twice kicking away good attacking opportunities DK increased their lead after 10 minutes with a superb try. Super quick ball off the top of a lineout from Shaun Griffiths in the Green’s 22 was speedily whipped out to Gareth Davies whose subtle inside pass saw Ian Gowland steaming up on an angle to dart 25m to the posts. Simon Fletcher converted for 10-0. Now well into their stride DK hit the Greens with a second try on 17 minutes when Alan Mitchell dummied to go left then switched to the right feeding skipper Pete Knight who made a powerful and incisive arcing break into the Green’s 22 before sending in full back Kirk Munro for a try in the corner to make it 15-0. The Greens lost centre Anthony Carpenter to a yellow card on 26 mins for persistent infringements and began to look more than a little ragged. DK duly scored a third try after 28 mins. Ben Connett rose superbly to steal a Green’s lineout ball inside the 22, it was moved quickly into midfield where Ian Langford did extremely well to rescue the ball and feed Pete Knight who forced his way over from 10m to make it 20-0.

Two minutes later it was 27-0 when Ian Gowland picked up a loose ball infield it was spun quickly wide to Simon Fletcher in space, who broke forward for 30m before dummying his man to sprint a further 25m to the posts to score and then convert his own try. In trying to halt DK’s momentum the Greens were forced into giving penalties away and on 37 minutes DK opted for a scrum from one of them about 20m out from the Green’s line. Pete Knight broke from No 8 almost to the line before his inside pass saw Layton Wilkinson crash over for DK’s 5th try of the afternoon converted by Simon Fletcher for 34-0. Further disaster then struck the visitors when replacement back Mickey Coult received a red card for abusing the referee Gareth Masters.

Half Time: DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 34 SCUNTHORPE 0

14 man Scunthorpe threw everything into attack at the start of the second half and spent a fruitless 10 minutes battering away in the DK 22 without scoring. Their main ploy seeming to be to feed their powerful No 8 and former prop Andy Fish, using him to try and batter a way through DK’s defences and though he certainly did his utmost, he was generally well policed by the DK back row (and Eddie Smith!). DK again got on top and a superb, tenacious 30m break from Gareth Davies deserved a try but he was just unable to hold onto the ball when over the Green’s line.

DK did score their 6th try after 63 minutes when fine play by young Andy McEwen saw the flanker draw two men before offloading to Warren Port wide on the left. The winger beat several men before a perfect inside pass found fellow wing Ian Gowland up in support to take the scoring pass making it 39-0. A couple of injuries to Shaun Griffiths and Simon Fletcher and several replacements meant that DK lost a little of their shape after this and understandably, were just unable to find their earlier rhythm.

DK themselves played with 14 men for the last quarter having run out of replacements and to their credit Scunthorpe kept plodding away and five minutes from time were rewarded with a consolation try from lock Luke Scargill making the final score 39-5.

DK have no league game next week but play Newport at home in the North Midlands Cup 1st Round KO 1.30 pm.

Saturday 25th November

WALSALL 22 - DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 38

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 Warren Port, 14 Ian Gowland, 13 Simon Fletcher, 12 Gareth Davies, 11 Tui Asi Pito, 10 Eddie Smith, 9 Alan Mitchell, 1 Dan Chesham, 2 Adam Blackford, 3 Dan Shakespeare, 4 Ben Connett, 5 Shaun Griffiths, 6 Ian Langford 7 Pete Knight (Capt), 8 Andy McEwen. Replacements: 16 Al Francis, 17 Layton Wilkinson, 18 Kirk Munro

This was always going to be a game of two halves due to the boggy, sloping Delves Road pitch and the stiff breeze blowing down the ground. With the elements first half, Walsall capitalised on basic defensive errors from DK, who despite having the lion’s share of possession and territory found themselves three tries to one, 22-7 down at half time. Two of the tries were long distance, blindside efforts from the base of scrums with the DK cover nowhere to be seen and the third Walsall try saw centre Adam Coniff slice through several ineffective tackles. Sandwiched between these was a gem of a try from Eddie Smith for DK. The second half saw DK tighten up considerably to pile on the pressure down the slope and score four unanswered tries, the home side found it increasingly difficult to get out of their own half.

Considering the slippery conditions there were several passages of excellent rugby during the game with Walsall playing a full part, they have some excellent backs and their handling in the trying conditions was often superior to their DK counterparts. Where the home side really struggled was up front where DK were for the most part in total control especially in the second when the home eight hardly got a sniff of the ball. With Andy McLellan still injured Warren Port deputised at full back. Gareth Davies returned to inside centre with Alan Mitchell preferred to Kirk Munro at scrum half. Andy McEwen replaced Richard Port (illness) in the back row. Second rows Ben Connett and Shaun Griffiths were on top form in both the lineout and the loose. Props Dan Shakespeare and Dan Chesham were rock solid but it was hooker Adam “Beef” Blackford who was named DK Coaches Man of the Match for a dynamic all action performance in his first game for the senior XV for several months. The back row played well as individuals but without a recognised open side flanker there were too many defensive gaps left in the first half. The DK half backs Alan Mitchell and Eddie Smith both had good games as did Simon Fletcher in the centre whose 23 point haul included 2 tries, all five conversions and a penalty.

Walsall took the game to DK straight from the kick off. With the wind behind them and playing down the slope they camped in the DK 22 and took a 3-0 lead with a penalty from fly half Matt Wood after 4 mins. DK gradually began to assert themselves up front but fell further behind after 15 minutes when Rod Dickson did well to pick up from the base as DK shoved the home scrum backwards. The Walsall No 8 then broke powerfully to gallop 60m to the line for a fine try though DK must have been very disappointed that he was not tackled. Wood converted and Walsall were 10-0 up.

DK redoubled their efforts and despite spilling a couple of gilt edged chances close to the line, their pressure told after 22 minutes when a terrific break through the middle from skipper Pete Knight set up a ruck from which the ball was spun out to Eddie Smith. His sublime one handed dummy mesmerising the Walsall cover as the DK fly half glided through to the posts for a wonderful try. Simon Fletcher converted to make it 10-7. Walsall replied almost immediately when scrum half Dean Wilson broke from midfield making 50m unchallenged before sending in skipper Richard Marsh for the try, Matt Wood converting for 17-7. Again this was an excellent try for Walsall, but poor defence from DK. Sloppy tackling let DK down again on the half hour when Walsall centre Adam Coniff sliced through several half hearted tackles to put the home side 22-7 up.

Though Walsall had scored three tries in 15 minutes by taking their chances well, DK by contrast had exerted plenty of pressure but through a combination of poor handling and over ambitious passing in the wet conditions had only a converted try to show at half time for all their efforts.

Half time: WALSALL 22 DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 7

It was quickly apparent that Walsall were going to struggle playing up the slope and DK duly laid siege to the home line. Walsall defended resolutely until the 51st minute when another storming break from in-form skipper Pete Knight had the home cover back-pedalling furiously and from the quick ruck Simon Fletcher crossed for DK’s second try. Fletcher converted it himself for 22-14. Under intense pressure again, Walsall lost No 8 Rod Dickson, yellow carded on 53 minutes for handling in the ruck just to add to their woes. Seven forwards against DK’s formidable pack was just too much for the home side and DK skipper Pete Knight touched down DK’s 3rd try from a 5m scrum after Walsall had been shoved back over their own line. Simon Fletcher converted bringing DK to within a point at 22-21.

It was now pretty much one way traffic and DK took the lead for the first time in the game on the hour. A flowing three-quarter move saw the ball reach Tui Asi Pito on the left flank, his exquisite step inside wrong footed the whole of the Walsall cover as he sprinted through to the posts for a spectacular try. Simon Fletcher converted and DK were looking comfortable at 22-28 up. DK should have scored again after 72 minutes but Layton Wilkinson dropped the ball over the home line. Walsall’s relief however was short lived, as from the resulting scrum they lost the ball on their own line, Gareth Davies quickly snapped it up to send in Simon Fletcher for his second try. Fletcher again converted for DK to lead 22-35 after 73 minutes.

Into stoppage time, Walsall, to their credit were still trying to run the ball from inside their 22 but ended up giving away a penalty which Simon Fletcher coolly slotted over for a final 22-38 scoreline and local bragging rights for a few months at least!

DK are at home to 4th placed Scunthorpe next week. KO 2.15pm.

Saturday 11th November

DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 34 - LUTON 32

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 Ben Rimene, 14 Ian Gowland, 13 Simon Fletcher, 12 Allan Mitchell, 11 Tui Asi Pito, 10 Eddie Smith, 9 Kirk Munro, 1 Alex Francis, 2 Chris Condliffe, 3 Dan Shakespeare, 4 Ben Connett, 5 Shaun Griffiths, 6 Ian Langford 7 Pete Knight (Capt), 8 Layton Wilkinson. Replacements: 16 Dan Chesham, Richard Port, 18 Warren Port.

There have been many exciting games at Heathbrook over the years and this one was from the top drawer for entertainment value. DK had lost their “dog” in a pretty dire first half showing but he returned with a vengeance in a thrill a minute, compelling second half performance from the totally dominant and rampaging DK pack. Two converted tries in stoppage finally toppled league leaders Luton after DK had clawed their way back from 5-27 down at half time in a pulsating second half. Luton have invested heavily in their side this season in a determined effort to achieve national league status but it is interesting to note that out of the 18 players representing DK’s First XV yesterday, no less than 10 were developed through the club’s thriving Mini-Junior section proving perhaps that a close knit side can often gain the edge in terms of spirit and determination, as happened yesterday.

Luton will have few complaints at the outcome even though they lost it at the death. Their forwards had been taught a harsh lesson and by the end were overrun by the DK eight and simply unable to compete. Ben Rimene returned to the DK side in place of the injured Andy McLellan at fullback and Ian Langford was at blindside flanker with Richard Port taking a turn on the bench. Though DK’s miraculous second half recovery was very much a team effort Pete Knight played a magnificent captain’s game. When DK were down to 13 men after two yellow cards in the first half Knighty was simply awesome, turning over several crucial opposition balls inside beleaguered DK’s 22. His heroic performance set the tone for DK’s wonderful second half display. Fly half Eddie Smith was another DK hero making almost as many tackles as his back row pals and scoring a peach of a try.

DK made a confident start but it was Luton that took a 0-3 lead on 10 minutes with a penalty from former Bedford Blues fly half Mark Gray. DK then suffered a couple of devastating blows as Allan Mitchell (handling in the ruck) and Ian Langford (offside) were yellow carded after 10 and 13 minutes respectively. 13 man DK defended valiantly with skipper Pete Knight taking responsibility and leading by example, but their lack of numbers saw Mark Gray run through the stretched home cover on 23 minutes for a try to make it 0-8. DK were restored to 15 players without further mishap but were desperately unlucky to concede a try after 29 minutes when the referee Lee Towers accidentally impeded Eddie Smith allowing Luton No8 Lawrence Alden to canter in for an easy try under the posts converted by Mark Gray making it 0-15. A scrum might have been a fairer option! This score seemed to unnerve DK and Luton, tails up scored another try 2 minutes later on 31 minutes when a slick passing move down the right touchline culminated in flanker Phil Lane touching down at the posts. Crucially Ian Gowland managed to charge down the conversion as Luton now led 0-20. Despite the scoreline, the DK forwards were beginning to get the upper hand and a penalty catch and drive after 36 minutes saw Shaun Griffiths driven over from the lineout to give the home side some respite. It didn’t last, a fine run by Ian Gowland in stoppage time saw him lay the ball back but without support, it was picked up by Luton winger Lee Anker who sprinted in for the try from 50m. Mark Gray converted and Luton must have been delighted with the 5-27 lead. They were in for a bit of a shock!

Half Time: DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 5 LUTON 27

Coach Mark Wilson’s half time words of encouragement had the desired effect on DK as the immediately laid siege to the Luton line. Five minutes of intense pressure on the visitor’s line finally saw Eddie Smith sidestep his man superbly to score under the posts. Ben Rimene converted to make it 12-27. DK kept up the heavy pressure and should have scored again on 53 minutes but Ben Rimene’s final pass found only touch instead of Ian Gowland.

The Luton pack were suddenly looking very ragged and on 57 minutes after another furious assault on their goal line DK sucked in the visitors cover then spread the ball wide and at pace for Ian Gowland to streak over for the try wide out to make it 17 -27. Though now well on top, a lack of concentration saw DK concede a try on the hour when the alert Lee Anker took advantage of poor defensive alignment to score his second try and seemingly make the game safe for Luton who were now 17-32 ahead. Ben Rimene kicked a penalty for DK on 69 minutes for 20-32 as DK set up their grand finale. Luton’s hooker was yellow carded on 77 minutes but Luton managed to keep the home side at bay until the 80th minute when their pack was unceremoniously driven back over their own line for Pete Knight to touch down. Simon Fletcher converted and DK were just a converted try away from victory at 27-32.

Surely it was just too late? In the 5th minute of stoppage time DK again pounded the visitors line and a glorious, flowing last gasp attack saw the ball spread to replacement centre Warren Port who gleefully rounded his man to plunge over and level the scores at 32-32. Simon Fletcher stepped up for the all important conversion. It was never in doubt, Simon banged it over and incredibly DK had won the game against all the odds. You couldn’t make it up!!

DK have no game next weekend and are away at Walsall on Saturday week. KO 2.15pm.

Saturday 4th November

LONGTON 7 - DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 10

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 A McLellan, 14 W Port, 13 S Fletcher, 12 A Mitchell, 11 T Asi Pito, 10 E Smith, 9 K Munro, 1 A Francis, 2 C Condliffe, 3 D Shakespeare, 4 N Shillingford, 5 S Griffiths, 6 P Knight (Capt), 7 R Port, 8 L Wilkinson, Replacements: 16 R Gauden, 17 I Langford 18 I Gowland Referee: Tom Davis (Bath)

DK arrived at the isolated Staffordshire Moorlands for their latest Midlands 1 league fixture. A pale winter’s afternoon, with the wind straight off the Urals and a pitch that seemed to slope in four directions at once, it was evident that this is a hard place to go to win a rugby game. These fixtures are not won by thoroughbreds. These tough fixtures are won by steely forwards, who battle for every hard yard and cling on to their advantage with every sinew and bone in their body. These elements call for rugby in it’s most brutal form: combat, with no quarter asked or given. This type of game is red in tooth and claw, where a player continually puts his body on the line to dominate the opposition and win the respect of his team mates. Precocious talents don’t bring home league points in these fixtures. Sheer bloody mindedness and a refusal to lay down win these games. These tight games are won or lost on one mistake, one missed kick or tackle. And so it proved today.

Former Colts prop Al Francis was called up shortly before the game. It proved to be a steep learning curve for him, as his opposite number had been around for longer than anyone can remember. Al is made from stern stuff and stood his ground well. Typically, in a tight game sides try to unsettle the fullback with a bombardment of high balls. DK’s, Andy McLellan was tested throughout the game and was rocklike in his defence.

The opening score of the game came on 35 minutes. Following sustained Longton pressure, the DK back row drove the ball deep into the home side’s territory. Longton won the scrum, but DK hooker, Chris Condliffe, took the ball against the head and Number 8, Layton Wilkinson, with the ball under his arm and an expression of grim determinism on his face, challenged the home defence to stop him. They could not.

Half time: LONGTON 0 - DUDLEY KINGWINFORD 5

Early in the second half DK repeated the move. On this occasion the Longton Number 8 burrowed under Layton and prevented him from grounding the ball. This led to a period of incessant Longton pressure. 35 minutes of pressure in fact. Neil Shillingford was sin binned on 51 minutes, and the home pack started to assert themselves. The pressure paid off on 74 minutes when Gary McDermott, showing match winning skills, stepped inside the visitors’ defence to score under the posts. Paul Green added the conversion.

Sheer bloody mindedness wins these games. Longton were now going for the kill. They pounded the DK line, trying to run down the clock. On 79 minutes, the outstanding Pete Knight pulled off a try saving tackle and the ball was spilled forward. Kirk Munro grabbed the ball and intelligently chipped the home defence, rolling the ball into the corner. Kirk chased his own kick fully 80 metres and tackled the home winger. Simon Fletcher was in support, and the ball popped up into his grateful arms about 2 metres from the home line. Longton again pounded the DK line, but the conviction wasn’t really there. DK defended well and saw out the 6 minutes of injury time.

DK have become a side that can play for 80 minutes. “Dudley Dog” was their 16th man in their rise through the leagues. The Dog is growling again this season There were several man of the match performances. The Coaches award went to Chris Condliffe for his against the head strike which lead to the opening try, and his pin point line out work.

Next week DK face run away league leaders Luton at Heathbrook - Kick Off 2.15 p.m.

Saturday 28th October

RUGBY LIONS 46 - DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 12

Many congratulations from all at DK to our most celebrated former player and easily the best scrum half in England by some way - Bristol’s Shaun Perry, upon his selection for the full England squad to face the mighty All Blacks next Sunday, November 5th. There will be a big screen and a big crowd at the club for this most momentous event. Get there early. KO 3.30pm.

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 Andy McLellan, 14 Warren Port, 13 Gareth Davies, 12 Alan Mitchell, 11 Tui Asi Pito, 10 Ben Rimene, 9 Kirk Munro, 1 Dan Chesham, 2 Chris Condliffe, 3 Dan Shakespeare, 4 Neil Shillingford, 5 Shaun Griffiths, 6 Ian Langford (Captain), 7 Richard Port, 8 Layton Wilkinson. Reps: 16 Neil Chivers, 17 Al Francis, 18 Ben Connett, 19 Andy McEwen, 20 Pete Knight, 21 Ian Gowland, 22 Tom Weaver. Referee: Mr Chris Johnson

DK were well beaten by an impressive Lion’s side that is making a determined effort to claw its way back into the big time after almost a decade of decline by their own standards. They have succeeded in building up the wherewithal to run a large, talented squad and that, in essence, was the big difference between the sides. Both coaches had made several changes to their team for this game, but whereas Lions had arguably even better players to fill in, especially in the backs, DK, in turns of numbers, were down to the bare bones. They were very much short of pace in their back division and the home side ruthlessly exploited this weakness to the full with some brilliant and inventive running back play that would probably have been too much for far better teams than DK. They are a very attractive side to watch and with their backs they look odds on certainties to win Div 3 North this season.

The DK pack played extremely well throughout and matched the Lion’s forwards but every time the home side gained possession and spread it wide, DK were in trouble. The Lion’s backs were well led by half backs Sam Viggers and Peter Glackin and they kept the ball alive brilliantly with their superb handling skills, finishing off several complex moves with real pace. The DK la