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Wednesday 30th April - Walsall Floodlit Tournament Final

Lichfield 0 Dudley Kingswinford 40

Dudley-K: 15 Jak Davis, 14 Chris Kinsella, 13 Karl Lockley, 12 Stefan Shillingford, 11 Matt Grove, 10 Gareth Bown, 9 Jordan Brookes, 1 Richard Kelly, 2 Tom Lockley, 3 Stefan Thorpe, 4 Mike Gledhill, 5 Joe Francis, 6 Chris Bartley, 7 Mike Griffiths, 8 Dan Hawkins (Capt). Reps: 16 Josh Bissell, 17 Richard Gresswell, 18 Mark Cartwright, 19 Gareth Oakes, 20 Joe Kennedy, 21 Jack Grosvenor, 22 Ben Henn. (35 mins each way)

National Colt’s Cup losing Semi-Finalists already this year, DK picked up their first silverware of the season by lifting the Walsall RFC Fred Rowley Memorial Trophy at their first attempt. The emphatic eight unconverted tries mauling of a spirited but comprehensively outplayed Lichfield side that nevertheless made DK work hard for every score, emphasised DK’s determination to succeed. The game was played in atrocious muddy conditions, made worse by further heavy downpours at regular intervals throughout the game. The high standard of play in such a quagmire was a credit to both sides. Lichfield had beaten Wolverhampton 18-8 in their Semi Final whilst DK disposed of local rivals Stourbridge 31-8 in the other tremendous Semi-Final on the same ground a week previously. They were certainly in no mood to finish second this time out.

The DK pack led by skipper and No 8 Dan Hawkins provided the platform for the team’s success. They were almost completely dominant in the loose, giving Lichfield little opportunity to unleash their talented backs. Whilst the set scrums were fairly even, DK totally dominated the lineout with flanker Mike Griffiths in superlative form, taking all of DK’s ball and most of the oppositions – even when it was not straight! The DK front row of Richard Kelly, Tom Lockley and Stefan Thorpe revelled in the mud giving their opposite numbers a torrid time. They were ably backed up by the “engine room” duo of Mike Gledhill and Joe Francis and a back row that excelled on the night. The backs too had a great evening scoring six of the eight tries, with a brace apiece for centre Stef Shillingford and irrepressible full back Jak Davis. DK’s half backs are a class act with scrum half Jordan Brookes as sharp as a tack and fly half Gareth Bown’s sublime handling and passing both key elements in the decisive win.

DK were 0-5 up after only 2 minutes when a perfectly judged chip to the corner from Jordan Brookes following a lineout was collected at pace by left wing Chris Kinsella who scored in the corner. After 7 minutes DK scored again when quick ruck ball from Jordan Brookes and good hands found Jak Davis arriving at pace to outstrip the cover for an excellent try and 0-10. Lichfield tried hard to redress the balance but were again undone after 15 minutes by a wonderful try. Jak Davis picked up a loose ball near the Lich 10m line and his sheer pace and acceleration left the Lich cover in tatters as he sprinted in for the try to make it 0-15.

It was no surprise when DK went further ahead on 28 minutes. They had put Lichfield under tremendous pressure and though they had defended bravely a huge rolling maul direct from a lineout saw DK skipper and No 8 Dan Hawkins driven over for a fourth try to make it 0-20. Lichfield never gave up and had a good spell of pressure on the DK line just before half time but were unable to move the maul forward and DK regained possession. A great chip forward from Jordan Brookes had the Lichfield cover in disarray yet again, the ball was spread wide to Matt Grove whose well timed pass sent in right wing Chris Kinsella for DK’s fifth try (0-25) on the stroke of half time.

Half Time: LICHFIELD 0 DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 25

Lichfield began the second half with renewed vigour. They had a 2 to 1 situation on the left wing in the opening minutes but a forward pass ruined what would have been a certain scoring opportunity. Lichfield squandered two further clear scoring opportunities before a great chip and chase from Jak Davis saw DK suddenly at the other end again. From the ruck skipper Dan Hawkins picked up and fed Stef Shillingford, the powerful centre bounced off two tackles to score a fine try wide out after 41 minutes to make it 0-30 and totally deflate Lich who had up until then made all the early second half running.

With the game won and lost, both sides rang the changes but DK remained firmly in control and after a concerted spell of heavy pressure DK scored a fine seventh try. Quick ruck ball from replacement scrum half Joe Kennedy and superb hands from Gareth Bown to Stefan Shillingford brilliantly bisect the Lichfield centres and power on 25m for a memorable try to make it 0-35 after 66 minutes.

What was perhaps the try of the game was left until last. Lichfield had knocked on inside the DK 22 and using the advantage Mike Griffiths received the ball at least 80m from the Lichfield goal line. The multi-talented flanker not only handed off at least three adversaries but then powered on to the line leaving the Lichfield cover floundering in his wake. p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 12th April National Colts Cup Semi Final

Nuneaton 14 Dudley Kingswinford 5

Dudley-K: 15 Jak Davis, 14 Andy Hill, 13 Gareth Bown, 12 Stefan Shillingford, 11 Chris Kinsella, 10 Jordan Brookes, 9 Joe Kennedy, 1 Richard Kelly, 2 Tom Lockley, 3 Stefan Thorpe, 4 Mike Gledhill, 5 Joe Francis, 6 Chris Bartley, 7 Mike Griffiths, 8 Dan Hawkins (Capt). Reps: 16 Josh Bissell, 17 Karl Lockley, 18 Richard Creswell, 19 Ben Henn, 20 Jack Grosvenor, 21 Matt Grove, 22 Mark Cartwright.

DK Colt’s dream of reaching the National Colts Cup Final is finally over after they were deservedly beaten by Nuns in a dour, tense Semi Final tie at Liberty Way. Heavy rain just prior to kick off had made the conditions treacherous for both sides and the most familiar sound all afternoon was that of the referees whistle as the teams struggled for continuity in the mire. The visitor’s main problem was their discipline. All Nun’s points in the game, apart for a neat drop goal from fly half Tom Short, came from DK’s unforced errors - two penalties and an absolute gift of a try - whereas the visitors did not have one kick at goal during the whole game, a testament perhaps to Nun’s discipline under pressure

Both defences were superb on the day and tries were always going to be in short supply but Nun’s number 10 Tom Short was a controlling influence for the hosts, keeping them on the front foot in the first half and relieving pressure with some astute kicking during the second period. DK were a little too frantic in the first half and the penalty count against them was horrendous, about three to one which meant they found it difficult to build concerted pressure. Then, just when they looked as if they might be getting on top, lock Joe Francis was yellow carded for a late tackle and they lost momentum.

Despite giving too many penalties away, the DK pack stuck grimly to the task and when they got it right, drove Nun’s backwards frequently in the loose. The back row of Mike Griffiths, Chris Bartley and skipper Dan Hawkins worked very hard throughout. The backs were a little disappointing, inaccurate passing often slowed the passage of the ball enabling the Nun’s defence to effectively counter most DK threats. Stef Shillingford might have caused many more problems for the home side with his incisive running given better ball. As it was full back Jak Davis was the pick of the backs, his positional play was superb and when Nun’s engineered their one and only clear cut three-quarter’s chance of the game, it was Jak that came to the rescue with a comprehensive tackle into touch.

DK dominated the opening minutes of the game keeping Nuns penned into their own half. On nine minutes with DK attacking strongly the ref missed a fairly obvious Nun’s knock-on in their 22 and with the ball loose on the ground a defender managed to hoof it down to the other end. In the ensuing ruck DK were penalised for coming in from the side and fly half Tom Short kicked Nuns 3-0 ahead. After an even five minutes or so DK were penalised again for pulling down a maul but Short was wide with the penalty attempt. Needless penalties, especially at the base of the scrum, put DK under more pressure and from one after 20 minutes; the Nun’s pack drove forward enough for the ball to be fed back to Tom Short in the pocket to skilfully drop a goal from 25m making it 6-0 to Nuns.

DK desperate to make their mark then committed a cardinal sin. What was already bad ball from a ruck inside their own 22 and should have been cleared immediately was instead flung out wildly to the left and though the pass was rescued a second equally wild pass then went to ground and Nun’s right winger Brett Chatwin had the easiest of tasks to exploit the situation, tapping the ball forward over the line to score. The conversion was missed but DK somehow found themselves 11-0 down on the half hour without the home side having to make one really incisive attack. Nuns gained visibly in confidence and when Tom Short kicked a second penalty after 36 minutes to make it 14-0, DK needed a big second half.

Half Time: NUNEATON COLTS 14 DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD COLTS 0

DK changed their backs around after the break with Jordan Brookes at his preferred position of scrum half, Gareth Bown back at fly half and Karl Lockley was brought on at outside centre. Whilst this should theoretically have improved things with players back in their favoured positions, in practice, due perhaps to a little rustiness in those positions, it did not initially improve things much. With DK coming to terms with their changes, Nuns a carried on from where they had left off. They pounded the DK line for the first 15 minutes of the second half but DK’s redoubtable defence held them very well for the most part until after 50 minutes a fine three-quarter move from Nuns looked to have breached the DK rearguard with the Nun’s left winger with a seemingly clear run to the line. Enter Jak Davis (who else?) with a superb, trademark, try saving tackle a metre out from the line.

This seemed to galvanise DK and suddenly it was Nun’s turn to defend in depth as DK poured forward in an attempt to salvage the game. A superb 40m break from Stef Shillingford split the Nun’s cover as he passed out to Andy Hill, but a tremendous last gasp covering tackle from a Nun’s defender put the right winger into touch. DK kept up the momentum but the Nun’s defence stood firm until the 63rd minute when Josh Bissell who had come on in the front row and had the desired impact with a powerful barging run to score after heavy pressure from the DK pack.

DK redoubled their efforts but were unable to break down a solid Nun’s defence despite coming very close on a couple of occasions towards the end. However Nuneaton fully deserved their victory and the very best of luck to them in the final against Bedford Blues. DK’s support on the day was fantastic despite the DK First XV being at home, they outnumbered the home support by about 3:1. The spirit in this DK Colts side was epitomised by young hooker Daryl Evans who must have been bitterly disappointed in not making the squad, but kept himself occupied throughout by orchestrating the DK “Community Singing” in the red stand, though a couple of the ditties would have made Wolfy Smith blush!

North Midlands Cup Semi Final - 29th March 2008

Moseley 5 - Dudley Kingswinford 10

The boys from DK moved into the final of the North Midlands Colts Cup with a superb battling performance over a game Moseley side at Billesley Common. A fine win over their bogey side, played in atrocious conditions saw the Dudley Kingswinford Colts reach the final of the cup for the fourth year in succession. The Mark Lockley, Neil Shillingford coached team will be hoping to bring home the silver ware in the final to be played against local rival Stourbridge.

The game played at the home of National league one side Moseley on Saturday kicked off in conditions not fit for sport, but to their credit the DK lads gave their all in securing the win. Playing with the strong wind and rain in the first half the DK side battered the home team from the off and despite conceding several penalties for over eager play camped in the home half for the majority of the early exchanges.

After ten minutes, good driving play from the visiting forwards was rewarded with a string of penalties and from a kick to the corner by fly half Jordan Brookes the resulting line out gave the away team an opportunity to execute the catch and drive and hooker Tom Lockley emerged from the bottom of the pile with the important first score. The conversion from way out on the right was superbly kicked by Jordan Brookes and a lead of 7- 0 was thoroughly deserved.

The half continued in the same vein with the home side hanging on via good defence and a series of unfortunate missed chances until another penalty concede for holding on in the tackle was punished by the visitors outside half Jordan Brookes to move the score on to 10 – 0 to DK.

More attacking play followed and from a deep foray into Moseley territory a missed tackle allowed the home team to break pout and after several passes a score in the corner resulted. The conversion against the strong wind never threatened but the warning of what was to come was served. At the half a feeling of a ten point lead may not be prove to be enough for the away side. This thought however had not been shared with the boys in blue as from the kick off they controlled possession and took the game right to the heart of the home side who must gave been confident of the win.

The visitors powerful pack then kicked into gear and from each line out and scrummage they continually drove hard into their opponents, giving them no chance to attack using the ever strengthening wing and slope advantage. Whenever the home side did get ball to run they where met with bone shuddering tackle after tackle by the DK backs. The only opportunity the Moseley team had to cut the deficit was from a missed penalty by the home fly half at the mid point of the second period. The majority of the game was played in mid field and the visitors line was never clearly in danger. Despite a second half that had over 9 minutes of time added by a somewhat fussy referee, the DK boys repelled all that the home side had to offer and at the final whistle the delight at beating a Moseley team on their home patch for the first time for several seasons was clear for all to see.

This win should put the Dudley Kingswinford team in good heart for their upcoming National Colts Cup Semi Final away to Nuneaton on April 12th.

North Midlands Colts Cup Final DK Vs Stourbridge – Venue and Date tba.

National Colts Cup Quarter Final - Sunday 16th March 2008

Dudley Kingswinford Colts 17 Vs Colchester 5

Dudley-K: 15 Jak Davis, 14 Matt Grove, 13 Gareth Bown, 12 Stefan Shillingford, 11 Andy Hill, 10 Jordan Brookes, 9 Joe Kennedy, 1 Richard Kelly, 2 Tom Lockley, 3 Stefan Thorpe, 4 Mike Gledhill, 5 Joe Francis, 6 Chris Bartley, 7 Mike Griffiths, 8 Dan Hawkins (Capt). Reps: 16 Josh Bissell, 17 Daryl Evans, 18 Chris Kinsella, 19 Richard Gresswell, 20 Gianni Patannis, 21 Ben Henn, 22 Jack Grosvenor.

Another full house at Heathbrook saw DK Colts march on into the National Colts Cup Semi Final with a thrilling victory over a very good Colchester side who had previously swept all before them, winning all 17 of their games to date this season. A record crowd for a DK Colt's game of between 5/600 people saw a super game between two very committed sides. The Colchester team, supporters and management were a credit to their club, they arrived in numbers, cheered their lads every move and were magnanimous in defeat. Though the Colchester lads probably enjoyed 65% plus territory and possession during the game, they foundered on the indomitable rock that is the DK pack and the tremendous, aggressive defence of every single one of the DK boys. The referee Marcus Greenway controlled the game well, very clear in his decisions and quick to quell the inevitable little flashpoints towards the end.

The was only one change in DK's starting XV, with Gareth Bown, normally a fly half, replacing Karl Lockley (who is in Australia) at outside centre. Considering his lack of rugby due to injury this season and being out of position, Gareth did very well and was a crucially important part of DK's defensive efforts with several disruptive big hits. The silky skills of fellow centre Stefan Shillingford always made DK a threat on the break and he gave DK the best possible start with a super early try, but it was in defence that DK really shone. No one came past half backs Joe Kennedy and Jordan Brookes and full back Jak Davis, try provider in the previous round turned try saver with one incredible second half tackle in the corner when Colchester looked certain to score.

The visitors had a big, mobile pack but they must have had a very unpleasant surprise as they were unceremoniously shoved backwards in the first scrum and the vast majority of those that followed it! DK are so strong in this area that they were able to seamlessly change the whole front row in the second half with absolutely no signs of weakness. As well as the truly heroic exploits of the front five, the back row of Chris Bartley, skipper Dan Hawkins and Mike Griffiths were pretty awesome too. Mike Griffiths in particular had the game of his life at open-side flanker taking the majority of the lineout ball and making an incredible number of tackles in the game. The fact that he was named by the opposition as DK?s best player says it all.

Colchester made a lively start and the early minutes were played in the DK half. They were rocked back on their heels however by a DK try out of the blue after just 6 minutes. In DK's first real attack into the visitor?s half Stefan Shillingford hoisted a huge up and under from just over halfway and as the ball descended at speed, the Colchester cover made a hash of controlling it as the DK backs converged en-masse, the ball ran loose over the goal line for Stef Shillingford, following up his own kick to touch down a fine individual try wide out. A super conversion from Jordan Brookes saw DK lead by 7-0. If Colchester, who are probably not at all used to falling behind this season, seemed stunned by the reversal, they were doubly so three minutes later when DK scored a second try. Colchester had been penalised for not releasing and Jordan Brookes kicked for the corner. DK then executed an almost perfect catch and drive, effortlessly sweeping the Colchester pack back over their own line for their very happy loose head prop Richard Kelly to emerge from under the pile of bodies to claim the touchdown. The try was unconverted and DK now led 12-0.

DK were playing with a strong breeze at their backs but Colchester, despite being two tries down were very much in the game and came back strongly, however they didn?t move the ball wide very often and were possibly guilty of trying far too much individually, meat and drink to the well drilled DK cover. After their efforts came to nothing DK hit them with a third try after 28 minutes. Colchester had a lineout 5m out from their goal line but their jumper, under pressure from Mike Griffiths, tapped the ball down back over the goal line where quick thinking DK flanker Chris Bartley was on it like a flash for another unconverted try to increase the DK lead to 17-0. Again Colchester took the game to their hosts but their laborious attacks were comfortably repulsed up to half time.

Half Time: DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 17 COLCHESTER 0

Now with the increasingly strong breeze against them, DK had to dig deep. They spent the first 20 minutes of the half on or close to their own line but the resolute DK rearguard stood firm under pressure with the visitor?s becoming more and more frustrated at their inability to penetrate a rock solid DK defence. A brilliant try saving tackle in the corner from full back Jak Davis on 53 minutes denied Colchester a try but the visitors had a stroke of fortune on 57 minutes when, in possession, a DK player unaccountably threw out a wild pass that hit the ground 5m out from the DK line. The Colchester skipper and loose head prop James Michell was quick to pounce, scoop up the loose ball and sprint over for an opportunist try. Centre David Higgins hit a post with the conversion attempt but Colchester were still in the game at 17-5 down.

Colchester re-doubled their efforts but DK, perhaps slightly miffed at conceding a try from an unforced error, did not let it happen again and as the minutes ticked away they again assumed control with replacement prop Josh Bissell to the fore, playing an excellent cameo role with several 'hard yard' trundles through the tiring Colchester pack. To be the side to end Colchester?s superb unbeaten run in some style was a fantastic achievement. Well done lads!

The other Semi Finalists are: London Welsh, Bedford Blues and Nuneaton - Draw Tues 18th March. The Semi Finals are to be played on the weekend of 12th/13th April.

1st Round Sun 16/10/07 DK 30 Vs Burton 14

2nd Round Sun 21/10/07 DK 38 Vs Rugby Lions 7

3rd Round Sun 18/11/07 DK 51 Vs Stourbridge 5

4th Round Sun 20/01/08 DK 10 Vs Market Bosworth 0

5th Round Sun 24/02/08 DK 10 Vs Doncaster 3

Qtr Final Sun 16/03/08 DK 17 Vs Colchester 5

p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

National Colts Cup Round 5 - Sunday 24th February 2008

DUDLEY-K COLTS 10 Vs DONCASTER ACADEMY 3

Dudley-K: 15 Jak Davis, 14 Matt Grove, 13 Karl Lockley, 12 Stefan Shillingford, 11 Andy Hill, 10 Jordan Brookes, 9 Joe Kennedy, 1 Richard Kelly, 2 Tom Lockley, 3 Stefan Thorpe, 4 Mike Gledhill, 5 Joe Francis, 6 Chris Bartley, 7 Mike Griffiths, 8 Dan Hawkins. Reps: 16 Josh Bissell, 17 Mark Cartwright, 18 Ben Henn, 19 Adam Hill, 20 Jack Grosvenor, 21 Simon Dutton, 22 Sam Cooper.

An incredible last gasp try from centre Stefan Shillingford following a superb 70m break out of the DK 22 from full back Jak Davis rescued what had been a pretty desperate defensive situation and enabled DK's Colts to deservedly continue their tremendous National Colts Cup run and reach the heady heights of the last eight of the National Colts Cup Competition at the expense of their gifted opponents, the richly talented Doncaster Academy side. The game was played in front of DK's easily biggest crowd for any game this season, an estimated 450/500 people, a fitting tribute to the fine side that Mark Lockley, Neil Shillingford and their committed band of proud Dads have put together. To play and beat the likes of Doncaster Academy, who are supported by the huge resources of the National League 1 high flyers, is a real achievement, though in fact DK have never actually lost to Doncaster at home, having also beaten their 1st XV twice in National Div 3 North in recent years with a certain Shaun Perry having a rather decent game at scrum half! Those were the days!

The sides were pretty evenly matched throughout, with DK controlling the lion's share of the first half territory and possession, whilst their visitors Doncaster did much the same in the second period. DK's backs though always had the edge on the break and they had several clear cut first half chances to score, but after having squandered at least two golden opportunities, they lost and were unable to regain the initiative for a long time, as they struggled to escape from their own half for much of the second period. DK's second half difficulties stemmed in the main, from their normally clinical and efficient lineout ball being regularly and successfully disrupted by Doncaster, thereby losing out on arguably the most valuable attacking ball in modern rugby. Late on into the second half Doncaster for their part seemed happy to hog the territory and settle for what would have been under the rules of the competition, a winning draw. A pretty reasonable tactic perhaps until the DK lads hit them with what was to be the ultimate sucker punch - a converted try in the last minute - with little more than seconds remaining and no time to respond.

Doncaster were quick out of the blocks and the home side had their work cut out to contain them in a frenzied opening few minutes. The visitor's fly half Mark Steadman put them 3-0 up after 7 minutes after DK encroached beyond the back foot of the Doncaster scrum. As DK began to settle, their formidable scrummage began to take just a modicum of ambition out of the visiting forwards in the set, in fact over a fairly short period of time it seriously blunted their edge. A good forward platform certainly aided Stefan Shillingford's superb 11th minute break, continued apace by Karl Lockley into the Doncaster 22, it had the home crowd buzzing as Doncaster desperately conceded a lineout, but the ball was lost in the set piece and the chance was gone.

DK continued to make inroads and fly half Jordan Brookes levelled the scores at 3-3 after 16 minutes when Doncaster were offside in front of their posts. A brilliant break from fly half Jordan Brookes on 22 minutes saw the ball swiftly moved down the line to the right wing but Andy Hill was just unable to hold the ball 3 metres from the visitor's line. A great break from full back Jak Davis and a pin-point pass from Karl Lockley on the half hour again opened up the Doncaster defence but this time left wing Matt Grove just failed to hold a scoring pass. DK would have been disappointed to go in at half time with the scores still level as they had dominated both territory and possession for long periods of the game.

Half Time: DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD COLTS 3 DONCASTER ACADEMY 3

With both defences on top there was a sterile period of play for the first 15 minutes of the second half; DK had a penalty chance to take the lead on 50 minutes but Jordan Brooke's kick drifted narrowly wide. Doncaster also had a chance to lead when a DK late tackle was penalised after 62 minutes but Mark Steadman was also unable to hit the target. Doncaster, for all their second half control of territory had never actually posed too much of a threat to the DK line, but as an away draw would suffice for them they seemed content to play out time - always a dangerous strategy as the final seconds were to prove!

The visitors did finally begin to push for a conclusive score and in stoppage time their well drilled pack drove ominously towards the DK line. A costly error saw them lose the ball forward and DK immediately swept the ball out wide to full back Jak Davis hitting the line at pace. The diminutive winger sped 70m up the left touchline before being hauled down by a desperate last ditch tackle but crucially he managed to flick the ball inside and his supporting centre Stefan Shillingford did marvellously well to pick up the loose ball and evade the quickly converging Doncaster cover to sprint the remaining 15m or so to touch down the winning try wide out on the left hand goal line. Jordan Brookes added a fine conversion from touch to add another glorious chapter to an already super season for the DK Colts XV.

The Quarter Finals are to be played on Saturday 15th or Sunday 16th March 2008 and the competition enters the National phase. Another home draw would be nice, Bedford Blues, London Welsh or Rosslyn Park perhaps. Bring 'em on!!

Match report courtesy of Pete Stinton (p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk)

Pictures courtesy of Ian Jackson

Colts National Cup - 5th Round Results

Midlands & North

Nuneaton 41- 0 Huddersfield

Worcester Wanderers 0 - 44 Bedford Blues

Dudley Kingswinford 10 - 3 Doncaster Academy

Caldy 18 - 14 Darlington

London & South West

Torquay 25 - 23 Shelford

Colchester 13 - 10 Rosslyn Park

London Welsh 29 - 3 Widden Old Boys

Longlevens 11 - 15 Oldfield Old Boys

National Colts Cup Round 4 - Sunday 20th January 2008

DUDLEY-K COLTS 10 Vs MKT BOSWORTH COLTS 0

Dudley-K: 15 Jak Davis, 14 Chris Kinsella, 13 Karl Lockley, 12 Stefan Shillingford, 11 Andy Hill, 10 Jordan Brookes, 9 Joe Kennedy, 1 Richard Kelly, 2 Tom Lockley, 3 Stefan Thorpe, 4 Mike Gledhill, 5 Joe Francis, 6 Chris Bartley, 7 Mike Griffiths, 8 Dan Hawkins. Reps: 16 Josh Bissell, 17 Mark Cartwright, 18 Ben Hen, 19 Adam Hill, 20 Jack Grosvenor, 21 Simon Dutton, 22 Sam Cooper. (Colts - 35 mins each way)

DK Colts have reached the last 16 of the National Colts Cup competition for the first time, by defeating a strong Market Bosworth Colts side in a dour, hard fought contest before a large crowd of around 450 people at Heathbrook. They scored two tries, one in each half to end a strong challenge from their talented East Midland visitors.

The side will now enter the national phase of the competition along with 3 other sides from the Midlands Division, 4 from the Northern Division, 4 from the London Division and 4 from the South & South West Division with Round 5 due to be played on Saturday 23rd February. The draw for the 5th round is on Tuesday (22nd Jan) and the club are hoping for another home draw.

DK Colt's success has been very much a team effort - any side run by Mark Lockley and Neil Shillingford is unlikely to contain too many "stars" or prima donnas! The unsung "donkeys" of the second row however, Mike Gledhill and Joe Francis, along with open side Mike Griffiths, were superb in the lineout. They won both their own ball and several of the opposition throws. Centre Stef Shillinford's hands were like flypaper, handling the difficult, greasy ball with ease, even under pressure and his booming touch kicks were straight out of the textbook.

The game began in damp, dismal conditions and it rained intermittently throughout, making handling difficult for both sides. Considering the poor conditions, the handling and tackling of both sides was exemplary and a great advert for Colts rugby in general. The strength of the DK forward pack was immediately apparent when MB attempted a catch and drive from an early lineout and were unceremoniously bundled several metres backwards. The home pressure continued unabated and MB were forced into infringing and conceding penalties to counter the rampaging home pack.

DK had a couple of very kickable first half penalties but opted for catch and drives inside the visitor's 22 only to be thwarted by some excellent cover defence from MB. Indeed the visitor's line led a charmed life as DK camped on it on several occasions only to then concede a penalty when a score looked imminent.

DK finally broke the deadlock after 31 minutes when after incessant heavy pressure on the MB line the ball was moved quickly to the open side where right wing Chris Kinsella neatly chipped the cover for left wing Andy Hill to catch on the burst and touch down an unconverted try in the corner for DK to lead 5-0.

Half Time: DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 5 MARKET BOSWORTH 0

Market Bosworth started the second half in determined fashion and their hitherto hard pressed pack came to life, making the home side defend in depth for the first time in the game. It was at this stage that DK?s lineout strength proved crucial, winning a couple of MB throws in the DK 22.

DK weathered the storm well and when MB lost their big loose head prop Sam Chantrell to injury midway through the half DK again began to make inroads and dominate. A superb punt upfield from Stef Shillingford was picked up by the MB full back but he was flattened by DK's full back Jak Davis who had followed up the kick at pace. The DK pack secured the ball and drove forward towards the line but somehow the mean MB defence managed to stifle the danger and clear.

The pressure had to tell and when Mike Griffiths stole an MB lineout throw inside the 22 after 56 minutes, No 8 Dan Hawkins was driven over by his pack to make the game safe for DK. MB rallied again but DK were firmly in the driving seat now and played out the remainder of the game without mishap to earn their place in the 5th round.

Match report courtesy of Pete Stinton (p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk)

DK Colts National Cup Run

1st Round Sun 16/10/07 DK 30 Vs Burton 14

2nd Round Sun 21/10/07 DK 38 Vs Rugby Lions 7

3rd Round Sun 18/11/07 DK 51 Vs Stourbridge 5

4th Round Sun 20/01/08 DK 10 Vs Market Bosworth 0

5th Round Sun 24/02/08 DK 10 Vs Doncaster Academy 3

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