Match Reports 2007 - 2008

All match reports courtesy of Peter Stinton Snr up to and including Newport on 24th November.

Pre Season Matches; Dunstablians (h); Bedford Athletic (a); Broadstreet (a); Luctonians (h); Peterborough (a); Luctonians (h) replay; Loughborough Students (h); South Leicester (a); Longton (h); Kenilworth (a); Bedford Athletic Cup (a) Newport (h) Scunthorpe (a) Kenilworth (h) Longton (a); Stourbridge (a); South Leicester (h); Loughborough Students (a); Derby (a); Peterborough (h); Luctonians (a); University College Worcester (h); Broadstreet (h); Bedford Athletic (h); Dunstablians (a); Scunthorpe (h); Newport (a)

Saturday 19th April - Midlands 1

Newport 53 - Dudley Kingswinford 12

PLEASE NOTE: The match report printed below reflects the view of the writer only and may not necessarily reflect the views of the DKRFC management or coaching staff and is not for the faint-hearted.

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 Ian Gowland (Capt), 14 Ryan Wickets, 13 Tom Weaver, 12 Stefan Shillingford, 11 Nigel Francis, 10 Gareth Bown, 9 Jordan Brookes, 8 Andy McEwen, 7 Tom McIntosh, 6 Chris Bartley, 5 Joe Francis, 4 Ben Connett, 3 Dan Shakespeare, 2 Adam Blackford, 1 Al Francis. Reps: 16 Stefan Thorpe, 17 Neil Chivers, 18 Tommy Huggins.

DK’s catastrophic season, quite easily the worst in their history, finally and thankfully came to an embarrassingly one-sided conclusion with yet another thrashing at Forton Road. The margin this time was by a whopping nine tries to two against an average Newport side that have themselves only just avoided relegation by the skin of their teeth after a late burst of five wins from their last seven games. The home side simply had to win this one to survive and how it showed! DK by contrast had nothing but pride to play for, but a disastrous opening twenty minutes saw them ship five tries. From the kick off they had looked like rabbits in the headlights as an appalling catalogue of basic errors allowed Newport to score their first three tries with little over five minutes played. Heads then inevitably dropped and for most of the game eager Newport were at times seemingly able to turn the ball over almost at will.

The club’s demise this season is little short of remarkable, runners up last season and arguably a little unlucky to lose the playoff game, the current season seemed likely to be one of high promise. An unprecedented number of injuries throughout the campaign have certainly taken their toll and DK have rarely been able to field a settled side but besides injuries, the loss of quality backs Eddie Smith, Gareth Davies both retiring and Andy McLellan (to Kidderminster) and forwards Pete Knight (Stour), Richard Port (Wolves) and Dan Chesham (illness) has cost the club dear. With very little recruitment activity evident last summer, the chickens, as they say have come home to roost!

There were seven changes to the side that lost to Scunthorpe last week. Coaches Neil Shillingford and Mark Lockley brought in six of the Colts side Jordan Brookes (SH), Gareth Bown (FH) and Stefan Shillingford (IC) in the backs and Chris Bartley (BF), Joe Francis (SR) and Stefan Thorpe (bench). Ryan Wickets was on the right wing. Whilst there was almost nothing to enthuse about in DK’s performance, the youngsters in general did well. Chris Bartley and Joe Francis strove hard in the pack and Stefan Thorpe made a big impact at prop in the second half. Jordan Brookes had a competent game under pressure at scrum half.

A missed tackle followed by a charged down kick gave Newport their first try when the loose ball was picked up by loose head prop Morgan Kiernan for the pack to drive him over. DK had a couple of promising surges up the middle but lost the ball again for Newport to run it back at them. Good inter-passing between the backs saw fly half James Curgenven over to make it 10-0 after 4 minutes. On 6 minutes further loose play saw DK again lose possession from an unforced error, this time Fijian centre Tomasi Tanumi ran 40m virtually unopposed to score a third unconverted try making it 15-0.

Though somewhat shell-shocked by Newport’s opening salvo DK managed to hit back with a good try of their own after 16 minutes. From a ruck inside the Newport half quick ball from Jordan Brookes to Adam Blackford saw the hooker send in right wing Ryan Wickets under the posts. Jordan Brookes added the conversion to make it 15-7. From the kick off Newport surged straight up to the other end and hooker Phil Kaleta was driven over far too easily from a maul. Fly half James Curgenven added the extras for 22-7 after 18 minutes. A dropped ball in the centre led directly to Newport’s fifth try when the ball was swept out for former DK winger Mark Millward to run in unopposed. Curgenven again added the conversion for Newport to lead 29-7 after only 22 minutes. There then followed a lull in the scoring up until half time, DK managing to hold onto the ball a little better, due mainly to the sterling efforts of No 8 Andy McEwen and Ben Connet’s superb line out work.

Half Time: NEWPORT 29 DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 7

Newport’s tight head prop Craig Ingrams was at last yellow carded for killing the ball after 45 minutes, he had been lying all over it for most of the first half with impunity, not that it made much difference as Newport made it 36-7 after 52 minutes when a superb 60m break from centre Tomasi Tunami right through the middle of the DK cover was followed by an extravagant flipped pass back over his head for scrum half Jamie Simpson to score with ease. A seventh Newport try duly followed after 58 minutes, second row Micheal Woodhouse this time the recipient of DK’s largesse after yet another ball was lost in the tackle. James Curgenven converted for 43-7. DK had sent on their replacements and another debutant prop Stefan Thorpe made an almost instantaneous impact as he blasted an opening in the Newport defence for fellow Colt Chris Bartley to score on his debut to make it 43-12.

Newport though had the bit between their teeth and scored a couple further tries before the end. Firstly a poor defensive kick was fielded by full back Watsoni Legeti who ghosted past four defenders to score after 78 minutes (48-12), then in stoppage time neat interplay inside the DK 22 culminated in No 8 George Armitage touching down Newport’s 9th try to hack the last wheel off the DK wagon and the home side over the 50 points mark at 53-12

DK’s next game is the North Midlands Cup Semi Final against Hereford (away) to be confirmed. p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 12th April - Midlands 1

Dudley Kingswinford 24 Scunthorpe 49

PLEASE NOTE: The match report printed below reflects the view of the writer only and may not necessarily reflect the views of the DKRFC management or coaching staff and is not for the faint-hearted.

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 Ian Gowland (Capt), 14 Liam Reynolds 13 Tom Weaver, 12 Mike Jones, 11 Nigel Francis, 10 Tom Bissell, 9 Alan Mitchell, 8 Andy McEwen, 7 Tom McIntosh, 6 Rob Chivers, 5 Jamie Harding, 4 Ben Connett, 3 Dan Shakespeare, 2 Neil Chivers, 1 Al Francis. Reps: 16 Paul Coles, 17 James Bullock, 18 Simon Fletcher.

Already Midlands 1 Wooden Spoonists, DK duly confirmed their status at the bottom of the pile by being soundly beaten at home by second bottom club Scunthorpe who are also relegated. At least both sides tried to throw the ball about, resulting in eleven tries being scored, seven tries to four in Scunthorpe’s favour. DK were always second best in the set scrums and were unable to maintain any concerted pressure.

Scunthorpe had the better ball to play with throughout and Scunny’s left winger Viamoso Rewiti, always a handful, scored a couple of tries and made a couple more with his incisive running skills. Centre Tom Foster scored a hat trick of tries for the visitors as they ran away with the game in the last quarter. Nigel Francis and replacement centre Simon Fletcher scored DK’s tries with a brace apiece.

DK made several changes for the game Liam Reynolds came in for Ryan Wickets on the right wing and Tom Weaver for Simon Fletcher in the centre. Scrum half Alan Mitchell replaced Tommy Huggins at scrum half and by all accounts played very well. Al Francis was at loosehead prop, replacing Paul Coles and Neil Chivers stood in at hooker for Adam Blackford. With Ian Langford still injured the back row was Rob Chivers (6), Tom McIntosh (7) and Andy McEwen (8). The bench was made up of Paul Coles, James Bullock and Simon Fletcher.

This week’s Match Report courtesy of Scunthorpe RFC:

Scunthorpe travelled to the West Midlands for the battle of the basement in Midlands division One and managed to a handsome win by 49 points to 24.

The Greens fielded virtually the same side that started the NLD cup final the previous week, with the exception of James Fisher on the right wing in place of the injured Callum Davies.

With both teams condemned to relegation and with only pride at stake the ball was chucked about giving the spectators a feast of open rugby. The only surprise was that it took until the 20th minute for the opening score to arrive. Although Scunthorpe had the better of possession and territory, it was the home side that crossed the line first when an overlap was created on the left wing for Nigel Francis to cross. The conversion was missed and it took The Greens only three minutes to respond when Rewiti Viamoso received possession on half way and evaded all pursuers for a try half way in from touch. Tim Robinson struck the conversion and Scunthorpe were in the lead at 7 points to 5.

On the half hour Viamoso again created havoc from possession inside his own half before feeding Tom Foster who ran in the try. Robinson again added the extras. The same combination struck again 4 minutes later but this time Robinson was unable to convert from wide out. With an advantage of 19 points to 5 the Heslam Park boys were looking good but Dudley were also playing their part in an entertaining game and once again it was Nigel Francis that got away down the left flank to finish under the posts for an easy conversion for Tom Bissell. As half-time approached, Tom Foster completed his hat-trick when once more he combined with Viamoso for another outstanding try. Robinson added the extras to take his team into the break leading by 26 points to 12.

The home team came out for the second half with added conviction and their reward was a try after just 2 minutes of play for replacement centre Simon Fletcher. Tom Bissell kicked the conversion and at 26 points to 19 it was “game on” with only one score separating the two sided. Robinson kicked a penalty after eleven minutes before Viamoso again made his presence felt and scored after 15 minutes. Robinson tagged on the extras and The Greens had a cushion at 36 points to 19. The Midlanders refused to lie down and once more Simon Fletcher crossed following a powerful run down the left touchline with little margin for error.

Scunthorpe did however close out the game with another Robinson penalty and late tries from James Fisher and Benn Fawcett. DK’s next game is Newport (away) on Sat April 19th (2 weeks). p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 29th March - Midlands 1

Dunstablains 27 - Dudley Kingswinford 0

PLEASE NOTE: The match report printed below reflects the view of the writer only and may not necessarily reflect the views of the DKRFC management or coaching staff and is not for the faint-hearted.

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 Ian Gowland (Capt), 14 Ryan Wickets 13 Simon Fletcher, 12 Mike Jones, 11 Nigel Francis, 10 Tom Bissell, 9 Tommy Huggins, 8 Tom McIntosh, 7 Rob Chivers, 6 Neil Chivers, 5 Jamie Harding, 4 Ben Connett, 3 Al Francis, 2 Adam Blackford, 1 Paul Coles. Reps: 16 Dan Shakespeare, 17 Pete Booth, 18 Allan Mitchell.

A severely depleted DK lost their 17th league game out of 20 in what must surely be their worst ever season. Despite a battling performance, Dunstablians who are third from bottom of Midlands 1 and in real danger of relegation themselves, were far too strong for their visitors and ran out comfortable winners on the day. Playing with the strong breeze first half DK were only 0-5 down at half time but they were hampered by the loss of scrum half Tommy Huggins (rib injury) after only 10 minutes, they also struggled badly against the elements in the second half enabling Dees to score a further four tries and record a comprehensive win. To add to their woes DK also lost winger Ryan Wickets to a neck and back injury in the second half that required hospital treatment; hopefully it will not prove to be too serious.

With Andy McEwen on holiday, Ian Langford and James Bullock were still recovering from injury, DK were short of senior back row players but the Chivers twins Rob and Neil worked hard on the flanks alongside No 8 Tom McIntosh for little reward. With DK locks Shaun Griffiths and Ollie Shakespeare both out for the season, young Jamie Harding partnered Ben Connett in the second row. One welcome returnee to the pack was Adam Blackford at hooker. The backs had skipper Ian Gowland at full back and brought in Ryan Wickets on the right wing.

DK started the game with the strong wind at their backs but though they put together some decent moves, it was extremely hard work against a strong Dees pack. There were a couple of half chances but in the main DK were second best in the forward exchanges and when their backs did get the ball they were well marshalled by the home cover.

As the game progressed it became clear that DK would need at least couple of scores before half time if they were to have any chance at all in the game. As it was the home side gradually assumed forward domination and towards half time they began to make serious inroads into the DK defence. On 35 minutes and after several close attempts No 8 Mark Kearns scored an unconverted try from a rolling maul to make it 5-0. DK held on for the final few minutes but it was obvious they were going to be in for a tough second period.

Half Time: DUNSTABLIANS 5 - DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 0

Initially DK held several surges from the home side but when skipper blindside flanker Brendan Clarke crossed from another rolling maul after 54 minutes to make it 10-0, the writing was on the wall for the visitors. On the hour Dees again attacked strongly and the ball spun wide to left wing Kevin Boland who scored out wide to make it 15-0. DK conceded a fourth try almost immediately when the ball was again whipped out left, this time second row Byron Odell found himself in the three-quarter line and crashed over close in to make it 20-0 after 62 minutes

DK had no answer to the continual pressure and Dee’s replacement Charlie Nissen touched down their fifth try after another backs move on 65 minutes, replacement back Toby Henry converted to make it 25-0. To their credit DK plugged away in defence and with the match won Dees were unable to break the line again in the last 15 minutes.

The gloom currently surrounding Heathbrook was however lifted somewhat by news of a superb 5-10 win by DK’s Colts at Moseley in the North Midlands Colts Cup Semi Final with a try from hooker Tom Lockley and a conversion and a penalty from fly half Jordan Brookes. They will now meet Stourbridge Colts in the final (Venue and date tba).

DK’s next game is Scunthorpe (home) on Sat April 12th (2 weeks). p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 8th March 2008 - Midlands 1

Dudley Kingswinford 5 - Bedford Athletic 35

PLEASE NOTE: The match report printed below reflects the view of the writer only and may not necessarily reflect the views of the DKRFC management or coaching staff and is not for the faint-hearted.

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 Simon Fletcher, 14 Ian Gowland (Capt), 13 Mike Jones, 12 Tom Weaver, 11 Nigel Francis, 10 Tom Bissell, 9 Tommy Huggins, 8 Andy McEwen, 7 James Bullock, 6 Tom McIntosh, 5 Dan Shakespeare, 4 Ben Connett, 3 Al Francis, 2 Neil Chivers, 1 Paul Coles. Reps: 16 Rob Chivers, 17 Ryan Wickets, 18 Jamie Harding.

When it seems that things can’t possibly get any worse, they invariably do! DK lost their most influential player Ian Langford, who turned his ankle in the warm-up prior to the kick off, prompting an emergency shake-up in the pack. Prop Dan Shakespeare went into the second row in place of Tom McIntosh (already an emergency second row!) who replaced Langford in the back row. Despite the disruptions, the DK pack looked much better as a unit than they did last week against Broadstreet. Territory and possession were pretty evenly shared; in fact the DK forwards dominated these areas for long periods in the second half but the DK backs, who once again could not be faulted for effort, lacked the flair and pace of the Ath back line, thus creating little to threaten the visitors very adequate defence.

In addition to the enforced changes to the pack Paul Coles returned to the front row and in the backs Simon Fletcher was at full back replacing Cameron Pimlow (Worcester Academy commitments), Rob Chivers, Jamie Harding and Ryan Wickets made up the bench. Whilst there was generally very little to enthuse about, the DK pack stuck grimly to their task and could not be faulted. Andy McEwen was the DK Supporters Man of the Match for yet another tremendous all round performance, he has certainly made the No 8 position his own this season. Dan Shakespeare made a very good fist of playing second row, probably for the first time ever at senior level; Paul Coles also had a very good game in both loose and set.

Ath, with a strong breeze at their backs, began the game at a furious pace and DK scrum half Tommy Huggins did very well to steal the visitor’s ball at the base of a scum on the DK line in the opening seconds of the game. The home side were a little unlucky to concede the first try after 7 minutes when the referee missed a clear forward pass that enabled centre Ben Campbell to race through and score, evergreen fly half Ashley Tapper converting his first of five to give Ath a 0-7 lead. DK mounted a few attacks that were easily dealt with before Ath hit them with a second try after 16 minutes. Several forward drives on the DK line were repulsed but eventually centre Phil Elphick squeezed in at the corner and Tapper made it 0-14 with the conversion from the touchline.

DK tried very hard to make inroads but were hampered by a lack of cohesion in their backline with both poor handling and distribution; they were also giving far too many penalties away to maintain any kind of pressure. Tom Bissell missed a penalty against the strong breeze after 27 minutes before the Ath really started to put their foot on the gas. A scything, pacy break from the ever dangerous Ath right winger Simon Elphick on 32 minutes, cut right through the DK rearguard before he sent in fellow winger Fernley Simmonds for an excellent, length of the pitch score. Ashley Tapper’s third conversion made it 0-21. A score like that tends to sap confidence and Ath piled on even more pressure to be rewarded with a fourth try after 38 minutes when Player Coach and second row Peter Taylor was driven over from a rolling maul. The unerring Tapper slotted another difficult conversion to see Ath 0-28 up at the break.

Half Time: DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 0 BEDFORD ATHLETIC 28

Ath resumed the offensive after the break and a neat half break and inside pass from outside centre Phil Elphick set up another fine flowing move culminating in loose head prop Andy Grounds touching down their fifth try after 43 minutes. Ashley Tapper added his fifth conversion to make it 0-35 and a real hiding for the home side looked very much on at that stage.

DK though hit back straight from the kick off when a rare early and accurate ball reached Simon Fletcher in the centre, his fine 45m break and outside pass to Ian Gowland in space saw the DK skipper touch down in the right hand corner to make it 5-35 after 45 minutes. Strangely Ath seemed to lose some momentum after this and offered little further threat. For the final half hour DK had the bulk of territory and possession but were just unable to penetrate the visitor’s solid defence, it seemed as though every time the forwards made good ground with the ball, the backs somehow managed to lose it. They might have done better to concentrate attacks through their forwards who, despite the scoreline, had begun to dominate the exchanges.

DK had a very good opportunity to “win” the second half when Ath’s player coach and second row Peter Taylor was yellow carded on 73 minutes and DK awarded a penalty well inside the Ath half. With the biggest forward on their side off the field and another couple limping after a collision, a penalty kick to touch and a catch and drive would have seemed to most, a very obvious, and easily the most promising option. However DK unaccountably opted to run it and approximately five seconds later Ath had regained the ball! It might have been an acceptable option had there been anything “on” but in this case it seemed very much like looking a gift horse in the mouth!

Next Sunday 16th March - National Colts Cup - Quarter Final.

DK Colts vs Colchester Colts - Kick off 2.00pm

DK’s next game is Dunstablians (away) on Sat March 29th (3 weeks). p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 1st March 2008 - Midlands 1

Dudley Kingswinford 14 - Broadstreet 19

PLEASE NOTE: The match report printed below reflects the view of the writer only and may not necessarily reflect the views of the DKRFC management or coaching staff and is not for the faint-hearted.

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 Cameron Pimlow, 14 Ian Gowland (Capt), 13 Mike Jones, 12 Tom Weaver, 11 Ian Gowland(Capt), 10 Tom Bissell, 9 Tommy Huggins, 8 Andy McEwen, 7 Tom McIntosh, 6 Ian Langford, 5 Joe Francis, 4 Ben Connett, 3 Dan Shakespeare, 2 Neil Chivers, 1 Al Francis. Reps: 16 Stefan Thorpe, 17 James Bullock, 18 Simon Fletcher.

After a little light relief in the North Midlands Cup game last week, DK were back in league action and sadly, back to losing, though they had much the better chances to win, and failure to take a couple of gilt edged opportunities certainly cost them the game. Broadstreet’s current form was no better than DK’s, they had been hammered in all of their last three league games scoring 30 points with 98 against and DK really could and should have won this one, had they demonstrated a little more concentration. As it was, DK handed Street 14 points on a plate by twice managing to lose the ball in their own half, through poor execution of basic moves. They clawed their way back to 14 apiece late in the second half only to let the visitor’s regain control with a try from a penalty lineout catch and drive, they were then able to comfortably play out time.

Another area of some concern for the home side was a distinct lack of “edge” in the forward confrontations. The abrasive Street pack put themselves about and not always strictly within the spirit of the game. DK suffered three head injuries in the game which were very little to do with rugby, but they went unpunished. Fair enough, no point bleating about it, you have to play the referee, but under these circumstances if protection for the players is not forthcoming, they need, at the very least, to front up, refuse to be intimidated and protect themselves at all times.

DK made several changes, including two in the front row. Dan Shakespeare (TH) and Neil Chivers (H) replaced Paul Coles (unavailable) and Adam Blackford (knee). Tom McIntosh was at o/s flanker replacing James Bullock (bench). In the backs Tom Bissell was at fly half with Mike Jones at outside centre. Tom Weaver started at inside centre with Simon Fletcher on the bench. Finally Tommy Huggins made a very creditable 1st XV debut at scrum half in place of Alan Mitchell. The last bench place was taken up by Colt’s prop Stefan Thorpe. Cameron Pimlow was DK Supporters Man of the Match, his electric pace was always a threat and was the only back able to break the Street line regularly. Tommy Huggins made a promising debut at scrum half, getting the ball away quickly, tackling hard and marshalling his forwards well. The front five, admittedly disrupted somewhat by the head injury to Ben Connett, were generally, disappointing with only the Francis brothers showing any fire. The back row worked very hard but needed more support.

Rookie hooker Neil Chivers was given a baptism of fire in the opening scrums as DK were shunted all over the place and it did not take long for Street to take the lead after DK twice gave the ball away inside their own half and a couple of astute passes saw centre Josh Fowles score close in. He converted his own try for the visitor’s to lead 0-7 after 11 minutes. DK have persisted over the years in using a move involving the fly half switching the direction of play with a centre or a.n.other taking the ball at pace. It might be a suitable time to ditch this one, as the error rate over the past couple of years, regardless of the players involved, has been enormous at what must be around 50/60%!

The DK scrum did improve and DK belatedly began to spark but then another horrendous lost ball on 25 minutes (courtesy of another cock-up of the aforementioned move!) saw Street pick up, move the ball quickly left to run in another simple try from left wing Dan Phillips. Broadstreet were suddenly 0-14 up without having had to think too much about it! Just to add to the chaos DK lost their lineout specialist Ben Connett to what looked like concussion after a bang to the head. Despite this and roared on by a partisan crowd DK at last began to put the visitors under heavy pressure. A great 50m break from Mike Jones after 34 minutes should have been an easy try for skipper Ian Gowland but he was unable to hold the pass with the line at his mercy. A minute later the DK pack made 35m from a rolling maul only for the visitors to turn it over. DK kept at it and quick ruck ball from Tommy Huggins was swiftly moved down the line for Mike Jones to dive over in the corner to make it 5-14 after 37 minutes. Then Broadstreet pulled down a rolling maul and Cameron Pimlow’s penalty in stoppage time made it 8-14.

Half Time: DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 8 BROADSTREET 14

DK kept up the pressure and Cameron Pimlow brought them 3 points closer at 11-14 after 44 minutes. Cameron then made a magnificent 65m break on 48 minutes, carving through the Street cover with ease. Less than 10m out from the line, he looked well set to score what would have been a superb individual try, but instead his outside pass was stifled by the Street cover. At this stage DK were making all the running but the backs passing in the centre was poor and saw several moves break down. After 68 minutes Cameron Pimlow punished another Street infringement and brought the scores level at 14-14 with his 3rd penalty.

With a rare home victory now in sight DK unbelievably let Broadstreet back into the game right from the kick off when they were penalised. Street in their first real attack of the second half went for a lineout catch and drive and succeeded with skipper and second row Ed Simpkiss being driven over for an unconverted try after 72 minutes and a 14-19 lead. The visitor’s pack never allowed DK back into their half and the final minutes were spent with DK again defending their own line.

DK are at home to Bedford Athletic (league) next week. KO 3.00 pm. p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 23rd February 2008 – North Mids Cup (Qtr Final)

DUDLEY-KINGSWINFORD 46 Vs Worcester University 8

PLEASE NOTE: The match report printed below reflects the view of the writer only and may not necessarily reflect the views of the DKRFC management or coaching staff and is not for the faint-hearted.

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 Cameron Pimlow, 14 Ian Gowland (Capt), 13 Tom Weaver, 12 Mike Jones, 11 Nigel Francis, 10 Simon Fletcher, 9 Alan Mitchell, 8 Andy McEwen, 7 James Bullock, 6 Ian Langford, 5 Tom McIntosh, 4 Ben Connett, 3 Al Francis, 2 Adam Blackford, 1 Paul Coles. Reps: 16 Dan Shakespeare, 17 Neil Chivers, 18 Peter Stinton, 19 Tom Bissell.

DK Supporters Man of the Match – Andy McEwen

DK recorded a rare but very welcome win in what has been a pretty barren season to date. The University side were an unknown quantity to DK, but had certainly given the home side a very hard game a couple of years ago when DK held on to win 18-9 on 1st April 2006 in the same Quarter Final fixture, thanks largely to the boot of Andy McLellan. This time around, although DK won by a much more comfortable margin, the students, led by DK’s own Chris Gledhill fought like tigers for every ball right up until the final whistle and kept DK on their toes throughout. DK are still having big problems getting their back line functioning well as a unit. They did improve this after half time, but it was significant that the backs only scored three of DK’s eight tries in the game.

There were several changes to DK’s side this week. Ollie Shakespeare broke a toe in training and is out for the rest of the season, joining fellow first team lock Shaun Griffiths. Ollie was replaced by Tom McIntosh. Alex Francis replaced Dan Shakespeare (bench) at tight head prop. In the backs Simon Fletcher came in at fly half for Pete Stinton (bruised chest) though Stint Jnr took a place on the bench. Tom Weaver replaced Si Fletcher in the centre and Mike Jones replaced Tom Bissell (bench). Neil Chivers taking up the last bench place.

The DK pack stuck to their task well. It was a war of attrition in the first half with the home forwards slowly but surely asserting their dominance against a very lively University eight. The DK front row of Al Francis/Dan Shakespeare, Adam Blackford and Paul Coles got well on top in the second period and with Ben Connett and Tom McIntosh cleaning up at the lineouts, DK were in full control. Andy McEwen was outstanding at No 8 and was DK Supporters Man of the Match for an outstanding all action performance, making the hard yards all afternoon, often smashing right through the opposing forwards to cause mayhem. Ian Langford was also a tower of strength in attack and defence. In the backs Nigel Francis tried hard to get involved without receiving too many passes! Tom Bissell kept DK on the front foot in the second half with some superb, line kicking and weighing in with a smartly taken try.

The university began with a strong breeze behind them and made most of the early running, full back Gareth Davies was narrowly wide with a 2nd minute penalty before DK began to settle and make inroads into the University half. The home side took the lead after 14 minutes when No 8 Andy McEwen picked up and broke forward deep into the University 22. The ball was moved out to Simon Fletcher whose half-break and inside pass sent in lock Tom McIntosh under the posts. Cameron Pimlow converted for DK to lead 7-0. Gareth Davies reduced the arrears with a 21st minute penalty to make it 7-3 before DK increased their lead with an unconverted try after 28 minutes. Several driving mauls close to the visitor’s line culminated in Andy McEwen driving over for DK’s 2nd try to make it 12-3.

DK were unconvincing for the next 10 minutes or so, failing to make touch from penalties and thereby allowing the students to run the ball back at them. They finally broke through again in stoppage time when quick ball left saw full back Cameron Pimlow enter the line at pace and though tackled he managed to twist over for the try.

Half Time: DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 17 WORCESTER UNIVERSITY 3

DK gave away a rash of penalties at the start of the second half but got back into the groove with a great bit of sleight of hand from Ben Connett and James Bullock who emerged from the back of a maul inside the student’s 22 together, James Bullock sending in Ben Connett for an unconverted try to make it 22-3 after 47 minutes. DK scored again after 50 minutes when good support play from replacement fly half Tom Bissell saw him pop up on the right wing and cleverly drill the ball past the last defender to follow up and touch down an excellent try. At this stage the students were looking a little ragged and with Tom Bissell keeping them penned in their own half with several pin point long range touch kicks, Mike Jones ran through the student’s cover from the 22 to score DK’s 6th try on 54 minutes. The conversion from Cameron Pimlow made it 34-3.

A great 60m break from Andy McEwen was spoiled when DK scrum half Alan Mitchell was yellow carded for stamping at the ensuing ruck. Mitch had been having a good game and it was unnecessary. The students took advantage of DK’s depletion to score their only try, full back Gareth Davies scampering in for a good try from halfway to make it 34-8. Their respite did not last long however as Tom McIntosh found himself unchallenged when winning a 61st minute lineout and sprinted 15m to the line for DK’s 7th try for 41-8 after Cameron Pimlow’s conversion. The students were undaunted, to their credit they tried to run the ball, even out of defence but came unstuck again after 65 minutes when, in trying to do just that, Andy McEwen stole the ball to send in Ben Connett for his second try of the game making the final score 46-8. Again the students attacked and spent much of the last 10 minutes camped near the DK 22 but were unable to break through.

DK are at home to Broadstreet (league) next week. KO 3.00 pm. p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 15th February 2008 – Midlands 1

LUCTONIANS 41 Vs DUDLEY-KINGSWINFORD 3

PLEASE NOTE: The match report printed below reflects the view of the writer only and may not necessarily reflect the views of the DKRFC management or coaching staff and is not for the faint-hearted.

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 Cameron Pimlow, 14 Ian Gowland (Capt), 13 Simon Fletcher, 12 Tom Bissell, 11 Nigel Francis, 10 Pete Stinton Jnr, 9 Alan Mitchell, 8 Andy McEwen, 7 James Bullock, 6 Ian Langford, 5 Ollie Shakespeare, 4 Ben Connett, 3 Dan Shakespeare, 2 Adam Blackford, 1 Paul Coles. Reps: 16 Al Francis, 17 Layton Wilkinson, 18 Mike Jones.

DK never stopped trying but they were soundly trounced by a capable and confident Luctonians side who were stronger up front and had too much pace and ability behind the scrum for DK on the day. With their confidence at fairly low ebb, DK’s game was unsurprisingly error ridden throughout and their hosts were quick to take full advantage of their visitor’s errors. When DK kicked - which was far too often – their following up totally lacked conviction and they invariably lost the ball, meat and drink to the rampaging Luc’s side that helped themselves to six tries, three in each half, at least three of them down to DK’s largesse. Perversely, DK had much more territory and possession during the game than the score would suggest, but despite the efforts of the pack in the loose, the side collectively, never looked likely to penetrate a solid and extremely competent Luc’s defence.

DK made three changes to last week’s side against Peterborough. In the pack Paul Coles and James Bullock replaced Wayne Millard (unavailable) and Tom McIntosh (ill) at loose head prop and open-side flanker respectively. Simon Fletcher replaced Mike Jones at outside centre. In the pack, the back row toiled hard against the odds with James Bullock catching the eye with his excellent tackling skills and second row Ollie Shakespeare continuing to improve. DK’s lineout, a huge part of the modern game, was again excellent but sadly they were unable to profit from it. The backs were again laboured and though a fair amount of ball was won during the game, it either foundered in the centre or was lost after being run back into the pack.

All DK, its Rugby Committee and coaches can hope for now this season is to prepare the ground for next season, hopefully, with our new coaches Shilly and Lockers now on board, more will be demanded and provided than was in last year’s close season. The players in this season’s squad with aspirations of playing 1st XV rugby next term need to be training twice a week on a regular basis to be in with a chance of selection in what is likely to be a period of major change as DK strives to regain the “Status Quo”.

DK made a businesslike start and the first 10 minutes or so saw them taking the game to their hosts but it soon became obvious that it was going to be a tough afternoon when scrum half Chris James kicked a penalty to put Luc’s 3-0 up on 12 minutes after heavy forward pressure and DK failing to release in the tackle. DK had a couple of early opportunities but failed to put Luc’s under any pressure with poorly struck penalties not finding touch. Another poor kick saw Luc’s counter brilliantly after 19 minutes, superb inter-passing left a great hole in the DK rearguard and hooker Nick Byron, not their swiftest player, was allowed to run 25m for a try in the corner. Chris James obliged with the conversion to increase Luc’s lead to 10-0. After 20 mins a tremendous 75m break from DK’s Cameron Pimlow should have resulted in a try but support was lacking and Lucs defending in depth were able to clear their lines.

DK were constantly under pressure at the base of the scrum but were helped Andy McEwen’s ability to pick up superbly well under pressure. Another poor kick led to Luc’s 3rd try after 28 minutes when Luc’s left winger Andy Garrod ran 50m through several feeble tackles to score close in increasing the home lead to 17-0. DK tried hard to get back into the game winning a lot of territory and possession well inside the Luc’s half but time and again failing to break the line. Lucs showed them how in first half stoppage time when a superb flowing move through several pairs of hands culminated in wing Andy Garrod crossing for his second try with Chris James converting to make it 22-0. DK’s only reply was a Cameron Pimlow penalty just before the half time whistle making it 22-3.

Half Time: LUCTONIANS 22 DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 3

Lucs exerted tremendous pressure at the onset of the second half with wave after wave of attacks from all angles. They finally touched down through second row Tim Breakwell when DK simply ran out of cover. Chris James converted for Lucs to lead 29-3 on 41 minutes. The game stagnated for a while in midfield with the DK pack striving manfully to create openings. Lucs were comfortably held at bay until lamentable defence let in the home side for their fifth try after 61 minutes. DK full back Cameron Pimlow did brilliantly to chase down and tackle a Luc’s attacker a metre short of the line but with the rest of the DK cover AWOL scrum half Chris James simply picked up the loose ball and dotted it down for 34-3.

DK to their credit did not lie down and attacked for most of the last quarter of the game though without causing the Lucton rearguard too many problems. James Bullock was yellow carded for handling in the ruck in injury time and 14 man DK conceded a sixth try in the eighth minute of injury time when centre Cameron Hewitt crossed after a relentless series of attacks from the home side. Chris James added a final conversion to make the final score 41-3.

DK are at home in the Quarter Finals of the North Midlands Cup against University College Worcester next week. KO 2.30 pm. p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 09th February 2008 – Midlands 1

DUDLEY-KINGSWINFORD 9 Vs PETERBOROUGH 18

PLEASE NOTE: The match report printed below reflects the view of the writer only and may not necessarily reflect the views of the DKRFC management or coaching staff and is not for the faint-hearted.

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 Cameron Pimlow, 14 Ian Gowland (Capt), 13 Mike Jones, 12 Tom Bissell, 11 Liam Reynolds, 10 Pete Stinton Jnr, 9 Alan Mitchell, 8 Andy McEwen, 7 Tom McIntosh, 6 Ian Langford, 5 Ollie Shakespeare, 4 Ben Connett, 3 Dan Shakespeare, 2 Adam Blackford, 1 Wayne Millard. Reps: 16 Al Francis, 17 James Bullock, 18 Steffan Shillingford.

DK crashed to their thirteenth league defeat of the season against fellow strugglers Peterborough at Heathbrook, though in no way could they be deemed to have been unlucky. Despite leading 9-0 after a bright twenty minute opening spell, Boro’ were comfortably the better side for the rest of the game and fully deserved the points. The visitors took time to settle but after scoring their first try they took a stranglehold on the game, with DK finding it increasingly difficult to get out of their own half. The home side never gave up and tackled well throughout, showing commendable spirit, but a lack of pace and invention meant that they rarely threatened the Boro’ line. The DK coaches had asked for the ball to be given width but the wingers hardly saw it!

DK made five changes to the team that played at Derby last week. Cameron Pimlow and Ben Connett returned to the side at full back and second row respectively. Centre Carl Robinson (OC) was ruled out just prior to the kick off (ankle) and was replaced by Tom Bissell (IC) with Mike Jones moving to outside centre. Liam Reynolds replaced Ben Coles on the left wing and Dan Shakespeare replaced Al Francis at tight head prop. Despite a disappointing overall team performance, the back five worked hard, the lineout was pretty even but the DK front row were under pressure in the tight losing two or three balls against the head. No 8 Andy McEwen was in particularly good form and very impressive, making many hard yards during the game and tackling well. Half backs Alan Mitchell and Pete Stinton worked like Trojans in defence, assisting the DK pack to halt Boro’s juggernaut pack several times, especially in the second half. Mike Jones was also prominent in defence.

Full back Cameron Pimlow opened the scoring for DK with a 5th minute penalty as a bright start from the home side forced the visitors to infringe. DK’s pace in the loose was causing the heavier Boro’ pack a few problems and another well struck penalty from Cameron Pimlow after 15 minutes increased the home side’s lead to 6-0. DK kept up the momentum and a further Cameron Pimlow penalty after 19 minutes saw DK further increase their lead to 9-0. Boro’ replied on 23 minutes with a penalty from fly half Jason O’ Toole to make it 9-3.

At this stage both sides were striving hard for forward domination, but it was Boro’ that very gradually began to take control through their heavier pack. They dealt DK a body blow with a very good try in first half stoppage time when after taking a heel against the head near the DK 10m line, it was spread quickly down the line to left wing Alex Ciuchlejus who sped in for the try. Jason O’ Toole converted to give Boro’ a 9-10 interval lead.

Half Time: DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 9 PETERBOROUGH 10

Except for a brief flurry at the start of the half, DK were kept under almost constant pressure throughout the second period with the Boro’ forwards ominously stronger as the game wore on. The decisive score came after 65 minutes when Boro’s tight head prop James Clarke drove over (all too easily) from a short catch and drive lineout inside the DK22 for an unconverted try to make it 9-15 in Boro’s favour.

A converted try would have still been enough for DK to win, but Boro never gave them a sniff and when Jason O’ Toole banged over a 72nd minute penalty to put them two scores up at 9-`18, it was all over. DK did have a late chance for a consolation score when full back Cameron Pimlow broke free down the left wing at pace. He neatly chipped over the cover and was in with a real chance of a try when he was cynically taken out by a Boro’ replacement, Ben Chan. It was bad enough to warrant a straight red card but all DK got was a penalty. It is a pity that such blatant cheating was allowed to prosper.

DK are away at Luctonians next week. KO 2.15pm. p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 2nd February - Friendly

Derby 18 - Dudley Kingswinford 10

PLEASE NOTE: The match report printed below reflects the view of the writer only and may not necessarily reflect the views of the DKRFC management or coaching staff and is not for the faint-hearted.

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 Simon Fletcher, 14 Ian Gowland (Capt), 13 Stefan Shillingford, 12 Mike Jones, 11 Ben Coles, 10 Pete Stinton Jnr, 9 Alan Mitchell, 8 Andy McEwen, 7 Tom McIntosh, 6 Ian Langford, 5 Ollie Shakespeare, 4 Joe Francis, 3 Al Francis, 2 Adam Blackford, 1 Wayne Millard. Reps: 16 Dan Shakespeare, 17 Sam Pedley, 18 Tom Weaver.

As on so many occasions this season DK flattered to deceive. The DK pack once again provided the platform and enough good ball for the backs to have wrapped this game up by half time. Instead they were 10-5 down at the break after squandering many opportunities to score, in what was a decidedly one-sided first half. Whilst the ball from the set pieces was a tad slow and wayward at times, simply running straight might have helped the DK backs penetrate more, instead of sideways across the field and at times even backwards! A lack of awareness and support also cost DK dear when tremendous breaks by Ollie Shakespeare and Andy McEwen, almost up to the home line, fizzled out with nobody on hand to take a scoring pass with the cover well beaten on both occasions.

DK also tended to overcomplicate matters, too often taking the ball back into the forwards when simple quick ball out to the pace men Stef Sillingford, Ian Gowland and Ben Coles might have been more productive. With very limited possession and territory, especially in the first half, Derby’s more talented backs moved the ball wide at every opportunity, they always looked a threat with the ball in hand and when DK’s pack lost a little of their dominance later in the second half, they added a second try, for the home side to run out deserved winners.

DK fielded an “experimental” side making six changes from last week. In the pack brothers Al (FR) and Joe Francis (SR) replaced Dan Shakespeare and Ben Connett (unavailable) and Tom McIntosh (BR) replaced James Bullock. In the back division Simon Fletcher (FB) replaced Cameron Pimlow (unavailable), Mike Jones (IC) replaced Tom Weaver and Ben Coles was on the left wing in place of Stef Shillingford who moved into the centre. Joe Francis was making his 1st XV debut at second row and did very well. Besides Joe, Tom McIntosh and Andy McEwen were always prominent for DK as was Ollie Shakespeare in a competent performance from the pack. For the backs it was generally another undistinguished afternoon. Alan Mitchell and Pete Stinton Jnr tried hard to inject some momentum, but it was Simon Fletcher who stood out most, with a strong and very committed game from full back.

DK opened strongly, against the elements they drove the Derby eight back time after time in the loose and took a well deserved lead with a try after 10 minutes. After strong forward pressure, good work from the back row sent in left wing Ben Coles for the unconverted try and a 0-5 lead for DK. The visitors continued to dominate territory and possession, but instead of playing sound, straightforward basic rugby like their hosts, they opted for more complex build ups, ultimately slowing up the ball and predictably, leading nowhere.

The home side kept their heads and in a rare incursion into the DK half they scored a simple try. Spreading the ball quickly from a lineout they immediately had the DK back line scrambling. Second row Adam Glover, somehow eluding DK back row, took full advantage with a good turn of pace to score an excellent try near the posts, fly half Tom Goode converting for the home side to lead 7-5 after 32 minutes. Buoyed by this success, Derby enjoyed a further spell of pressure and Goode increased their lead after 37 minutes with a penalty making it 10-5. All in all it was a very disappointing score-line for DK, after dominating the half.

Half Time: DERBY 7 DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 5

DK again attacked strongly at the onset of the second half but it was again Derby that added to their score, increasing their lead to 13-5 with a Tom Goode penalty after 45 minutes. The visitors redoubled their efforts, piling on pressure inside the Derby half. DK missed a simple try scoring opportunity on 48 minutes when a magnificent break from a maul by lock Ollie Shakespeare saw him power 30m through the cover up to within a metre of the Derby line but as he was tackled by the last defender, there was no one on his shoulder to take an easy scoring pass. DK finally got over the line, Andy McEwen “scoring” on 53 minutes only to find that the referee had blown for a DK scrum! Fortunately DK drove Derby back over their own line from the scrum and No 8 Andy McEwen was not to be denied again as he touched down a pushover try to bring DK within 3 points at 13-10 down after 54 minutes.

With a few injuries and changes in the pack DK lost some momentum and Derby pressed hard in the last quarter. Goode missed a penalty after an hour but they scored the decisive try after 70 minutes through left wing Craig Hughes who looked to be well marked but a rank poor tackle allowed him to cross in the corner to make it 18-10.

DK are back in league action at home against Peterborough next week. KO 2.15pm. p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 26th January - Midlands 1

Loughborough Students 55 - Dudley Kingswinford 19

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 Cameron Pimlow, 14 Ian Gowland (Capt), 13 Tom Weaver, 12 Carl Robinson, 11 Stefan Shillingford, 10 Pete Stinton Jnr, 9 Alan Mitchell, 8 Andy McEwen, 7 James Bullock, 6 Ian Langford, 5 Ollie Shakespeare, 4 Ben Connett, 3 Dan Shakespeare, 2 Adam Blackford, 1 Wayne Millard. Reps: 16 Alex Francis, 17 Neil Chivers, 18 Jordan Brookes.

PLEASE NOTE: The match report printed below reflects the view of the writer only and may not necessarily reflect the views of the DKRFC management or coaching staff and is not for the faint-hearted.

The DK lads were simply blown away by the sheer class of the students play in a torrid first half in which they conceded 6 tries. The college boys ran every ball at high pace and with great skill, their superb handling bordered on the miraculous at times! At one stage midway through the first half they scored four tries in ten minutes; it was simply all too much for a DK side that showed several enforced changes to the side that beat South Leicester last week. DK actually won the toss but unaccountably chose to play up the very pronounced slope and against a strong breeze. Considering who they were playing – an ultra fit and quick student’s side - this was akin to committing Hari Kari! The decision probably cost them at least 15 points.

Whilst one man doesn’t make a team, - and Loughborough have no less than five players in the final England Students squad - the Student’s fly half Steve Collins came as near as is possible to it, in a stunning virtuoso performance. A tiny fellow, (he looked about 8 stone wringing wet!) he orchestrated most of the students attacks, his brilliant running, passing and handling opened up gaps all over the field that were ruthlessly exploited. Suffice to say that when he left the field after a knock after 56 minutes, the students just did not look the same side; DK in fact “won” the second half 14-19 and dominated the rest of the game with 3 unanswered tries to retain a vestige of respectability. The student’s full back Grant Pointer also had an excellent game, running with pace and power. He kicked seven out of eight conversions and dropped a goal.

The DK pack were short of Prop Paul Coles and No 8 Tom McIntosh (both unavailable) and they were replaced by Wayne Millard and Andy McEwen. Stefan Shillingford made his league debut on the left wing in place of Ben Coles (also unavailable). Pete Stinton Jnr replaced Simon Fletcher (injured) at fly half. Colts scrum half Jordan Brookes was on the bench along with Neil Chivers and Al Francis. The DK side did their best under the circumstances and the front five in particular stuck to the task well. Second row Ben Connett showing good athleticism created one try with a 30m break and scored another with a neat interception. Ollie Shakespeare carried the ball well and Ian Langford was again superb on a day that the DK back row was under immense pressure for much of the time. For the DK backs it was for the most part, a damage limitation exercise with Tom Weaver and Jordan Brookes (replacement centre) showing great resolve in defence.

DK kicked off and were almost immediately 5-0 down. Student’s full back Grant pointer caught the ball, passed and was then on the end of a miss move to power over in the corner. The same player dropped a goal on 5 minutes to make it 8-0. DK seemed to rally well but were caught cold again when they left a “dog leg” gap in the centre. Student’s full back Grant Pointer made an incisive break to feed centre Jake Guestella for the try before adding the conversion for15-0 after 15 minutes. A poor defensive kick was run back at DK on 21 minutes culminating in student’s left wing Chris Smyth running in from 50 m to make it 20-0. Two minutes later Smyth scored again from a free flowing move started in the student’s 22, Pointer added the extras for 27-0. The students seemed unstoppable and when fly half Steve Collins broke brilliantly on 26 minutes to create yet another huge gap, flanker Dave Hughes was on hand to touch down the student’s fifth try, Pointer again converting for 34-0.

The students had their scrum half Jamie Hood yellow carded after 32 minutes for preventing the release of the ball and DK got a little respite until the Students ran in a sixth try in stoppage time. Fly half Steve Collins hoisted a pin point cross kick to second row Simon Pitfield who out jumped the cover to collect the ball and show a good turn of pace to run in under the posts from 25m. The reliable boot of Grant Pointer added two more points to make it 41-0.

Half Time: LOUGHBOROUGH STUDENTS 41 DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 0

The students scored a seventh try in their first attack of the second half on 41 minutes. A superb pass from fly half Steve Collins literally fizzed out to left wing Chris Smyth whose 60m break and inside pass saw flanker Dave Hughes collect his second try, pointer converting for 48-0. Even up the slope the students were creating havoc and after 46 minutes their skipper and No 8 Dan Falvey charged down Pete Stinton Jnr’s desperate attempt to clear to score their eighth and final try, Grant Pointer adding his seventh conversion from eight attempts for a 55-0 scoreline.

The withdrawal of the student’s mercurial fly half Steve Collins on 56 minutes due to injury coincided with DK’s first real spell on concerted pressure in the game. After 57 minutes they pushed the students pack back over their goal line but before the ball could be touched down for a try, the students open side flanker Jamie Thompson attempted to kick the ball out of the scrum leaving the referee little option but to award DK a Penalty Try and a yellow card to the miscreant. Cameron Pimlow converted for 55-7. DK spent the remainder of the game attacking the student’s line and being rebuffed time after time until in the last minute of proper time Ben Connett broke from a maul covering 30m before sending in Cameron Pimlow for an unconverted try to make it 55-12. The visitors scored again with seconds left when Ben Connett cleverly intercepted a student’s attacking pass to canter in under the posts for the try. Cameron Pimlow converted to make the final score 55-19.

DK are away at Derby (Friendly) next Sat 02nd February. KO 2.15pm. p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 19th January - Midlands 1

Dudley Kingswinford 15 - South Leicester 5

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 Cameron Pimlow, 14 Ian Gowland (Capt), 13 Tom Weaver, 12 Carl Robinson, 11 Ben Coles, 10 Simon Fletcher, 9 Alan Mitchell, 8 Tom McIntosh, 7 James Bullock, 6 Ian Langford, 5 Ollie Shakespeare, 4 Ben Connett, 3 Dan Shakespeare, 2 Adam Blackford, 1 Dan Shakespeare. Reps: 16 Alex Francis, 17 Andy McEwen, 18 Pete Stinton Jnr.

PLEASE NOTE: The match report printed below reflects the view of the writer only and may not necessarily reflect the views of the DKRFC management or coaching staff.

The DK revival continues apace, coaches Shilly and Lockers managing to conjure up a second consecutive victory - DK’s third league win - from the ashes of their dire season to date. South Leicester, like Longton in DK’s last league match, were lying second in the table with nine wins from thirteen games and so are very much in the hunt for promotion to the national league. DK quickly recovered from a flawed start to control most of the game in terms of territory and possession and ran out well deserved winners.

DK still have some key players injured, namely Gareth Davies, Gareth Bown, Shaun Griffiths (all longish term) and Liam Reynolds. Left winger Ben Coles replaced Reynolds. Blindside Ian Langford is in the form of his life at present and was pretty much involved in everything DK attempted. Lock Ollie Shakespeare is one of DK’s most improved players this season, a fine pair of hands, superb in the lineout again and an unbelievable turn of pace for such a big, powerful guy. If he can just sort those dodgy kick offs out, he will look the real deal! Openside James Bullock won a few 50/50 balls on the ground and looked sharp. The backs performance was certainly much improved in terms of their line kicking and their tackling was first class, though the ball was still not being moved through the three-quarter line quickly enough to pose too many questions of the opposition, mainly through the inability on the day, to take and give the pass accurately at pace. Having said that, centre Carl Robinson had probably his best game for DK, always a threat on the break or half break and offloading well.

DK were caught cold from the kick off and found themselves 0-5 down inside the first minute. SL attacked DK’s kick off, lost the ball and then regained it near the DK 10m line. Quick hands saw SL full back Matt Clarke hit the line at pace and catch the DK rearguard on the wrong foot, sprinting through for a fine unconverted try and a perfect start for the visitors. Stung by this early reverse DK quickly got into their stride putting the SL defence under heavy pressure. A tremendous break from Carl Robinson set up a scoring opportunity but good cover defence from SL snuffed out the danger. Simon Fletcher eventually reduced the arrears to 3-5 after 19 minutes when SL were penalised under pressure.

DK huffed and puffed with a huge advantage in terms of territory and possession but the attacks were a little disjointed and lacked penetration, allowing SL to smother the danger time after time. Ollie Shakespeare made a stunning 30m break from a maul deep into the SL 22 after 35 minutes, distributing the ball perfectly to the backs outside him but then one pass to many saw the chance go begging.

Half Time: DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 3 SOUTH LEICESTER 5

SL threatened briefly at the onset of the second half but DK quickly resumed the offensive and battered the SL cover with a greater intensity than before, finally taking the lead on 54 minutes. Another excellent, quick ruck ball from the DK pack was moved right where full back Cameron Pimlow somehow managed to rescue a wretched pass - thrown behind him – with one hand, before quickly transferring the ball to skipper Ian Gowland who rampaged through the remnants of the SL cover to put DK 8-5 up with a flamboyant, trademark try.

DK had several further opportunities to increase their lead, but for the merest hint of hesitation, Ben Coles might have snapped up a clear interception opportunity on 64 minutes and a superb tackle from skipper Ian Gowland inside the SL 22 set up another clear chance after 69 minutes, a DK knock on rescuing the visitors. Ollie Shakespeare stole an opposition throw with five minutes remaining and DK the pack rolled forward ominously, but someone infringed in the process and was penalised. Finally in stoppage time and with DK still pressing hard on the SL line the visitors desperately tried to run the ball out of defence, a knock on saw scrum half Alan Mitchell swoop on the ball and move it quickly via Ian Langford to Tom Weaver who took the ball at pace to score in the corner. Simon Fletcher ended another good day at the office for DK by slotting the difficult conversion from the touchline.

DK are away at Loughborough Students next Sat 26th January. KO 2.15pm. p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

 

Saturday 12th January

Stourbridge 16 - Dudley Kingswinford 14

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 Cameron Pimlow, 14 Ian Gowland (Capt), 13 Tom Weaver, 12 Carl Robinson, 11 Liam Reynolds, 10 Simon Fletcher, 9 Alan Mitchell, 8 Andy McEwen, 7 James Bullock, 6 Ian Langford, 5 Ollie Shakespeare, 4 Ben Connett, 3 Alex Francis, 2 Adam Blackford, 1 Dan Shakespeare. Reps: Paul Norris; Rob Chivers, Stefan Shillingford, Jordan Brooks, Pete Stinton Jnr

PLEASE NOTE: The match report printed below reflects the view of the writer only and may not necessarily reflect the views of the DKRFC management or coaching staff.

This hastily arranged fixture proved to be an entertaining and useful exercise for both sides. DK coaches Neil Shillingford and Mark Lockley were very keen for the side to play this week to get a further look at their playing squad prior to their important league fixture at home against South Leicester next Saturday. Though DK were unable to field their full league XV, with loan players Tom McIntosh and Paul Coles not featuring and both Shaun Griffiths and Gareth Bown are still resting after injury. Gareth Davies should also be available next week and hopefully all five will play.

DK led throughout the game only to lose it in the last five minutes as a result of a poor defensive kick that Stour ran back at them and scored a well crafted try in the corner to steal the game. In fairness the home side were marginally the better side overall, making fewer errors and defending well as DK threw everything at them towards the end. On the plus side DK showed great resolve and competed well throughout. There is still a hell of a lot of life in the old DK “dog” yet! However there are several key areas that need attention sooner rather than later. DK still need a little fine tuning in the backs where good possession and territory was wasted at times with some woeful distribution, crucially, when the Stour cover was stretched. Kicking out of hand was another area found wanting as DK’s poor line kicking more often than not failed to make touch and instead allowed Stour to counter very effectively at times. Finally, first up tackling from a few players was not up to scratch, luckily Si Fletcher, Carl Robinson, Tom Weaver and Cameron Pimlow especially, did brilliantly to repair the damage caused through the occasional missed tackle.

In the DK pack flanker James Bullock and prop Dan Shakespeare replaced Tom McIntosh, and Paul Coles whilst Ben Connett moved from No 8 to second row, Andy McEwen replacing Connett at No 8. The pack generally coped well with the changes with lineout specialists Ben Connett and Ollie Shakespeare in peerless form, though it was somewhat harder in the set scrums. The backs were no more than average in attack but centres Tom Weaver, Carl Robinson and the richly talented full back Cameron Pimlow were rock like in defence. There were also excellent cameo performances from colts scrum half Jordan Brooks and fellow colt Stefan Shillingford who deputised on the left wing. Both lads were highly impressive.

DK were fast out of the traps and scored a brilliant try in the first minute of the game an accurate long pass from Simon Fletcher near halfway put Liam Reynolds away and the left winger made good yardage before being halted. There were then three of four very quick rucks from which the ball was spread both left and right at dizzying speed before Cameron Pimlow took the ball at pace to swerve inside the fragmented Stour cover to score a stunning try under the posts. Si Fletcher added the extras for DK to lead 0-7. DK continued to pour forward but in their first real attack of the game Stourbridge got right back into the game with a catch and drive from a lineout on 8 minutes, No 8 Duncan White powering over for the unconverted score to make it 5-7.

Si Fletcher was wide with a 12th minute penalty for DK a few minutes before an almighty brawl broke out involving most of the thirty players and epitomising the extremely competitive nature of the game. After the referee and touch judges had brought order and conferred, yellow cards were issued to two Stourbridge players for violent conduct, one to last week’s hero at Cambridge, fly half Dan Lavery and one to their blindside flanker. Against Stour’s 13 men DK were strangely lethargic and let several opportunities go begging through unforced errors and once when attacking strongly on the home line scrum half Alan Mitchell was penalised for “over enthusiastic” rucking. DK did though manage a spectacular try after 25 minutes when skipper Ian Gowland found himself in space on the right wing 55m out. He showed the cover a clean pair of heels before chipping over the full back and collecting the ball on the bounce to score a superb try. Si Fletcher again added the conversion for DK to go 5-14 ahead. With Stour back to their full complement of players, they put the visitors under heavy pressure for the first time in the game. Dan Lavery reduced the arrears to 8-14 with a 34th minute penalty and DK did well to repel several strong thrusts from the home side before half time and could have gone in further ahead with what might well have proved a winning score but Si Fletcher’s difficult penalty chance in stoppage time drifted agonisingly wide.

Half Time: STOURBRIDGE DEVELOPMENT XV 8 DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 14

DK suffered a body blow with the loss of their inspirational blindside flanker Ian Langford just after half time with a bang to the back of the head. Rob Chivers replaced Langford, but DK came under increasing pressure as they struggled to adapt. Dan Lavery brought Stour 3 points closer with a 50th minute penalty to make it 11-14 and for the next 10 minutes DK were floundering. They then lost replacement Paul Norris to a yellow card after 67 minutes. The prop looked none too happy about it, possibly a case of mistaken identity! DK conjured up a couple of miraculous escapes but they survived. Back to full strength DK more than held their own and were looking good for the win until another injudicious touch kick ended up down the throat of a Stour centre. Ground was made through the middle before home fly half Dan Lavery threaded a ball through the DK rearguard for right wing Ollie Bache to touch down in the corner and seal the result.

DK are at home to South Leicester next Sat 19th January. KO 2.15pm. p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 5th January - Midlands 1

Longton 3 - Dudley Kingswinford 12

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 Cameron Pimlow, 14 Ian Gowland (Capt), 13 Carl Robinson, 12 Tom Weaver, 11 Liam Reynolds, 10 Cameron Pimlow, 9 Alan Mitchell, 8 Ben Connett, 7 Tom McIntosh, 6 Ian Langford, 5 Shaun Griffiths, 4 Ollie Shakespeare, 3 Alex Francis, 2 Adam Blackford, 1 Paul Coles . Reps: 16 Dan Shakespeare, 17 neil Chivers, 18 Ben Coles. 

PLEASE NOTE: THE MATCH REPORT PRINTED BELOW REFLECTS THE VIEW OF THE WRITER ONLY AND MAY NOT NECCESARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE DKRFC MANAGEMENT OR COACHING STAFF.

This was a great start for DK’s new 1st XV coaches, Neil Shillingford and Mark Lockley. Shilly and Lockers were both excellent players for the club at senior level and have taken up the challenge in what has proved to be an extremely difficult season to date. Lockers, a DK man throughout a distinguished playing career, was DK skipper and full back as far back as 1988 and again (as a prop!) in 1998. Shilly, a local lad had an equally distinguished playing career with Kings Norton before being persuaded to “come home” to DK in 1998. One thing is certain; these two uncompromising characters will demand and no doubt get 100% commitment from the DK squad.

Before today’s game Longton were lying in 2nd place in the division having won nine of their twelve league games and are still very much in contention for promotion. It was DK’s first visit to Longton’s impressive new facilities at Trentham Fields, their imposing new clubhouse, when completed, could almost double as Longton Town Hall! A far cry from dear old Roughcote Lane!

Shaun Griffiths returned to the second row for DK to partner Ollie Shakespeare whilst Ben Connett played at No 8 in place of flu victim Layton Wilkinson (isn’t he old enough to qualify for a free jab?). DK are still without Gareth Davies and Tom Weaver replaced him in the centre. Full back James Lloyd Jones is injured and Cameron Pimlow replaced him. The DK pack generally had the better of the Longton eight, taking a couple against the head and winning the lineout contest hands down with Ben Connett outstanding. Ian Langford had a massive game in the back row and was the best forward on the field by a long way. In the backs eighteen year old full back Cameron Pimlow was outstanding. His pace and superb defence had the DK faithful making favourable comparisons with Steve Smart, praise indeed!

DK began brightly and though playing up the slope and against the wind they took the game to the home side, playing with vigour and determination. This seemed to set the pattern for the game, though Longton had their moments, the DK boys always looked as if they wanted it more. It was Longton however that took a 3-0 lead after 12 minutes when right wing Ollie Pointon kicked a penalty. DK however continued to impress against the elements and were rewarded with a fine try after 33 minutes. A swift, incisive attack from halfway saw Cameron Pimlow cut through the Longton cover at pace to send in Carl Robinson at the corner. Simon Fletcher’s magnificent conversion from the touchline giving DK a 3-7 lead.

DK tight head prop Alex Francis was yellow carded for persistent offside after 37 minutes but there was to be no let up in the DK effort as they completed the half in some comfort despite being a man down.

Half Time: LONGTON 3 DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 7

The home side tried hard to get back into the game after the break but there was no way through a mean DK rearguard. After weathering the Longton effort DK were soon back on top and another score looked imminent until they lost Shaun Griffiths to a knee injury and then hooker Adam Blackford to a yellow card after 67 minutes for killing the ball.

Again, losing a man did not faze DK as they continued to press the home side. They scored a second game clinching try after 76 minutes whilst still a man short. Ian Langford drove through a couple of tackles near the touchline then neatly chipped over a couple of would be tacklers before reclaiming the ball. From the ensuing ruck the ball was moved swiftly out to skipper Ian Gowland on the right wing and in space, to sprint in for the try and secure DK’s first away win of the season.

DK have no league game next weekend are trying to organise a fixture.

They are at home to South Leicester (L) on Sat 19th January. KO 2.15pm. p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 15th December - Midlands 1

Dudley Kingswinford 22 - Kenilworth 23

 

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 James Lloyd-Jones, 14 Ian Gowland (Capt), 13 Carl Robinson, 12 Mike Jones, 11 Liam Reynolds, 10 Ben Dawson, 9 Alan Mitchell, 8 Ian Langford, 7 Tom McIntosh, 6 Andy McEwan, 5 Ben Connett, 4 Ollie Shakespeare, 3 Paul Coles, 2 Adam Blackford, 1 Alex Francis. Reps: 16 John Fallon, 17 Pete Booth, 18 Cameron Pimlow. 

Mark Wilson announced his resignation as DK’s head coach prior to the kick off against Kenilworth. His task this season has been daunting to say the least. DK have had to use 49 players in the first team to date this season compared to 34 for the whole of last season! This situation has been caused in the main by an unprecedented run of injuries and sadly Mark has decided to call it a day.

It is well worth reflecting on Mark’s tremendous overall record of success as DK coach. In his first spell at Heathbrook covering five seasons from 1997-2002 DK won Midlands 2 in 1997-8, finished 3rd in Midlands 1 in 1998-9, and reached the NPI Cup Final at Twickenham in the same year. Won Midlands 1and the North Midlands Cup in 1999-2000 In their first season in National 3 North (2000-2001) DK finished a creditable 6th and then, incredibly, runners up in 2001-2, losing the playoff for promotion to National 2 at Launceston. Mark then spent 2 years coaching at a higher level (Pertemps Bees) before returning to DK for the 2005-6 season. The following season DK finished runners up in Midlands 1, narrowly losing the playoff to Beverley for a quick return to National 3 North. This is a quite staggering record of achievement, for which Mark can be rightly proud. We wish him well.

After scoring three cracking tries and being 19-0 up in the first quarter, DK unaccountably fell apart for most of the rest of the game, allowing Kenilworth to snatch a deserved win in the fourth minute of stoppage time. It was a disappointing end to a game in which DK had showed great early promise, but all credit to Kenilworth they managed to get their act together and were the better side overall. There were another 6 changes this week in DK’s line-up. In the backs Carl Robinson came into the centre for Gareth Davies and Aussie Ben Dawson made his debut at fly half as Tom Bissell was unavailable. In the pack Andy McEwen came into the back row in place of James Bullock and last week’s front row was totally replaced by Paul Coles at tight head, Adam Blackford (returning from injury) at hooker and Al Francis at loose head. The bench was made up of John Fallon, Pete Booth and new signing Cameron Pimlow a Worcester Academy player who came on at fly half in the second half and played well especially in defence.

Though DK did not play well as a team several individuals stood out. In the pack the front row worked hard with Paul Coles having a particularly good game and Adam Blackford back from injury lasted the pace well. The lineout was solid with Ben Connett and Ollie Shakespeare in dominating form. The back row met their match against a very good Kenilworth back three but Tom McIntosh was outstanding and was DK’s Man of the Match for a battling non-stop performance. The DK backs were up against a very talented Kenilworth unit who breached the cover on numerous occasions but fortunately for the home side they squandered several opportunities. Full back James Lloyd Jones though had a very good game, safe hands and always looking to take on the opposition. His superb break laid on DK’s second try for skipper Ian Gowland. Scrum half Alan Mitchell had an excellent game with several incisive breaks during the match

Kenilworth had the first opportunity to score but fly half Chris Brown was wide with a penalty when DK were offside. A fine break from skipper Ian Gowland preceded DK’s first try after 10 minutes. He was bundled into touch but DK stole the Kenilworth lineout and Adam Blackford had a dart at the line that was thwarted but from the quickly re-cycled ball big Ollie Shakespeare was unstoppable from 5 metres out. Ian Gowland added the conversion for DK to lead 7-0. With Kenilworth temporarily flustered DK scored a superb second try on 15 minutes. A loose defensive kick ahead from Kenilworth was fielded by DK fly half Ben Dawson who threw a long pass infield to full back James Lloyd-Jones who proceeded to carve through the Kenilworth cover for 50 metres at great pace before sending in skipper Ian Gowland for a memorable unconverted try to put DK 12-0 up.

Kenilworth were now looking a little panic stricken and when Ollie Shakespeare tore free from a maul inside the Kenilworth 22 to send in Tom McIntosh for DK’s third try after 19 minutes things looked very grim for the Warwickshire side. Ian Gowland added the conversion for DK to lead 19-0 and seemingly on their way to a handsome victory and more importantly a lifeline. Kenilworth belatedly began to get a little ball and put on some pressure though a decision to opt for a scrum in front of the posts after being awarded a penalty backfired badly as DK disrupted their scrum ball and won back possession. The visitors were not to be denied however and familiar errors began to creep into DK’s game. From a ruck inside the DK 22 the ball was moved quickly wide to left winger Andy Whitehall who squeezed in at the corner on 33 minutes. DK then in first half stoppage time crucially squandered a couple of chances that could in hindsight, have won the game. Firstly Ian Gowland missed a kick at goal and then from another penalty fly half Ben Dawson missed a simple touch for a catch and drive opportunity deep inside the Kenilworth 22.

Half Time: DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 19 KENILWORTH 7

Chris Brown pulled back another three points for Kenilworth with a 42nd minute penalty making it 19-10 and on 46 minutes put themselves right back in the game with a converted try. The Kenilworth pack provided the platform storming up to the DK 10m line before releasing quick ball that left the DK cover floundering as skipper and inside centre Pete Roberts cut through for the try to make it 19-15.

A catalogue of basic errors had reduced DK from a promising early performance to the edge of another disaster as Kenilworth cranked up their efforts. The visitors won a lot of ball and cut through the DK rearguard almost at will only to knock on or pass forward at crucial times. It seemed as if their profligacy would cost them the game when Ian Gowland’s 71st minute penalty put DK two scores ahead at 22-15 but when Chris Brown made it 22-18 in stoppage time it gave Kenilworth a glimmer of hope and a final catastrophic, black comedy of errors from the home side near the DK 22 saw the ball hacked on over the DK line for Kenilworth hooker Matt Davies to gleefully touch down in the dying seconds leaving DK stunned.

DK’s next First XV game is away at Longton (league) on Saturday January 5th. KO 2.15pm.

Saturday 1st December - Midlands 1

Scunthorpe 24 Dudley Kingswinford 8

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 James Lloyd-Jones, 14 Ian Gowland (Capt), 13 Mike Jones, 12 Gareth Davies, 11 Liam Reynolds, 10 Tom Bissell, 9 Alan Mitchell, 8 Tom McIntosh, 7 James Bullock, 6 Ian Langford, 5 Ben Connett, 4 Ollie Shakespeare, 3 John Fallon, 2 Pete Booth, 1 Wayne Millard. Reps: 16 Paul Coles, 17 Andy McEwen, 18 Carl Robinson.

DK’s relief at recording their first win of the season last week proved to be short lived as they came down to earth with a bump at Scunthorpe. The home side who are second from bottom of Midlands 1, fully deserved the precious points as they made far fewer errors and generally managed to retain most of the ball they won. Ollie Shakespeare and Ben Connett dominated the lineout for DK and the visitors were much the sharper side in the loose, winning enough good ball to have won the game twice over, but they gave the ball away time after time throughout the game by committing countless unforced errors, often when in promising positions. Despite this, the game was a pretty close one and the score line does not really reflect the game at all.

DK only made one change to last weeks team with Wayne Millard replacing Al Francis at loose head. Paul Coles, Andy McEwen and Carl Robinson made up the bench. Though the result was disappointing to say the least, the effort from the DK lads was excellent though poor discipline at times cost them points after backchat. Ollie Shakespeare was awarded DK Coaches Man of the Match for the first time. The big fella had a tremendous game, using his size and weight to great effect and making many hard yards during the game, long may it continue! The pack was again in excellent form driving forward but too many unforced errors cost them dearly. The backs never got going, missed opportunities to kick for position with the elements first half and poor distribution skills effectively blunting their cutting edge.

DK were 5-0 down after only 2 minutes and in that time they had already lost possession no less than three times! Scunthorpe’s danger man left winger Rewiti Vaimoso fastened onto a loose ball stepped inside his man to give centre Tom Foster an easy run in for a 5-0 lead. DK soon hit back and Tom Bissell made it 5-3 on 8 minutes after missing a 6th minute opportunity. DK won adequate possession and territory but their handling and retention of the ball in contact was pretty abysmal, often handing the home side hard won possession on a plate. They paid the price for their profligacy in not turning possession into points when Scunthorpe full back and skipper Tim Robinson made it 8-3 with a 32nd minute penalty. Scunthorpe at this stage were very much there for the taking, only Vaimoso and veteran prop Andy Fish gave DK any real cause for concern, but despite having the lion’s share of ball and the strong breeze at their backs, DK finished the half 8-3 down, a situation all of their own making for not making the best of the conditions and shoddy handling.

Half Time: SCUNTHORPE 8 DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 3

DK pressed hard at the onset of the second half but a marvellous kick from home full back and skipper Tim Robinson found touch 5 metres from the DK line. From the ensuing play DK were penalised but Robinson was wide with a 47th minute penalty. The referee finally spotted Scunthorpe No 8 Mick Dunk preventing release of the ball and he was yellow carded on54 minutes. DK though failed to take advantage and Tim Robinson sent Scunthorpe 2 scores clear with a 59th minute penalty. DK scrum half Alan Mitchell was yellow carded on 63 minutes for attempting to remove an inert Scunthorpe forward, lying on the ball but infuriated by the decision DK’s 14 men tore up field and drove a loose scrum 20m for Paul Coles to touch down and reduce the arrears to 11-8 after 67 minutes. Tim Robinson’s 69th minute penalty made it 14-8 to Scunthorpe and another one for hands in the ruck on 71 minutes saw the home side increase the lead to 17-8 but DK were still very much in the game until they were reduced to 13 men when Paul Coles was yellow carded after 73 minutes, again for attempting to clear out yet another Scunthorpe body illegally lying on the ball.

The penalties were pretty much all one way now as DK continued to incur the wrath of an increasingly agitated referee. Tim Robinson surprisingly missed two further opportunities on 77 and 79 minutes but not to worry, as the farcical, slapstick events of the last minute unfolded the home side were handed a further seven points following an unbelievable decision by the referee as DK centre Gareth Davies was tackled off the ball in his pursuit to defend his own line allowing the Scunthorpe attack to capitalise.

DK have no game next Saturday. The next game is at home against Kenilworth on Saturday 15th December. KO 2.00 pm.

Saturday 24th November - Midlands 1

Dudley Kingswinford 12 - Newport 3

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 James Lloyd-Jones, 14 Ian Gowland, 13 Mike Jones, 12 Gareth Davies, 11 Liam Reynolds, 10 Tom Bissell, 9 Alan Mitchell, 8 Tom McIntosh, 7 James Bullock, 6 Ian Langford, 5 Ben Connett, 4 Ollie Shakespeare, 3 Al Francis, 2 Pete Booth, 1 John Fallon. Reps: 16 Wayne Millard, 17 Andy McEwen, 18 Dave Hadkiss.

Hallelujah!!! DK have won a game! Their first league victory since April was certainly no classic but richly deserved nevertheless. Newport had previously won four league games this season including league leaders Loughborough (the students only defeat of the season to date), so this was always going to be a tough call against their old rivals who included former DK favourite Marc Lindsay on the right wing. After a spell of promising form and being very close to winning on several occasions, DK’s last couple of games had ended in shambolic defeats as confidence ebbed, but all credit to Coach Mark Wilson, skipper Ian Gowland and the players for restoring a bit of pride, getting the bit between their teeth and refusing to lie down. A win at Scunthorpe next week would further boost DK and lift them off the bottom as their point’s difference is 50 points better.

Allan Mitchell was back at scrum half for DK as was Tom McIntosh after injury and Ollie Shakespeare came into the second row in place of Sam Herrington. For once DK kept their foot on the gas for the full eighty minutes never allowing Newport a sniff. It wasn’t pretty but the DK pack nullified the larger Newport eight by literally running them into the ground and turning over the visitor’s ball on numerous occasions. Fly half Tom Bissell was in great goal kicking form, his four penalties including two superb long range efforts, won the game for DK. It was however the pack that provided the platform for the win, totally outplaying Newport in the loose with the back row back to its best. Ollie Shakespeare and Ben Connett reigned supreme in the lineout. The front row of John Fallon Pete Booth and Al Francis/Wayne Millard did superbly well against tough opposition in the set. John Fallon was DK Coaches Man of the Match for the second time in three weeks for another tremendous, inspirational performance especially in the loose where a couple of his turnovers were right out of the top drawer. “Judge” Fallon is reputedly only 30; he must have led a hard life! This was very much a forward orientated game and chances for the backs were limited but Allan Mitchell, Gareth Davies and Mike Jones were outstanding.

It was apparent from the opening whistle that DK were very much up for the match, immediately taking the game to Newport whose forwards seemed a little unsettled by the pace of the action and soon began to infringe. A good break by John Fallon from a maul on 14 minutes saw Newport penalised but Tom Bissell’s kick drifted just wide. DK kept up the pressure and when Newport were penalised again on 20 minutes Tom Bissell made no mistake to put DK 3-0 up. Ben Connett did well to bundle the Newport wing into touch following a long defensive punt from Gareth Davies. Following the throw Newport were again penalised and centre Neil Weston received a yellow card for preventing release of the ball. Tom Bissell kicked the penalty to put DK 6-0 ahead after 28 minutes.

DK’s focus and sheer effort kept Newport penned inside their half and very much on the back foot; it was not long before they were awarded another penalty, again dispatched skilfully by Tom Bissell from way out on the 10m line for DK to increase their lead to 9-0 on 36 minutes. A poor pass from a scrum inside the 22 put DK under a little pressure but Tomasi Tanumi the Newport fly half was well wide with an attempted dropped goal. Tom Bissell then put DK 12-0 ahead just into stoppage time with another monster penalty from fully 45m.

Half Time: DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 12 NEWPORT 0

Things got a little heated in the front row early on, for some reason and oddly coinciding with the arrival for DK of Wayne”Bosher”Millard at loose head, but things soon settled down again. Newport had a brief flurry and scrum half Jamie Simpson opened their account with a penalty in front of the posts to make it 12-3, he had missed a more difficult chance a minute or two earlier. This proved to be a mere blip and DK were soon back on the offensive. Great play from John Fallon created a couple of turnovers then a 54th minute penalty but this time Tom Bissell was just wide with the kick.

Gareth Davies created a break out of the DK 22 for skipper Ian Gowland who then hacked it on, eventually resulting in catch and drive opportunity near the Newport line but despite going close the visitors managed to scramble the ball away. Except for a couple of risky, quickly tapped penalties in their 22, DK were very much in control and Newport’s frustration boiled over when centre Neil Weston received a red card for fighting DK’s Allan Mitchell (2nd offence) Allan Mitchell received a yellow card . Though there were 7 minutes of stoppage time DK were camped in the Newport half for most of the time with Gareth Davies almost snatching a try in the dying seconds.

DK are at away at Scunthorpe (League) next Saturday KO 2.15 pm. p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 17th November - EDF Energy Intermediate Cup

Bedford Athletic 35 - Dudley Kingswinford 15

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 James Lloyd-Jones, 14 Ian Gowland, 13 Mike Jones, 12 Gareth Davies, 11 Liam Reynolds, 10 Tom Bissell, 9 Dave Hadkiss, 8 Andy McEwen, 7 James Bullock, 6 Ian Langford, 5 Ben Connett, 4 James Herrington, 3 Al Francis, 2 Pete Booth, 1 John Fallon. Reps: 16 Neil Chivers, 17 Paul Norris, 18 Layton Wilkinson, 19 Alan Mitchell.

The old cliché – “Now we are out of the cup we can concentrate on the league” had a poignant ring to it as next week’s home league game against Newport sees DK almost at the point of no return in terms of their survival in Midlands 1. If the cup game against Ath was seen as a welcome break from the trials and tribulations of league rugby and perhaps as a chance to put a few things right, this comprehensive beating from an improving Ath side whose abrasive front five took a stranglehold on the game, only served to deepen the gloom descending on Heathbrook. There were however a few positives to take out of the game, DK just need to reduce the error count, especially the unforced ones, to give themselves an even chance of survival

DK again made several changes from last week. Al Francis started at tight head and James Herrington in the second row in place of Ian Langford who reverted to his familiar role on the blindside flank. Andy McEwen moved across to No 8. The backs had skipper Ian Gowland on the right wing and Liam Reynolds on the left with Mike Jones partnering Gareth Davies in the centre. Dave Hadkiss was at scrum half with Tom Bissell at outside half. The bench was made up of Neil Chivers(BR), Layton Wilkinson(BR),Paul Norris(FR) and Alan Mitchell(SH). Whilst the front five were again up against it this week, the back row, with Ian Langford back in tow, was tremendous, albeit mainly in defence. James Lloyd-Jones was the pick of the backs setting up the first of DK’s tries and scoring the other, earning the DK Coaches Man of the Match accolade for the first time.

Ath controlled the opening exchanges and went 0-6 ahead through two Clinton Prinsloo(FH) penalties. DK gradually came into the game more and a Tom Bissell penalty after 10 minutes made it 3-6. DK then shocked their hosts with a fine try after 20 minutes. A tremendous burst from No 8 Andy McEwen split the Ath cover, his pass to James Lloyd-Jones coming in at pace and at an acute angle saw the full back put in Gareth Davies at the posts. Tom Bissell converted and DK were 6-10 up. A controversial penalty from Prinsloo on 25 minutes when the ball appeared to sail wide of the posts was awarded though the touch judges begged to differ! This made it 9-10 and DK’s luck was out again just on half time when Ath's outstanding flyhalf Clinton Prinsloo broke through DK's defence to score a fine solo try which he converted. and the home side went in 16-10 up at the break.

Half Time: BEDFORD ATHLETIC 16 DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 10

Ath scored another try early on in the second half when the ball bounced awkwardly for the DK defenders and straight into Jo Hunt hands. The wing touched down with Prinsloo adding the conversion for 10-23. DK were up against it and another unforced error midway through the half led to another Ath try as a wayward DK pass was hacked downfield and over the line for Ath winger Joe Hunt to claim his second try and increase Ath’s lead to 10-30.

DK rallied briefly when Layton Wilkinson erupted from a maul inside his own half and fed James Lloyd Jones who raced fully 50 metres outstripping the home side's defence for DK’s second (unconverted) try making it 15-30. Ath had the last word when  left winger Ryan Spencer drove over on the blindside following a 5 metre scrum to make it 35-15.

At least the slightly longer term future looks decidedly bright for DK as the Colts comprehensively trounced their near neighbours Stourbridge by a whopping 51points to 5 in the 3rd round of the English Clubs Colts Knockout Cup to earn local bragging rights for the next few months. Lockers and Shilly and their band of helpers have put together a very talented side who were simply too strong and quick for their old rivals.

DK are at home to Newport (League) KO 2.15 pm. p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 10th November - Midlands 1

Kenilworth 31 - Dudley Kingswinford 3

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 James Lloyd-Jones, 14 Warren Port, 13 Carl Robinson, 12 Gareth Davies, 11 Ian Gowland, 10 Pete Stinton Jnr, 9 Ian Mitchell, 8 Layton Wilkinson, 7 James Bullock, 6 Andy McEwen, 5 Ben Connett, 4 Ian Langford, 3 Paul Norris, 2 Pete Booth, 1 John Fallon. Reps: 16 Al Francis, 17 Shaun Griffiths, 18 Mike Jones.

DK’s nightmare season continues with this their ninth consecutive league defeat. In their previous three league games against the top three sides in the division, DK had shown a marked improvement and might easily have won all three with a modicum of luck, but on this occasion after being only 12-3 down with 10 minutes left they collapsed and were well beaten by a resurgent Kenilworth side that, after a poor start, has won four games on the bounce to reach mid-table security.

The most disappointing aspect from DK’s point of view was the manner of their defeat. Kenilworth are a decent side but certainly not any better than Loughborough, South Leicester or Longton. The home side will rarely have had so many turnover balls handed to them as they did on Saturday, DK must have coughed it up at least 25 times in the loose during the game with a bewildering mixture of unforced errors knock-ons and just sheer incompetence at times. This allied to Uruguayan referee Mr Eduardo Blengioe’s “interesting” interpretation of the breakdown area, rendered DK almost totally ineffective in the loose for much of the game. No real complaints on that score though – you have to play to the referee.

Why were DK’s normally reliable pack and especially their back row so ineffective in the loose? One possible and partial explanation is that their prime back row Destroyer-in-Chief Ian Langford was buried in the second row and hard as he tried - out of position, his inspirational play and particular defensive talents were desperately required in a back row that frankly, looked a little lost without him. DK were without a couple of their new signings Dave Hadkiss and Sam Herrington and Tom McIntosh is still injured. Gareth Davies returned to the centre in place of Karl Lockley and skipper Ian Gowland was on the left wing in place of Adam Conniff. Paul Norris started at loose head. John Fallon was named DK Coaches Man of the Match for a spirited performance despite being under pressure in the tight; he was one of the few DK forwards to carry the ball effectively. The backs all tackled bravely with senior players Allan Mitchell, Pete Stinton, Warren Port and Gareth Davies especially prepared to put their bodies on the line.

Both sides looked eager to run the ball from the start but it soon became apparent that DK were going to struggle in both tight and loose. Despite having their loose head prop Neil Collett yellow carded after 14 minutes the Kenilworth pack pressed strongly and hooker Matt Davies was driven over from a penalty catch and drive to put the home side 5-0 up after17 minutes. The home side kept up the pressure aided and abetted to a great degree by an alarming number of errors and turnovers from DK. It was no surprise when they increased their lead after 26 minutes. Kenilworth’s impressive outside centre James Hersey broke the DK line to send in Rupert (yes Rupert!) Cooper for an easy try. Fly half Chris Brown converted for 12-0. Two tries down against 14 men did not auger well for DK but though the visitors did not really improve much, Kenilworth, despite their fine start, lost their impetus and the score remained at 12-0 until the break.

Half Time: KENILWORTH 12 DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 0

The onset of the second half saw DK putting a bit of real pressure on the home side for the first time in the game. Unfortunately their set scrum was all but disintegrating at this stage and good positions were lost as scrums were constantly wheeled. Pete Stinton Jnr kicked a 62nd minute penalty for DK to make it 12-3 but this only served to awaken Kenilworth from their self-imposed lethargy and they hit DK with 3 tries and 19 points in the last 10 minutes.

Intense pressure and excellent re-cycling of the ball saw right wing Luke Brown over in the corner. Chris Brown converted for 19-3 after 70 minutes. Three minutes later Kenilworth struck again, this time from deep with left wing Andy Whitehall running in the try though there looked to be at least a couple of forward passes, unseen by the referee, in the movement. Chris Brown converted from the touchline and Kenilworth were out of sight at 26-3. With DK down and out for the count, Kenilworth scored a final try on 77 minutes, running a penalty from 30m out replacement back Jez Noon held the scoring pass for a final 31-3 scoreline.

DK are away to Bedford Athletic (EDF Cup – 2nd Round) KO 2pm. p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 3rd November - Midlands 1

Dudley Kingswinford 16 - Longton 18

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 James Lloyd-Jones, 14 Warren Port, 13 Karl Lockley, 12 Carl Robinson, 11 Adam Connif, 10 Pete Stinton Jnr, 9 Dave Hadkiss, 8 Layton Wilkinson, 7 James Bullock, 6 Ian Langford, 5 Ben Connett, 4 Sam Herrington, 3 Alex Francis, 2 Pete Booth, 1 John Fallon. Reps: 16 Paul Norris, 17 Andy McEwen, 18 Allan Mitchell.

DK’s dismal run of form continues. A record eighth consecutive league defeat has left them rooted to the bottom of the table and needing a minor miracle to survive, though for the third week running and against another top side in the division, they could quite easily have won the game with a little more luck and self belief. The game was effectively lost in the first 16 minutes with shoddy passing and missed tackles handing the visitors a 0-12 lead from which, try as they might, the home side were unable recover. Longton then had to defend for long periods especially in the second half but they did so effectively leaving the DK lads ruing what might have been.

Injuries to Ian Gowland, Gareth Bown and Tom McIntosh saw Adam Connif on the left wing, Pete Stinton Jnr at fly half and James Bullock on the open side flank. Prop Paul Norris a very promising signing from Moseley, Andy McEwen and Allan Mitchell made up the bench. The pack again played very well and had the edge over a well drilled Longton eight in the loose though it was harder work in the tight. Excellent games from John Fallon, Ben Connett and Sam Herrington in the front five and the back row were again superb. Ian Langford was named DK Coaches Man of the Match for a prodigious effort even by his standards, in attack and especially in defence. In the backs the mercurial Dave Hadkiss made several good breaks from scrum half whilst his half back partner Pete Stinton Jnr provided a steadying influence with a couple of well struck penalties and a neat dropped goal after DK’s horrific opening. Carl Robinson oozed class in the centre and his superb break set up Ian Langford’s try. His centre partner young Karl Lockley also showed some nice touches.

DK gave themselves a mountain to climb early on when fullback James Lloyd Jones was given a couple of absolutely atrocious passes. Unsurprisingly both were knocked on. From the first one DK were put under intense pressure which resulted in a penalty which Longton fullback Tony Wheat missed. DK were not as fortunate with the second when Longton quickly moved the ball wide to left wing Chris Tennuci who showed the DK cover a clean pair of heels as he scorched through for an unconverted try on 8 minutes to put the visitors 0-5 up.

The score unsettled DK and Tenucci’s pace led indirectly to Longton’s second try after 16 minutes. Receiving the ball in space wide out and inside his own half the winger again cut far too easily through the home defences, he was hauled down just short but Longton set up a rolling maul from which lock forward Richard Thompson was driven over. Tony Wheat converted and Longton were 0-12 up. DK responded with a Pete Stinton Jnr penalty on 19 minutes to make it 3-12 then, as DK cranked up the pressure, Pete Stinton Jnr was again on target, this time with a smartly taken dropped goal after 21 minutes making it 6-12. The rest of the half was spent mainly in midfield with defences well on top.

Half Time: DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 6 LONGTON 12

Tony Wheat kicked Longton 6-15 ahead with what proved to be a crucial 45th minute penalty when what seemed like half the DK team were offside but DK hit back a minute later with an excellent try. Pete Stinton Jnr put Carl Robinson away down the right hand side; the centre broke the Longton line with a searing break and was almost up to the Longton goal line before giving a scoring inside pass to supporting flanker Ian Langford. Pete Stinton Jnr converted and DK were right back in the game at 13-15. Though struggling with their line out throws DK were nevertheless pressing hard at this stage and Longton were distinctly rattled when Pete Stinton Jnr put the home side ahead 16-15 with a 58th minute penalty. A great run out of defence and hack on from second row Sam Herrington saw DK again attacking on the Longton line but a penalty ended their hopes of a further score.

Things went drastically wrong for DK in the last quarter. Pete Stinton Jnr missed a penalty to increase DK’s lead on 67 minutes and was then very harshly yellow carded for handling in the ruck. He was on his feet and had hands on the ball well before any ruck had formed. The penalty should have been awarded to DK for holding on. Replacement prop Paul Norris on for Al Francis pulled off a spectacular tackle to prevent a certain Longton score but it was all in vain as Tony Wheat slotted a 74th minute penalty to snatch a late 16-18 lead and ultimately victory for the visitors

DK are at away at Kenilworth next Saturday. KO 2.15pm. p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 27th October - Midlands 1

South Leicester 10 - Dudley Kingswinford  8

Dudley Kingswinford:15 James Lloyd-Jones, 14 Warren Port, 13 Karl Lockley, 12 Carl Robinson, 11 Ian Gowland (Capt), 10 Gareth Bown, 9 Allan Mitchell, 8 Layton Wilkinson, 7 Tom McIntosh, 6 Ian Langford, 5 Ben Connett, 4 Sam Herrington, 3 Dan Shakespeare, 2 Pete Booth, 1 Al Francis.  Reps:16 John Fallon, 17 James Bullock, 18 Dave Hadkiss.

DK are still searching for that elusive first league win of the season. Despite taking the game to their hosts for long periods, they were just unable to put enough points on the board for the win. The DK faithful should not have to wait too much longer though, this new look DK side could and perhaps should have got a result here, but unforced errors, especially in the lineout and critical attacking areas -a final scoring pass went astray on two occasions - cost them the game. As it was SL scored an admittedly superb individual long range try from their own goal line whilst DK squandered several easier opportunities to score and were unable to convert their kicks at goal though Gareth Bown was desperately unlucky to see one worthy effort rebound off a post.

There were no less than nine changes to DK’s line-up against Loughborough Students last week, plus several positional changes. DK brought in James Lloyd-Jones at fullback, Warren Port on the wing, Karl Lockley in the centre and Gareth Bown at fly half. Ian Langford and Layton Wilkinson returned to the back row, Sam Herrington came into the second row whilst Dan Shakespeare and Al Francis returned to the front row. DK’s new boys James Lloyd-Jones, Carl Robinson and Dave Hadkiss (all from Stourbridge) and Tom McIntosh and Sam Herrington from Moseley have all contributed hugely to DK’s improved form and will no doubt have a big part to play in turning the club’s fortunes around in the league games to come. However it was old stalwart Layton Wilkinson who was adjudged DK’s Man of the Match, his tremendous driving runs kept DK on the front foot for most of the game with one of the home supporters likening him to “a one man wrecking ball”! Fellow back rowers Tom McIntosh and Ian Langford were also in great form. James Lloyd Jones was the pick of the back line with a confident and assured performance throughout.

The sides had the honour of a Kiwi official refereeing this game, for DK it seemed a somewhat dubious honour in the early part of the game with a penalty count of 9 to 1 against at one stage, to be compounded by the farcical yellow carding of fly half Gareth Bown after 17 minutes, apparently for playing the ball on the floor. Gareth was on his feet desperately trying to relieve a South player of the ball who was clinging on to it for dear life!! An atrocious decision, it was a clear penalty for DK, which as it was in the home 22 would probably have changed the result.

South fly half Mark Lord put the home side 3-0 up with a penalty after 8 minutes, he had missed another a minute earlier. A very promising DK attack on 9 minutes came to nothing when Allan Mitchell was penalised for injudicious use of the boot. The game was being constantly interrupted by the referee’s whistle and DK had to dig deep after the patently unfair yellow carding of Gareth Bown but they survived and actually came close to scoring on a couple of occasions despite being down to 14 men.

Bizarrely, DK conceded what turned out to be the decisive score after 35 minutes whilst pressing hard on South’s goal line. The ball squirted out of the ruck to be snapped up by a South forward, DK were short of players on the open side and the South backs exploited this skilfully by moving the ball quickly wide to winger Mark Thomas who ran from his own line the length of the pitch, managing to skirt or sidestep several defenders to score a fine individual try at the posts. Mark Lord converted for South to lead 10-0, a little against the run of play although DK might have conceded another try just before half time. Skipper Ian Gowland’s attempt at a drop goal from at least 50m out (?*!), lost DK possession and a knock on in their 22 gave South an unexpected attacking opportunity near the DK line. Fortunately the pack managed to turn over the ball and the half ended without further mishap.

Half Time: SOUTH LEICESTER 10 DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 0

DK laid siege to the South line at the restart and Gareth Bown kicked a penalty on 41 minutes when the home side ventured offside. South flanker Mike March was yellow carded after 45 minutes for killing the ball as the home side came under increasing pressure. DK cranked it up but then let two golden opportunities go begging. Firstly what should have been a try scoring pass was forward and minutes later what should have been another try scoring pass was flung into touch!

The pressure though was unrelenting and despite South’s sterling defensive efforts, DK scored a deserved if somewhat overdue try after 54 minutes. They had driven at South’s line a couple of times but had been repelled before Gareth Bown’s powerful running dive at the line saw him over the line but held up. Ian Langford took advantage of the situation to touch down wide out for an unconverted try. Both sides then had their moments as they strove for the win. DK constantly got into good positions in the South half but their lineout let them down on several occasions on their own throw, severely cramping their attacking options. In stoppage time DK had one last penalty opportunity but it was a difficult kick into a swirling wind and it would have been a minor miracle had it gone over.

DK are at home to Longton next Saturday. KO 2.15pm. p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 20th October - Midlands 1

Dudley Kingswinford 15- Loughborough Students 20

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 Ian Gowland, 14 Adam Connif, 13 Carl Robinson, 12 Tom Bissell, 11 Liam Reynolds, 10 Dave Hadkiss, 9 Allan Mitchell, 8 Tom McIntosh, 7 James Bullock, 6 Andy McEwen, 5 Ian Langford, 4 Ben Connett, 3 Ian Coles, 2 Pete Booth, 1 Paul Coles. Reps: 16 Dan Chesham, 17 Layton Wilkinson, 18 Warren Port.

THIS WEEK’S MATCH REPORT COURTESY OF DAVE COYLE (DKRFC HON SEC. RUGBY SECTION)

DK’s Team Manager, Gordon Bannatyne, has been very busy this week. Recuperating from knee surgery, Gordon spent a great deal of time with local rugby clubs in an effort to attract players to help DK through its crippling injury crisis. Fortunately, Gordon’s efforts paid off and a number of players have joined the club on loan. Tom McIntosh, Dave Hadkiss, Carl Robinson all made their debuts and Paul Coles, who played for the club in their National 3 campaign, made a welcome return.

Loughborough Students made their first ever visit to Heathbrook on a crisp autumn afternoon. It was a perfect day for playing rugby, and the Students set their stall out quickly. They took every opportunity to run the ball and looked a very dangerous team. The Students are almost full time rugby players, and they certainly looked the part. The Students were offered National 2 status, but preferred to make their way through the regional leagues. They make no secret of their ambitions and their desire to play at the highest level

The Students were well drilled and their back line looked very sharp. The initial game plan was to pressurise the DK defence and pounce on any errors. This paid off in the 10th minutes when a pacey break and crisp handling lead to centre Jake Guastella scoring an unconverted try.The home side then set up a number of forward drives. Paul Coles drove into the heart of the Students defence, forcing a penalty which Tom Bissell duly converted. DK then showed that their own backs had ambition, and the crowd was treated to some sparkling three quarter play.

In the 17th minute, the Students kicked for the corner following a penalty. They won the lineout and set up a ruck in mid field. Precise passing at pace put winger Simon Lilley into space and he scored in the corner. Fly Half Steve Collins added the conversion.  At this stage DK played with more confidence than they have all season but went further behind on 30 minutes, when a superbly executed miss move lead to a try for Grant Pointer

Half Time: DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 3 LOUGHBOROUGH STUDENTS 17

Whilst trailing at half time, DK never looked out of this game. As the game progressed DK did not look like a team that had endured the worst possible start to a season. The majority of the second half was played out in the Students half. DK battered the Students line but to be fair to the men from East Midlands, their defence held firm.

The defences was eventually breached in the 45th minute. Following a series of pick and drives, Allan Mitchell stepped through the defence and scored under the posts. Dave Hadkiss added the conversion.  The game heated up at this point as both sides neither asked for nor gave any quarter. Both sides played with controlled aggression, but within the spirit of the game. Referee, Steve Lee, did have to reach for his cards on one occasion when he had to give Students flanker, Ross Morshead, a ten minute break for killing the ball.

DK really cranked up the pressure, forcing the Students ever backwards. The defence was again breached in the 70th minute, when Carl Robinson was on the end of a crisp passing move, and out paced the defence to score in the corner. The try was not converted Nearly all of the play was now in the Students half. DK, sensing a valuable victory, pounded the Students defence, but just couldn’t break through.

In a rare sortie to the DK half of the field; the Students won a penalty in the 76th minute, which Steve Collins duly converted. Still DK did not give in. In the last play of the game, a late break by Liam Reynolds almost paid off, but he was brought down just short of the line.  Another loss for DK, but a very encouraging performance for Coach Mark Wilson to build on. The DK supporters saw the best team performance for some time. Sadly the second half come back wasn’t quite enough.

DK are away at South Leicester next week. KO 3pm.

Saturday 13th October - Midlands 1

Dudley Kingswinford 5 - Luctonians 23

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 Ian Gowland, 14 Warren Port, 13 Tom Weaver, 12 Tom Bissell, 11 Adam Connif, 10 Gareth Bown, 9 Allan Mitchell, 8 Layton Wilkinson, 7 James Bullock, 6 Andy McEwen, 5 Andy Ford, 4 Shaun Griffiths, 3 Ian Coles, 2 Pete Booth, 1 Dan Chesham. Reps: 16 Jeff Large, 17 Ollie Shakespeare, 18 Liam Reynolds.

Though DK lost this replayed game to league leaders Luctonians, this was a far more encouraging performance from their backs. Having lost the first game a fortnight ago 7-34, the scoreline this time flattered Lucs’ who only added their final seven points in stoppage time. After conceding two early tries DK, who were heavily outgunned up front, fought tooth and nail for the rest of the game. A superb try from skipper Ian Gowland midway through the second half raised DK hopes but the home side’s makeshift and lightweight front row, though tenacious in the loose, were no match in the set pieces for their bigger Luctonians counterparts.

There seems to be no end to DK’s injury jinx, tight head prop Dan Shakespeare was a late cry off with back spasms and had to be replaced by Ian Coles which meant that Dan Chesham had to switch to tight head whilst Pete Booth, a flanker, was hooking! Not surprising then that the front row came under increasing pressure during the game. Andy Ford came into the second row and James Bullock returned to the openside flank. In the backs there was a welcome return from injury for skipper Ian Gowland who was the DK Coaches Man of the Match, he instilled a lot more confidence into the back line, was always a threat with the ball in hand and scored a splendid second half try. Young fly half Gareth Bown also had a fine game, hardly putting a foot wrong all afternoon. He is a precocious talent. Tom Bissell too looked very comfortable at inside centre. It was just unfortunate that the pack, on this occasion were unable to give their backs the ball on the front foot.

DK made the early running but after missing an early penalty chance they fell behind to a well worked Luctonians try after 7 minutes. Breaking swiftly from defence, good inter-passing between both forwards and backs for 50m up field culminated in hooker Nick Byron scoring an excellent try for the visitors to lead 0-5. DK then lost centre Tom Weaver to injury, Warren Port moved into the centre with Liam Reynolds on the right wing. Another 70m sweeping Luc’s move after 17 minutes led indirectly to their next score. They knocked on near the DK line but shoved the home side off their heel for hooker Nick Byron to drive over for his second try and a 0-10 lead for Lucs.

At this stage things were looking bleak for the home side, they were being shunted backwards in the scrums and were unable to secure very little decent ball. However it was good to see a little life left in the “DK Dog”, as to a man, they took the game to the visitors, trying to move the ball at every opportunity. They harried the bigger Luc’s pack into errors and they were never quite able to regain their earlier total dominance. Unfortunately DK’s lack of presence up front meant they were unable to turn their hard earned possession into points.

Half Time: DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 0 LUCTONIANS 10

Though missing an early penalty chance DK were still causing the visitors problems and a sublime piece of play from fly half Gareth Bown saw him sidestep two Luc’s attackers inside the DK 22 and put winger Liam Reynolds away and in the clear to make a searing 70m break before being hauled down agonisingly short of the line. Fly half Brett Prior increased Luc’s lead to 0-13 with a 53rd minute penalty but DK hit back with a spectacular try on 58 minutes. DK had actually lost the ball in midfield but a poor Luc’s pass saw the ball run loose between the home 22 and 10m line for DK to snap it up and sweep it quickly out to Ian Gowland who sprinted 60m past at least four would be tacklers to score an unconverted try in the corner to make it 5-13 and all to play for.

Apart from the first quarter of the game this had been a gritty, brave performance from the depleted DK side but they were undone when a speculative drop kick from Brett Prior after 77 minutes barely crept over for Luc’