Match Reports 2010 - 2011

Cheltenham (h); Worcester Wanderers (a); Stratford upon Avon (h); Sutton Coldfield (a) Walsall (h); Bournville (a); Banbury (h); Camp Hill (a); Lichfield (h); ; Whitchurch (a); Leamington (a); Nuneaton Old Eds (h); Stratford upon Avon (a); Walsall (a); Bournville (h)Banbury (a); Camp Hill (h); Lichfield (a); Old Halesonians (a); Whitchurch (h); Old Laurentians (h); Leamington (h); Nuneaton Old Eds (a)

 

Saturday 12th March 2011 - Midlands 1 West

Nuneaton Old Edwardians 14 Dudley Kingswinford 78

Dudley Kings: 15 Simon Fletcher, 14 Matt Farrington, 13 Tom Weaver, 12 Stefan Shillingford, 11 Mike Jones, 10 Gareth Bown, 9 Jon Higgins, 1 Rich Kelley, 2 Luke Greenwood, 3 Stefan Thorp, Shaun Griffiths, 5 Ollie Shakespeare, 6 Jon Tideswell, 7 Tui Asi-Pito, 8 Ben Connett (Capt). Reps: 16 James Parkes (FR), 17 Pete Knight, 18 Gareth Davies

DK cruised past the one thousand points mark for the season mark with this emphatic win at NOE’s Weddington Road ground. The Black Country boys have notched up forty tries in their last three games including twelve yesterday. For the record, ten of the side that started for DK yesterday evolved through the club’s superb Mini Junior setup.What really was apparent yesterday was that DK were a very much fitter side than Nuns, a credit to the tremendous commitment of our players and coaches throughout this season. Yes, DK are having a fine season but we are under no illusions, all clubs have their ups and downs and DK have had their fair share of both. NOE’s Match report scribe Paul Webb also opined that DK would be “no great loss” to the division. Again many clubs might well disagree as DK are superb hosts and an extremely welcoming club as are most of the clubs in this division.

There were six changes to the DK side that beat Leamington last week, one of them positional. Rich Kelley replaced Al Francis (bruised chest) in the front row, Shaun Griffiths replaced Ed Parry in the second row and Tui Asi-Pito started instead of Pete Knight at o/s flanker. In the backs Simon Fletcher returned at full back after holidaying and Jon Higgins at scrum half after injury with Matt Farrington moving to the right wing. It was another great team performance with several outstanding contributions. Jon Higgins gave a master class in poise and decision making on his return at scrum half after a month out injured, Matt Farrington hardly put a foot wrong in another very strong game n the wing and Simon Fletcher oozed class at full back but DK Man of the Match was Gareth Bown with a very polished and assured performance at fly half. Gareth scored two tremendous tries and weighed in with nine conversions for a personal tally of 28 points following his 20 points last week. Gareth Davies got an early call from the bench when Mike Jones took a knock and played superbly throughout. The old boy can still make one hell of a break! Luke Greenwood was the pick of the forwards with an all action game and always available to link play. Tui Asi-Pito ran himself to a standstill in another powerful game on the flank and Ollie Shakespeare carried well. A dislocated finger suffered by Shaun Griffiths meant an early departure from the field after an impressive display. Initial fears of a break were dispelled following his visit to hospital.

DK opened the scoring after 5 minutes when Tui Asi-Pito tore 50m up through the middle after fielding a kick ahead. Tui’s break caught Nuns cold and a simple overlap saw Gareth Bown cruise in for the try. Gareth then converted for 0-7. Nuns rallied strongly and centre Jodie Peacock hit a post with an 11th minute penalty before DK hit the home side with a second try on 14 minutes. Jon Higgins long pass found Si Fletcher who sent Stef Shillingford away on a 30m break and his inside pass again found Si Fletcher for the full back to beat two defenders before scoring. Gareth Bown converted for 0-14. After 19 minutes fine play from Jon Higgins again put Stef Shillingford into space to draw the cover before sending in Matt Farrington for the u/c try to make it 0-19. At this stage the Nuns pack was somewhere between a rock and a hard place being systematically taken apart by DK’s powerful set piece, so it was no surprise when DK gained the bonus point after 26 minutes with their fourth try. Ben Connett took the ball up then a sublime delayed pass from Jon Higgins created a gap for Gareth Bown to fly through then step his way past a couple of defenders for a super u/c try to make it 0-2

DK were hitting Nuns with some great attacking rugby, after 29 minutes Gareth Bown made a superb break out of the 22, fed Matt Farrington whose long miss pass was collected at pace by Simon Fletcher to cross close in for his second try. Gareth Bown converted for 0-31. Try no six arrived 2 minutes later (31m) and what a beauty. A brilliant lineout take against the throw from Shaun Griffiths down to Jon Higgins saw the scrum half take and give in a split second to Gareth Davies whose tremendous 25m break split the Nun’s cover then saw him put in Stef Shillingford for a brilliant try. Gareth Bown added the extras to make it 0-38. Nuns pulled back a try on 35 mins with a fine 50m individual effort from winger Carl Hutchings converted by Jodie Peacock for 7-38. Sadly Shaun Griffiths had to leave the field with a broken finger after 36 minutes but the DK machine rolled on. Pete Knight came into the back row and Ben Connett moved to lock. Nuns lost the ball under pressure in their own half after 38 minutes and good play from Tui Asi-Pito and Ben Connett set up Jon Tideswell for try no 7 after 38 minutes. Gareth Bown’s conversion saw DK lead 7-45 at the break.

Half Time: NUNEATON OLD EDWARDIANS 7 DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 45

Fine combination play from Ollie Shakespeare and Tom Weaver put Matt Farrington away and the winger expertly rounded two defenders in a 30m dash to the corner. Gareth Bown converted from touch to increase the DK lead to 7-52 after 43 minutes. Whilst DK were very dominant in the scrums they began to make a few errors in the loose and temporarily lost their first half fizz. The home side put in a concerted effort and were rewarded by a second try from wing Carl Hutchins on 59 minutes converted by Peacock to make it 14-52 though there was a forward pass and a knock-on right under the ref’s nose! DK quickly regained the initiative and 4 minutes later (63m) when excellent play from Jon Tideswell saw DK power forward into the Nun’s half and a super break from Gareth Davies to Tom Weaver who sent in Stef Shillingford for his second try. Gareth Bown adding the extras for 14-59.

Matt Farrington notched his hat trick and DK’s 10th try after 67 minutes. Strong forward play in midfield with Tui Asi-Pito to the fore, saw the ball quickly moved wide to Farrinton on the overlap (U/c) to make it 14-64. Then on 72 minutes James Parkes who had com on at prop for Rich Kelley scored a debut try after being driven over following a 5m scrum, Gareth Bown converting for 14-71. DK scored their twelfth and final try n the last minute when quick thinking from skipper Ben Connett set up a ruck in the Nuns 22 from where the ball was swiftly moved to the wing and an inside pass found Gareth Davies who sprinted in from 25m for the final try of the game. Gareth Bown wrapped up the win with the conversion to make it 14-78.

Next Week DK are at home to Sutton Coldfield. KO 3.00p

Saturday 5th March 2011 - Midlands 1 West

Dudley Kingswinford 85 Leamington 0

Dudley Kings: 15 James Jefferson, 14 Jak Davis, 13 Tom Weaver, 12 Stefan Shillingford, 11 Mike Jones, 10 Gareth Bown, 9 Matt Farrington, 1 Al Francis, 2 Luke Greenwood, 3 Stefan Thorp, 4 Ed Parry, 5 Ollie Shakespeare, 6 Jon Tideswell, 7 Pete Knight (Capt), 8 Ben Connett. Reps. 16 Dan Shakespeare (FR), 17 Tui Asi-Pito, 18 Gareth Davies.

DK smashed through the 100 league points barrier with this 13 try battering of basement club Leamington, lifting their average points per match to over 45 in the process. The Warwickshire club have had a tough season but despite being heavily outgunned in all areas they played with great spirit throughout and never stopped tackling. Their No 8 Mark Roden and scrum half and skipper Alex Carroll doing brilliant job in managing to retain their scrum ball under very heavy pressure from DK throughout. For DK, the league’s top try scorer Stefan Shillingford increased his season’s tally to 19 with four tries in another power packed performance and Gareth Bown had an excellent day with the boot, converting 10 of the 13 tries for 20 points.

There was only one change to the side that beat Old Laurentians last week with Ben Connett coming in for Jamie Ramsey who was unavailable. The front row of Al Francis, Luke Greenwood/Dan Shakespeare and Stefan Thorp were again outstanding, giving their Leamington counterparts a torrid afternoon, Ollie Shakespeare had another fine game, the big man was always in the thick of the action and fellow lock Ed Parry was in great form too. The back row turned over ball for fun, Jon Tideswell is settling in nicely on the blindside flank. Tui Asi-Pito again made a great impact from the bench with his powerful, storming breaks. DK’s Man of the Match had to be Stefan Shillingford, scoring four tries and putting in several trademark, blockbusting tackles. Very close behind Shilly was scrum half Matt Farrington, a constant thorn in the visitor’s side with his darting runs and astute decision making also fly half Gareth Bown whose goal kicking ensured a good “points for” day for DK.

Leamington kept DK at bay for six minutes before Matt Farrington’s pass sent Stef Shillingford away, blasting through two tackles to score at the posts with Gareth Bown converting for 7-0. A second try followed after 9 minutes when Leam lost the ball in their own 22 and ever alert Pete Knight snapped it up to score wide out. A fine conversion from Gareth Bown made it 14-0. The DK pressure was now constant and on 16 minutes Ben Connett picked up from a 5m scrum to feed Jon Tideswell for the flanker’s debut DK try. Gareth Bown added the extras for 21-0. Leamington tried hard to respond, setting up a couple of attacks but ended up being penalised on both occasions. DK should have earned the bonus point after 26 minutes when Luke Greenwood broke clear but white line fever took hold when he was tackled just short with two men outside him!

DK missed several good opportunities to score before the bonus point for the fourth try was finally achieved after 32 minutes. Constant heavy pressure on the visitor’s line finally bore fruit when from a 5m ruck the ball was moved right for Matt Farrington to dive over. Gareth Bown making it 28-0 with the conversion. After 37 minutes more pressure in the Leam 22 saw Al Francis bounce off a couple of tackles following a free kick to plough over for an u/c try wide out making it 33-0. It has to be said that the Leamington lads were still giving it everything and DK could not relax for a moment but they were simply unable to prevent a sublime try in first half stoppage time. A break from Ben Connett carried on by Ollie Shakespeare then tremendous, slick inter-passing through several pairs of hands saw Stefan Shillingford in space and arriving at pace on the overlap to score DK’s fifth try. Gareth Bown again added the extras for a 40-0 half time lead for DK.

Half Time: DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 40 LEAMINGTON 0

DK’s seventh try at the re-start was rather bizarre. DK kicked off and the ball looked to be going out on the full with calls of “leave it” from the Leam players. It actually bounced inside the touchline for the alert Ed Parry to snap up on the bounce and race 40m to the corner for ba bit of a gift. Gareth Bown kicked a fine conversion from touch to ease DK up to 47-0. The next 10 minutes saw DK squander a hatful of chances mainly through poor handling and passing, but the pressure was relentless and a brilliant eighth try arrived on 52 minutes when James Jefferson fielded a Leam defensive kick and proceeded to carve through the Leamington midfield at pace before switching to Jak Davis who, from an acute angle, flew through the remnants of the Leam cover to the posts for a great try. Gareth Bown converting for 54-0. DK scored a sensational ninth try two minutes later (54m) when Mike Jones rescued a loose ball to set up replacement flanker Tui Asi-Pito for a tremendous midfield break then, fabulous hands from Tui sent Jak Davis on a defence splitting run with his pass sending in Stefan Shillingford for his third try. Gareth Bown was spot on again with the conversion for 61-0.

Another devastating 45m break from Tui Asi-Pito set up DK’s tenth try after 59 minutes. With the Leamington cover in shreds the ball was flung wide to Stefan Shillingford in space to run in his fourth try of the afternoon (u/c) to make it 66-0. Gareth Davies had come on in the centre and for the second week in succession scored with his first touch on 63 minutes following an expertly executed “scissors” move from Gareth Bown. Gareth added the conversion to make it 73-0. DK’s twelfth try came after fine play from Gareth Davies on 68 minutes, creating space for Jak Davis to cruise in for his second try (u/c) to make it 78-0. Finally Jon Tideswell scored his second try direct from a 5m scrum on 74 minutes with Gareth Bown converting for a final score of 85-0 to DK.

Next Week DK are at away at Nuneaton Old Edwardians. KO 3.00pm. p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 26th February 2011 - Midlands 1 West

Dudley Kingswinford 91 Old Laurentians 7

Dudley Kings: 15 James Jefferson, 14 Jak Davis, 13 Tom Weaver, 12 Stefan Shillingford, 11 Mike Jones, 10 Gareth Bown, 9 Matt Farrington, 1 Al Francis, 2 Luke Greenwood, 3 Stefan Thorp, 4 Ed Parry, 5 Ollie Shakespeare, 6 Jon Tideswell, 7 Pete Knight (Capt), 8 Jamie Ramsey. Reps. 16 Dan Shakespeare (FR), 17 Tui Asi-Pito, 18 Gareth Davies.

Last week’s disappointing performance against Whitchurch was well and truly forgotten as 15 try DK stormed to their twentieth successive win with this clinical demolition of mid-table OL’s. After leaking an early try DK went on to lead 29-7 (5 tries) at the break and really cut loose in the second half with a great exhibition of flair and brilliant attacking rugby, scoring a further 10 tries and notching up an amazing further 62 points in the half. Three players got a hat trick of tries each, James Jefferson, Tom Weaver and Ollie Shakespeare. The result was a record league score for DK.

There were several changes to last week’s side. Al Francis returned at loose head prop in place of Rich Kelly, Ed Parry replaced the injured Ben Connett and Jon Tideswell just signed from Bournville started at blindside flanker with Tui Asi-Pito on the bench. In the backs James Jefferson moved from the wing to full back and Matt Farrington moved from full back to scrum half with Mike Jones coming in on the wing in place of the unfortunate winger Duncan Chance, a recent signing from Stourbridge who broke his jaw in two places last week within minutes of coming on from the bench for his DK debut in the second half. All at DK wish Duncan a speedy recovery. Dan Shakespeare and Gareth Davies joined Tui Asi-Pito on the bench.

Jon Tideswell made an excellent debut and was always in the thick of things as was Tui Asi-Pito who came on after Jon got a knock in the second half. Skipper Pete Knight and Jamie Ramsey also had top games in the back row. Ollie Shakespeare had a very good game indeed though I’m not sure that his old man would approve of such blatant ostentation – three tries for God’s sake! Fellow lock Ed Parry got better and better as the game wore on. The front row was relentless with hooker Luke Greenwood having a fine game. All of the backs were superb too, scoring ten of the tries. Stef Shillingford (2T) put last week’s woes behind him having a great game as did fellow centre Tom Weaver (3T). James “Speedy” Jefferson (3T) was pretty awesome too as were half backs Matt Farrington and Gareth Bown, but in such an overall great team performance, no one player stood out more than the others, thus the team award.

DK earned the bonus point with their fourth try on 22 mins. A loose defensive kick from OL’s was picked off by Stef Shillingford inside the 22 who drove strongly for the line, a couple of passes left and Tom Weaver was over for an u/c try to make it 22-7. The home side then lost their way for 10 minutes as the dreaded “white line fever” took hold and a couple of easy opportunities were spurned. DK eventually got back on track after 34 minutes when Jamie Ramsey drove over after a couple of power rucks close to the OL’s line. Gareth Bown converted for 29-7.

Half Time: DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 29 OLD LAURENTIANS 7

DK scored a superb sixth try on 44 minutes after slick inter-passing down the right touchline followed by a great, incisive break inside from Matt Farrington whose inside pass was taken at pace by Stef Shillingford who powered in for the try converted by Gareth Bown to make it 36-7. Try number 7 duly arrived after47 minutes. The OL’s back line was all over the place and a little shimmy from the multi talented Matt Farrington was all it took as the scrum half cut inside to score with Gareth Bown converting for 43-7. It was relentless stuff from DK and on 52 minutes the ball was quickly spun left then right giving James Jefferson space and time to cruise in for the eighth try again converted by Gareth Bown for 50-7.

OL’s were now chasing shadows and DK scored a ninth try on 54 minutes when a DK ruck erupted over the OL’s line for Ollie Shakespeare to touch down (u/c) for 55-7. DK breached double figures with try number 10 on 63 minutes. A good pass from Matt Farrington followed by a super break from Stef Shillingford and whose pass saw James Jefferson over for his second try, converted by Gareth Bown for 62-7. After 66 minutes replacement flanker Tui Asi-Pito tore 50m through the middle passed on to Ollie Shakespeare who made more ground before some brilliant interplay sent in Tom Weaver on the overlap. Gareth Bown converted for 69-7. Gareth Davies had just come on after weeks out with a thigh injury and he scored with his first touch after another tremendous Matt Farrington break had set him up (u/c) to make it 74-7 after 66 minutes.

There was hardly time to draw breath before DK scored a brilliant 13th try on 71 minutes. The ball was moved wide to James Jefferson about 40m out “Speedy” pinned back his ears and beat off three tackles to score a great u/c try (and his hat trick!) in the corner for 79-7. Tom Weaver scored his third try after 75minutes after a searing 40m break. This was converted by Gareth Bown for 86-7 and finally Ollie Shakespeare notched up his hat trick of tries with a pick up and 40m break after a blockbusting Mike Jones tackle had knocked the ball free. This u/c try brought the final score up to 91-7.

Next Week DK are at home to Leamington. KO 3.00pm. p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 19th February 2011 - Midlands 1 West

Dudley Kingswinford 36 Whitchurch 33

Dudley Kings: 15 Matt Farrington, 14 Jak Davis, 13 Tom Weaver, 12 Stefan Shillingford, 11 James Jefferson, 10 Gareth Bown, 9 Tom Huggins, 1 Stefan Thorp, 2 Luke Greenwood, 3 Rich Kelley, 4 Ben Connett, 5 Ollie Shakespeare, 6 Tui Asi Pito, 7 Pete Knight (Capt), 8 Jamie Ramsey. Reps. 16 Dan Shakespeare (FR), 17 Ed Parry, 18 Duncan Chance.

DK served up what must rate as their poorest performance of the season in an extraordinary game at Heathbrook. They just managed to pip a plucky and very committed young Whitchurch side with an injury time penalty from Gareth Bown which proved to be the last kick of the game. Quite how DK found themselves in such a position beggars belief! They won the game by five tries to three but two of the Whitchurch tries came via gift wrapped interceptions and they were regularly punished for a heavy penalty count against by ‘Church fly half Danny Nicholas who converted four of them. The visitors could hardly believe their luck at DK’s profligacy and to their credit rose to the occasion with great tenacity and no little skill. Their full back Henry Hockenhull was easily the best back on the field. DK had made several changes but there could be little excuse for such a dismal performance when almost everything that could go wrong did! Nevertheless DK achieved the win and an all important bonus point that eluded rivals Sutton away at Stratford. Referee Steve Johnson had a good game, he was very clear and spot on with most of his decisions. Whitchurch are great visitors and superb hosts and despite their disappointment, the game was celebrated in the time honoured fashion by all for several hours after the game had ended!

DK were forced into four changes for the game. Hugely influential player-coach Jon Higgins (bruised ribs) was replaced by Tommy Huggins at scrum half. In the pack Shaun Griffiths (knee) was replaced by Ben Connett. Loose head prop Al Francis was attending a wedding and his place was taken by Rich Kelley and finally Luke Greenwood started at hooker in place of Dan Shakespeare who took a turn on the bench alongside Ed Parry and new signing from Stourbridge Duncan Chance. Duncan came on late in the game but unfortunately suffered a nasty jaw injury soon after. In an overall sluggish DK performance very few players stood out. Most support for DK Man of the Match was for powerhouse prop Stefan Thorp who scored an important hat trick of tries and proved almost impossible to stop when given the ball close to the line. The back row worked hard in the loose but the DK front five did not really fire as they have done so often this season and only really dominated towards the end. For the backs it was generally a day to forget against a good Whitchurch back line though Jak Davis always looked dangerous and scored a good try. Gareth Bown had a good game too; he also kicked four conversions and kept a cool head to kick the all important penalty that won the game at the death.

DK gave away a rash of penalties in the first few minutes, one being close enough for ‘Church fly half Danny Nicholas to stroke over to give the visitors a 0-3 lead. DK should have scored after six minutes when scrum half Tommy Huggins was sent clear but unfortunately Tommy’s “scoring pass” somehow went directly to his opposite number! The omens were already rather worrying! The home side’s errors continued and a fifth penalty against after only 14 minutes saw Nicholas double the ‘Chuch lead to 0-6. DK spurned another gilt edged chance on 18 minutes when Rich Kelley burst through the cover with lots of support to his left, only to die with the ball! Whitchurch No 8 Noel Speed was sin-binned after 21 minutes for collapsing a maul. Now against 14 men DK got “white line fever” and several opportunities went begging as some pretty obvious wrong options were taken. The home side finally got something right after 23 minutes when Jamie Ramsey drove over straight from a 5m scrum. Gareth Bown added the conversion for DK to lead 7-6. It didn’t last long as DK went on all out in attack and Stef Shillingford’s 26th minute attempted pass to Jak Davis was picked off by ‘Church winger Adam Teare who cruised in for the interception try, converted by Nicholas to restore the visitor’s lead to 7-13.

DK redoubled their efforts and in their first fluent attack of the game took play up close to the ‘Church line from where Stefan Thorp powered over for a try, again converted by Gareth Bown to nudge DK back into the lead at 14-13 after 29 minutes. Though DK were now posing a lot more threat to their visitors, Whitchurch would not lie down and scored a very good try to regain the lead after 33 minutes when they spread the ball wide quickly, catching the DK back line napping for left wing Andy Oaken to cross in the corner. A superb touchline conversion from Danny Nicholas made it 14-20 to the visitors and the DK side looked more than a tad rattled as they strove hard for more control up until half time.

Half Time: DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 14 WHITCHURCH 20

Danny Nicholas was wide with a 42nd minute penalty before DK scored a good third try after 45 minutes. An excellent break and chip for the line from Stef Shillingford saw the ball elude both him and a chasing ‘Chuch defender but Jak Davis following up touched down for the u/c try in the corner bringing DK back within a point at 19-20. DK’s discipline then let them down when lock Ollie Shakespeare was binned for an illegal shoulder charge and DK were really up against it. Whitchurch pressed very hard against DK’s 14 men and penalties on 55m and 58m from the trusty boot of Danny Nicholas took Whitchurch seven points clear at 19-26. Restored to a full XV DK responded immediately when big Stefan Thorp blasted over from close range after a penalty catch and drive and Gareth Bown added the extras to make it 26-26. The momentum was now firmly back with DK as the Shropshire lads battled desperately to keep the home side from taking over completely, but then yet another calamity! After 64 minutes and with DK attacking strongly, Stef Shillingfords attempt to send away Jak Davis once more ended in disaster as ‘Church wing Adam Teare again intercepted the pass to race away to score under the posts, Danny Nicholas converted and Whitchurch led 26-33 with 16 minutes left on the clock.

DK are undefeated and top of this league for good reason, even when not at its best, the DK “Dog” is a difficult animal to muzzle and so it proved! Less than a minute after this potentially disastrous setback (65m), DK were back on terms. Enormous pressure on the visitor’s line saw DK Man of the Match Stefan Thorp smash through for his third try (Stef doesn’t do sidesteps!) which Gareth Bown converted to make it all square again at 33-33. The drama was by no means over as DK foolishly kicked away good possession giving their visitors further chances to dent DK’s record. The inevitable happened as DK kicked once too often and were caught offside. To a huge collective sigh of relief from the DK faithful the ultra reliable Danny Nicholas just missed the penalty and so the final drama was only seconds away as this time Whitchurch transgressed deep in stoppage time and Gareth Bown had the unenviable task of winning the game with a 35m penalty that proved to be the last kick of the game – no pressure then! The young man struck the ball perfectly through the middle and DK live to fight another day. Finally, young Shilly was understandably devastated about the interception tries but he is week in week out one of DK’s best and most reliable players. Put it down to experience and forget it – better buy Bowny a pint or two though!

Next Week DK are at home to Leamington. KO 2.30pm. p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 12th February 2011 - Midlands 1 West

Old Halesonians 5 Dudley Kingswinford 41

Dudley Kings: 15 Matt Farrington, 14 Jak Davis, 13 Tom Weaver, 12 Stefan Shillingford, 11 James Jefferson, 10 Gareth Bown, 9 Jon Higgins, 1 Stefan Thorp, 2 Dan Shakespeare, 3 Al Francis, 4 Ollie Shakespeare, 5 Shaun Griffiths, 6 Tui Asi Pito, 7 Pete Knight (Capt), 8 Jamie Ramsey. Reps. 16 Luke Greenwood (FR), 17 Ben Connett, 18 Mike Jones.

A comprehensive seven tries to one victory at Wassell Grove over their fourth place rivals and near neighbours Old Halesonians stretched DK’s record breaking season to nineteen straight wins. OH’s have had a fair season themselves and before today’s game their largest losing margin had been only 11 points (both away games at Sutton and Lichfield). The first half was strongly contested with the home side fired up in front of the large crowd, but as they have all season, the DK pack got on top before the break enabling DK to take a comfortable 0-12 lead and it could have been more. In the second half DK regularly shunted the tiring home pack backwards and ran in a further five tries against a solitary score from OH’s just before the end.

With Ian Langford missing with a bicep injury, Jamie Ramsey came into the back row at No 8 enabling skipper Pete Knight to return to the flank. The only other changes were positional with Jon Higgins (to SH) and Matt Farrington (to FB) swapping positions. In a powerful all round display there were several good performances. Ollie Shakespeare and Shaun Griffiths both carried well and the front row of Stefan Thorpe, Dan Shakespeare and Al Francis were peerless but the vote for DK Man of the Match was unanimously won by Tui Asi Pito for a storming performance in the back row. Tui is a very fit and powerful unit with the pace and ability to break tackles and make the ball available, he caused the opposition many problems with his strong breaks. With Langy out for a while there are big boots to fill and Tui’s form is a real bonus. Jamie Ramsey also had a fine game at No 8. Whilst the backs all played well Jon Higgins, Matt Farrington and Tom Weaver were outstanding.

The opening exchanges were fairly even as the both sides probed warily for openings but it was DK that drew first blood with an excellent try after 9 minutes Jon Higgins broke in midfield to feed Tom Weaver who then broke through the OH’s line to give an inside pass to full back Matt Farrington steaming up in support to score close in. Gareth Bown added the conversion for DK to lead 0-7. The visitors then had to defend strongly as OH’s threw everything at them but the DK cover were not found wanting and finally cleared their lines when OH’s infringed inside the DK 22.

The home side were striving very hard to redress the balance but DK matched them all the way and were looking ominously strong up front with Tui Asi Pito in particular causing havoc in DK’s forward thrusts. DK’s pack made their second try after 34 minutes when they shoved OH’s clean off their own scrum ball. No 8 Jamie Ramsey tore deep into the OH’s 22 before setting up a sweeping three-quarter move that saw FB Matt Farrington score an u/c try on the overlap to make it 0-12. DK were having problems with their lineout throws and this gave OH’s several scrum feeds but they were suffering badly in the set scrums and were totally unable to profit from DK’s largesse.

Half Time: OLD HALESONIANS 0 DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 12

DK took another heel against the head and pounded the home line, Stefan Shillingford looked certain to score on 46 mins when following up a kick through the OH’s cover but was baulked by home full back Chris Hooper who received a yellow card for his indiscretion. This caused OH’s a few problems as Chris Hooper was by some margin their best player and was having a fine game up until that point. DK took full advantage when Jon Higgins sent Gareth Bown in for an u/c try on 50 mins to make it 0-17 after another big scrum from the visitors in the OH’s 22. Five minutes later (55m) DK gained the bonus point when tremendous breaks through the middle from Jamie Ramsey and the irrepressible Tui Asi Pito left Stefan Thorp with the ball to barrel over from 10m out. Gareth Bown kicked the conversion for DK to extend their lead to 0-24.

DK were now in full flow and Tom Weaver touched down on 57 minutes only for the “try” to be disallowed as dropped though several spectators close by were convinced that Tom had scored legitimately. DK’s momentum however was such that it could not be denied and the visitors scored another fine try after 62 minutes when slick handling at pace put Stefan Shillingford in space down the right hand touchline and the powerful centre drove over for an u/c try to make it 0-29. Stefan Thorp got a yellow card for an illegal shoulder charge on 65 mins but still DK attacked in waves and Jak Davies was next on the score sheet, rounding a couple of defenders to score a fine right wingers try which was converted by Gareth Bown to make it 0-36 after 69 minutes.

With OH’s well and truly on the ropes, Stefan Thorp returned in time for another powerful DK scrum inside the OH’s 22 that saw the ball moved down the line at pace for replacement back Mike Jones to power in for an u/c try in the corner to make it 0-41 on 72. The home side had the last word however with a very good consolation try on 76 minutes. An excellent 45m break from the very impressive OH’s full back Chris Hooper took play deep into the DK half where it was spun out to their pacy winger Spencer Sutherland who beat a couple of tackle to score a good try in the corner for 5-41. DK had several further good opportunities in the last few minutes but a spate of uncharacteristic knock-ons meant they were unable to add further to their score.

Next Week DK are at home to Whitchurch. KO 2.30pm. p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 5th February 2011 - Midlands West 1

Lichfield 26 Dudley Kingswinford 52

Dudley Kings: 15Jon Higgins , 14 James Jefferson, 13 Tom Weaver, 12 Stefan Shillingford, 11 Jak Davis 10 Gareth Bown, 9 Matt Farrington, 1 Al Francis, 2 Dan Shakespeare, 3 Stefan Thorp, 4 Shaun Griffiths, 5Ollie Shakespeare , 6 Ian Langford, 7 Tui Asi Pito, 8Peter Knight (Captain). Reps. 16 Luke Greenwood, 17 Jamie Ramsey, 18 .Mike Jones

On a blustery day in Lichfield the visitors were forced to play ‘catch up’ as the home side took a deserved and significant advantage over table topping DK in this thrilling game between two well drilled and competent sides. There were few in the sizeable crowd who would have denied Lichfield their half-time lead as they used the gusting wind to push the opposition back at every opportunity. DK had to call on their reserves of character and self belief to claw back a 21 -10 scoreline at half-time to inflict a now rare home defeat on Lichfield who must have fancied their chances of an upset. DK need only look to their pack and ,especially, their captain Pete Knight for inspiration as he repeatedly turned over opposition ball and even got in on the act of scoring.

From the kick off the wind played its part as Lichfield saw the ball sail over the DK dead ball line and, at the restart, DK were penalized for a crooked feed and referee, John Hill of the Yorkshire Society, stamped his authority on a game which was difficult enough with the conditions without an over zealous interpretation at line-outs and restarts.

Lichfield enjoyed early possession with their backs displaying a good turn of speed and flair as they made inroads into the DK 22.From a long through ball DK turned over possession but were too eager and No 10, Josh Massey stepped up to convert a penalty on 4 minutes.

DK regrouped and Tom Weaver gathered the ball neatly, sidestepped and weaved his way into the Lichfield half but a forward pass which went to ground was booted long into DK territory, only to gather momentum like a snowball and drift harmlessly into touch. Lichfield charged down the restart but Tui Asi Pito gathered and made one of several excellent forages into the Lichfield half, only to see his pass helped on its way into touch by a huge gust of wind. On 14 minutes a Gareth Bown penalty was again held up in the wind and the Lichfield winger , Matt Brown, made a 50 metre return which was knocked-on by DK and the resulting scrum was won by LIchfield and scrum-half Will Cotterhill, a thorn in the DK side all afternoon, fed the ball to No 6 Richard Burton (yes you read it right !) and he deftly touched down. Josh Massey struck the upright with the conversion and Lichfield now lead 8-0. DK were struggling to wrestle possession from the home side who senses this was a day for an upset and another score duly arrived on 20 minutes when a break by scrum half Will Cotterhill allowed fly half Josh Massey to score and then convert his own try.

Time for ‘Captain Marvel’, Pete Knight to take his troops in hand. The pack seized control of a series of rucks and mauls and, after a fine run again by Tom Weaver and James ‘Speedy’ Jefferson, who nearly reached the line, the DK pack drove over and up popped Pete Knight to secure a much needed score on 25 minutes.

Back came the DK forwards and within minutes they were camped on the Lichfield line. With good line out ball the pack drove over and Stefan Thorp emerged with his now customary smile and try. The conversion missed DK were back in the game.

If nothing else this was an exciting game for all spectators and Lichfield pressed hard and were rewarded with a penalty which Josh Massey again converted to make it Lichfield 18 DK 10 on 36 minutes. At this point Ian Langford went off with an arm injury and Jamie Ramsey came on at No 8 with Pete restored to his normal position at flanker. DK were then pinned back by two Josh Massey penalties as the half drew to a close and DK were facing quite a stern test as they went in at half- time with the score:-

Half-time Lichfield 21 DK 10

As the old cliché goes ‘this is a game of 2 halves’ and DK produced 42 points with the wind behind them to Lichfield’s 5 and yet the result was still in doubt up until the last quarter. Forced into changes with Ian Langford injured, other changes saw Jon Higgins moved to scrum- half, Matt Farrington to full-back. With possession and the wind DK were able to dictate the play as they kicked long. On 43 minutes Lichfield infringed at the breakdown and Gareth Bown scored a penalty to make it Lichfield 21 DK 13 and this was soon followed by a try from Gareth Bown after fine backs play from Weaver, Shillingford and Jak Davis. Bown missed the conversion but DK were back in it.

On 53 minutes DK lost Al Francis to a yellow card for repeated infringement at the breakdown and appeared to have more than 10 minutes to reflect on it With Al in the ‘bin’ Lichfield pressed and were rewarded with a deserved try on 60 minutes as No 8 Tom Paulson was driven over to make the score:- Lichfield 26 DK 18

DK were back in Lichfield territory from the restart and Tui Asi Pito set off on a rampaging run and, with backs in tow, saw his effort rewarded as he fed skipper Pete Knight who touched down on 65 minutes and Gareth Bown brought the scores even closer :- Lichfield 26 DK 25. With the game opening up for DK it was not long before DK scored with another Bown penalty on 70 minutes and another on 75 minutes to make the score now:- Lichfield 26 DK 31

Lichfield were now finding the DK backs in rampant mood as first Jon Higgins on 77 minutes, then Stefan Shillingford on 78 minutes and, finally, James ‘Speedy’ Jefferson on 79 minutes touched down and the added conversions by Gareth Bown made the final score:-

Lichfield 26 DK 52

Saturday 29th January 2011 - Midlands 1 West

Dudley Kingswinford 29 Camp Hill 25

Dudley Kingswinford maintained their unbeaten run in Midlands West 1 with a hard fought win against a resolute Camp Hill side that threatened at one point to inflict a first defeat on the home side. Indeed the result was in doubt right up to the final whistle as DK saw their 24-6 Half – time lead turn into a 25-24 deficit with only minutes remaining; and this on a day when the DK pack had ‘shunted’ their opponents all round the park in a manner which would have made Thomas the Tank Engine proud only to find the ‘Controller’, the youthful referee Dave Huson, in a very generous mood as he waved ‘signals’ which left many of the DK faithful bemused and which only served to inspire Camp Hill. Indeed it was not until the 69th minute that DK regained the lead with a well worked try by winger Jak Davis and then they had to put up the barricades to keep out a resurgent Camp Hill team who must have relished the thought of an upset as they sought an opening to finish off the game. It has to said that few neutral observers would have denied them their success. As it was DK survived and the quiet reflective mood in the changing room bore testimony to the wake- up call and the realisation that this campaign has a long way to go. Camp Hill will continue to cause upsets as they mature and give other sides trouble this season and DK know they have been in two hard games against them. It is also true that results will be ground out rather than gifted as a try ‘fest’ but the depth of DK’s resources is heartening.

DK went into the match without Ben Connett, Al Francis and Stefan Shillingford (all injured) and brought in Tom Bissell at No 8,with Matt Farrington at Full-back and Simon Fletcher and Tom Weaver in the Centre. On the bench were Luke Greenwood and Tui Asi Pito. DK made a tentative start as the changes to their back line took time to gel. Camp Hill dominated the opening exchanges but DK gradually found their feet and the pack began to make serious inroads into the opposing eight. DK took the first of many heels against the head in the 7th minute but lost the ball near their opponent’s line. As it was Camp Hill took the lead on 13 minutes when Ian Langford was pinged for holding on to a ball he had just ‘stolen’ and the resulting penalty was stroked over by Ian Briggs ,their leading scorer this season, and DK found themselves 3-0 down.

DK hit back almost immediately with a fine individual try by Gareth Bown on 14 minutes. A knock-on by Camp Hill saw DK surge forward and scrum half Jon Higgins scooped up the ball to feed Gareth Bown who side stepped and jinked his way over to make it:- DK 5 Camp Hill 3 as the conversion was missed. DK were now in full flight and should have gone further ahead on 18 minutes when a fine through kick from Simon Fletcher just evaded Jak Davis steaming up on the wing. Not to be outdone, DK scored a 2nd try on 19 minutes as the pack drove relentlessly towards the Camp Hill line and, in the confusion of bodies, a smiling Stefan Thorp emerged again with a now familiar try and which Gareth Bown converted from out wide to make the score DK 12 Camp Hill 3.

DK then contrived to waste a number of clear scoring opportunities by poor, rushed handling, but the pressure finally told again on 28 minutes. ‘Camps’ pack disintegrated under pressure from DK and Shaun Griffiths powered over for an unconverted try in the corner to increase the score to DK 17 Camp Hill 3. The bonus point try duly arrived in the 32nd minute as, once again, the Camp Hill scrum disintegrated and Jon Higgins darted in to score and Gareth Bown converted to make it DK 24 Camp Hill 3. Ian Briggs then had 2 penalty attempts for Camp Hill, converting one.

Half-Time score DK 24 Camp Hill 6

The departing Sutton observers must have seen enough by now but this is a game of 2 halves as all good commentators know and Camp Hill were by no means finished. DK appeared to incur the displeasure of the youthful referee Mr Dave Huson of the Staffordshire Society as they began to be penalised at almost every break-down and the constant reversal of possession appeared to affect their confidence and fluidity. One such penalty was drilled deep into the DK 22 and the second row Jan Van Der Walt was driven over to bring the score back to DK 24 Camp Hill 11.

It got worse for DK as they squandered scoring chances and paid the price as Camp Hill fly-half James Oliver directed an astute cross kick for centre Jon Ford to score out wide. With the conversion by Ian Briggs the score now read after 54 minutes DK 24 Camp Hill 18.

Disaster struck two minutes later, again after a series of penalties, and the DK cover was found wanting as right winger Robert Obeng-Manu streaked clear to score in the corner and the watching faithful closed their eyes as the conversion by Ian Briggs put Camp Hill into the lead on 56 minutes. DK 24 Camp Hill 25

Going into the last quarter DK showed their character as they drove on again but there was no respite from the referee as he continued to allow DK to ‘shove’ their opponents off the ball but ‘pinged’ them repeatedly. Their reward finally came on 69 minutes with a superb solo run by winger Jak Davis who picked up the ball fully 60 metres out and weaved his way downfield, touching down deftly to restore DK’s lead.. DK 29 Camp Hill 25 There was still time for Camp Hill to lay siege to DK’s 22, ably assisted by a number of penalty decisions, but the resolve of the DK pack to hold out saw them through in a game which could easily have slipped away.

Final score Dudley Kingswinford 29 Camp Hill 25

Next week DK are away to Lichfield ko 2-15pm.

Saturday 22nd January 2011 - Midlands West 1

Banbury 14 Dudley Kingswinford 55

Cruising at 0-55 up just under the hour, DK again took their foot of the pedal towards the end. Firstly the hugely influential Ian Langford was yellow carded on 61 minutes for a stray elbow, giving Banbury some welcome respite. Then, after he had returned DK still had to finish the match with 14 men as they had used up all their replacements and as they had a couple of walking wounded backs in Gareth Davies and Gareth Bown, they were unable to prevent the home side taking full advantage by scoring a couple of tries in the final minutes. DK last played Banbury in Midlands 1 on the 09th October 1999 when they won by 25 points to 3 at Heathbrook. Ben Connett and Ian Langford both starred in that side as well as today’s team. Steve Smart scored three tries and at scrum half was one Shaun Perry, DK’s most famous son, who later played for Bristol and went on to gain 14 full caps for England.

The Oxfordshire side have had a tough baptism in Mids 1 West since being promoted last year and were battered and beaten in the front five where DK often drove them off their own ball. Their back row and backs competed well but were never really in with a sniff until near the end. DK were forced make several changes to the side that beat Bournville. Simon Fletcher was unavailable so James Jefferson was at full back with Jak Davis making a welcome and successful return to the right wing in his place. With Stef Shillingford out with a sore hamstring, Tom Weaver returned to o/s centre. Gareth Bown returned at fly half though still suffering with a bruised back and Jon Higgins reverted to scrum half in place of Matt Farrington who injured a hand in a midweek county game. Loose head prop Al Francis was out with a knee injury and was replaced by Rich Kelley who had an excellent match. There were several good performers on the day – Rich Kelley, Dan Shakespeare, Shaun Griffiths and Ian Langford stood out in the forwards and all of the backs did well. Tom Weaver and the ageless Gareth Davies in the centre were outstanding as was James Jefferson. The DK Man of the Match by a very short head went to Dan Shakespeare who started at hooker and finished at prop. Dan had a very good game and made a lot of important hard yards for the visitors.

DK were on the front foot from the off, keeping Banbury firmly penned inside their own half. They took the lead after 5 minutes when a neat pick up from No 8 Ben Connett was passed through Jon Higgins to Gareth Bown arriving at pace to score. Gareth converting his try for 0-7. A second DK try came on 14 minutes when the visitors turned over Banbury possession to move the ball wide with great pace and panache to Robbie Jones on the left wing, his neat inside pass saw Tom Weaver swerve away for a super (u/c) try to make it 0-12. A scintillating third try came on 23 minutes when Jak Davis made a great break out of the DK half, made the ball available to Tom Weaver who made a miss pass return to Jak who in turn fed James Jefferson and “Speedy” left the cover for dead to score an u/c try in the corner for 0-17.

Another crisp three-quarter move out to Robbie Jones saw the winger neatly step inside his man to stride in for DK’s fourth try and a bonus point, Jon Higgins converting to make it 0-24 after 28 minutes. The home side could do little to stem the flow with the DK pack all over them like a rash and a fifth try duly arrived after 34 minutes when Banbury were unceremoniously shoved of their own scrum ball for DK to attack at great pace first left then right out to James “Speedy” Jefferson who, (in his own words - leapt like a wet salmon!) to take a high pass above his head and then turn to hand off the Banbury full back to score an excellent u/c try in the corner to make it 0-29. DK’s now almost total domination continued up until half time.

Half Time: BANBURY 0 DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 29

A sixth DK try followed almost immediately when a great break through the middle and pass from Ian Langford saw Ben Connett held up on the line but quick hands from Ben and then Tom Weaver saw the irrepressible Gareth Davies in for the u/c try after 42 minutes making it 0-34. With Banbury on the ropes DK filled their boots with a seventh try after 45 minutes when great forward play and swift ball left Jak Davis with only a prop in front of him, it was no contest as Jak rounded him to score with Jon Higgins adding the conversion for 0-41. Great off the cuff play from both forwards and backs saw Jak Davies in space again on 51 minutes and the pacy wingman made no mistake with his second and DK’s eighth try which was converted from the touchline by Jon Higgins to increase the DK lead to 0-48. Gareth Davies made a incredible 50m break that should have resulted in another try but his mesmeric running staggered even his own team mates and with no one capable of staying with him the chance was lost.

DK had made a few changes with Luke Greenwood coming on at hooker and Tom Bissell at No 8. As a former fly half Tom showed some great hands and both lads were soon busy in the loose. DK’s ninth try after 59 minutes was conjured from a brilliant box kick from Jon Higgins which was superbly picked up first bounce by Gareth Bown to fly in for his second try, again converted by Jon Higgins to make the score 0-55. Unfortunately DK then lost Ian Langford to a yellow card (61m) and with both DK’s Gareths, (Bown and Davies) struggling with knocks, Banbury for the first time in the game, applied a little pressure of their own to move the ball wide to winger Sam Boyle to score with fly half Mike Smith converting for 7-55. Then in the final minute the home scrum half and Captain Eddie Phillips scored a second Banbury try, again converted by Mike Smith for a final score of 14-55.

Next Week DK are at home to Camp Hill. KO 2.15pm. p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 15th January 2011 - Midlands 1 West

Dudley Kingswinford 26 Bournville 13

Dudley Kings: 15 Simon Fletcher, 14 Robbie Jones, 13 Gareth Davies, 12 Stefan Shillingford, 11 James Jefferson, 10 Jon Higgins, 9 Matt Farrington, 1 Stefan Thorp, 2 Luke Greenwood, 3 Al Francis, 4 Ollie Shakespeare, 5 Shaun Griffiths, 6 Ian Langford, 7 Pete Knight (Capt), 8 Jamie Ramsey. Reps. 16 Dan Shakespeare (FR), 17 Ben Connett, 18 Nick Adams.

DK had few problems in easing past third placed Bournville to gain their fourteenth straight win. The victory, as in the away fixture at Bournville was far more comfortable than the score line would suggest. The visitors were spared a real beating when the game went to uncontested scrums after 46 minutes following a spate of front row injuries incurred by Bournville. The DK pack were on top from the off and, against a very stiff breeze, were 14-0 up at half time. Then, with the breeze then at their backs, they were ready to cut loose until frustrated by the u/c scrums that halted their momentum and allowed the big Bournville pack some respite from the continual DK pressure. One niggling problem for DK was their lineout where Luke Greenwood, who was otherwise excellent, struggled at times to find the target.

There were some enforced changes for DK. With fly half Gareth Bown still suffering with a back injury and centre Tom Weaver and wife Kate celebrating the birth of their first child, a baby boy. Congratulations to Tom and Kate from all at DK. Jon Higgins was a fly half with Matt Farrington taking his place at scrum half. Gareth Davies was at outside centre and Robbie Jones was on the left wing. The DK pack was again superb, especially the front row. Loose head prop Al Francis pretty well demolished his opposite number Bournville’s DOR Rob Sigley. Hooker Luke Greenwood linked superbly in open play but the popular choice for DK Man of the Match was loose head prop Stefan Thorp who had an inspired game. Steady as a rock in the tight and absolutely awesome in the loose Stefan put in some massive hits and scored a superb fourth try to earn the all important bonus point. The whole side played its part but special mention again for the back row who performed heroically also Matt Farrington who swapped the wing berth for scrum half and was superb throughout. Veteran Gareth Davies also gave his all for the cause at outside centre.

A brawl erupted following the first scrum after 2 minutes after DK’s talented loose head prop A Francis had neatly “popped” Bounville tight head Rob Sigley right out of the set piece. The veteran who was a trifle vexed and no doubt a little embarrassed, immediately punched Al several times, Al did not respond but then DK’s largest forward felt this crude intimidation was beyond the pale and successfully persuaded Mr Sigley to desist from his unkind behaviour by virtue of an uncomplicated but extremely effective clout which seemed to calm things down a little but leaving referee James Bullock (an excellent former DK flanker!) no choice but to yellow card Mr Sigley and DK’s Shaun Griffiths. The aforesaid Mr Sigley returned to the fray and was again promptly “popped” out of the very next scrum by the excellent Al Francis. This time Mr Sigley did the more sensible thing and replaced himself, only to come back on after “too hot to handle” Al left the field with a knee niggle at half time.

Following the early shenanigans DK took the lead with a pearl of a try after 10 minutes. Scrum half Matt Farrington tapped a penalty to himself, broke forward and then chipped the cover to collect the bouncing ball and outpace the cover for a spectacular individual try. Jon Higgins converted for 7-0. Whilst DK had much the better of the exchanges they struggled somewhat in the lineout which spoiled several good attacking opportunities. They persevered against the elements however and were eventually rewarded with a second try after 33 minutes. James Jefferson managed to keep an awkward bouncing ball in play by hacking on toward the visitor’s line. Pete Knight then stripped a defender of the ball and a quick, flowing three-quarter move gave DK a 3:1 overlap for Robbie Jones to go over. Jon Higgins again converted for 14-0. As half time approached DK piled on the pressure but their handling let them down at crucial moments.

Half Time: DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 14 BOURNVILLE 0

A 43rd minute Alex Warner penalty reduced the arrears to 14-3 when DK were caught offside. Another front row injury for Bournville meant uncontested scrums after 46 minutes, robbing DK of some of the forward momentum that is such a big part of their game. For a while they looked a little uncertain but gradually got it back together. Stefan Thorp seemed to have scored a good try after 62 minutes but the ref was unsighted. However from the resulting scrum Jon Higgins’s neat dummy left a gap for Gareth Davies to sprint through for DK’s third try which Jon Higgins converted for 21-3 on 63 minutes.

DK then conceded an unlikely try when ref James Bullock made a rare mistake in allowing a blatant “not straight” throw and whilst DK waited for the whistle, Bournville spread the ball for Rob Sigley to score an u/c try in the corner to make it 21-8 after 65 minutes. DK were stung right back into action, they had a golden opportunity after 70 minutes when Si Fletcher was just unable to get the ball away in the visitor’s 22 with two men free outside him. The DK pressure intensified and the ref lost patience with Bourville’s illegal tactics, banishing former DK second row Simon Homer to the sin bin on 73 minutes. From the resultant penalty the ball was popped up for DK MOM Stefan Thorp to barrel through several tackles to score DK’s fourth try (u/c) and a bonus point, in the corner to make it 26-8 after74 minutes.

With the game won DK relaxed a little and annoyingly for their coaches, allowed Bournville to register a consolation try in the final minute when somehow Rob Sigley managed to evade the DK cover though the TJ’s flag was up, to score his second try in the corner after DK lost possession on the 22. Well, whilst playing in the front row certainly doesn’t get any easier, there could be a whole new career out on the wing Rob!

Next Week DK are away at Banbury. KO 2.15pm. p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 8th January 2011 - Midlands 1 West

Walsall 8 Dudley Kingswinford 33

Dudley Kings: 15 Simon Fletcher, 14 James Jefferson, 13 Gareth Davies, 12 Stefan Shillingford, 11 Matt Farrington, 10 Gareth Bown, 9 Jon Higgins, 1 Stefan Thorp, 2 Luke Greenwood, 3 Al Francis, 4 Ollie Shakespeare, 5 Shaun Griffiths, 6 Ian Langford, 7 Pete Knight (Capt), 8 Jamie Ramsey. Reps. 16 Dan Shakespeare (FR), 17 Ben Connett, 18 Tom Weaver.

DK’s thirteenth consecutive win was overshadowed by a horrific injury to Walsall’s Alex Woodward seven minutes into the second half. The second row was trapped under a mass of bodies following a collapsed maul and suffered a badly broken leg as a result. Best wishes for a speedy recovery for Alex from all at DK.

DK used the slight slope and breeze well in the first half to lead 3-26 at the break, having also gained the four try bonus point. The shocking injury to Alex Woodward meant a 20 minute stoppage and a move to Walsall’s lower pitch as the ambulance men tended to Alex. The incident patently affected both sides and the remainder of the second half was pretty scrappy with the sides registering just a try apiece. Walsall DOR Bob Harding had hinted in the programme notes that the Walsall side would be stronger than the one that lost at Heathbrook and so it proved. DK played some superb stuff in the first half but were never allowed to relax against a strong and committed Walsall outfit.

Unsurprisingly after the long layoff (Walsall had not played since the 20th November!) both sides were at full strength. The packs were well matched but the young DK front row edged the “coal face” exchanges. DK also had much the better of the lineout and the back row played out of their skins against a formidable Walsall back three. DK Man of the Match had to be o/s flanker and player coach Pete Knight who had an incredible game. His ability to dispossess opponents at the breakdown and in mauls is just uncanny. Pete’s turnovers in the game must have been approaching double figures and badly disrupted the home possession. Fellow flanker Ian Langford was also on superlative form and a huge part of DK’s forward effort as usual. Left wing Matt Farrington was the pick of the backs, scoring a super try and pretty impressive all round, including a late cameo role at scrum half!

Walsall took a 3-0 lead with a Matt Wood penalty after 3 minutes but it didn’t take DK long to hit their straps and they took the lead on 6 minutes after Ollie Shakespeare stole a Walsall lineout in side the home 22 and Stefan Thorp was driven over for the visitor’s opening try to make it 3-5. DK continued to press strongly and considering the lack of action over the past few weeks played some very good rugby indeed. They went further ahead after 10 minutes with a superb flowing cross field move culminating in on form left wing Matt Farrington breaking two tackles before touching down. Gareth Bown converted for 3-12. Walsall tried hard to respond but DK had their tails up and poured forward at every opportunity. After a couple of close calls they increased their lead further on fourteen minutes when fly half Gareth Bown’s exquisite inside pass to Gareth Davies at pace saw the DK centre canter in unopposed. Gareth Bown converted for 3-19.

There was to be no letting up and the home side’s cover defence was constantly at full stretch. DK punished them again on 24 minutes when in almost a carbon copy of the third try, Gareth Davies’s slick inside pass returned the compliment and Gareth Bown struck for DK’s fourth and bonus point winning try. Gareth converted his try to make it 3-26 and left Walsall looking just a little desperate. However the home side rallied well and for most of the last ten minutes of the half they pressed strongly on the DK line. The superbly marshalled visitor’s defence held firm however up until half time.

Half Time: WALSALL 3 DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 26

The start of the second half was even for the first few minutes before the game was totally disrupted by Alex Woodward's awful injury after 47 minutes. The players went off the field for 20 minutes of so and resumed on the lower pitch. Both sides tried hard to get back into some kind of rhythm but the rest of the game was low key. DK built up some great rolling mauls but a frustrating feature of the game was the otherwise very competent referee Ross Martin failing to penalise the home side for blatantly pulling down mauls with impunity throughout the game. A ploy that cost DK at least two or three tries. As it was Walsall were reduced to 14 men on the hour when replacement forward Tim Hucknall was yellow carded for being patently offside after three consecutive penalties. Strangely instead of taking advantage of the superior numbers DK conceded a try after 66 minutes when flanker Dan Simpson drove over for an u/c try after a bout of rare Walsall pressure.

DK resumed the offensive and after going close on a couple of occasions scored a neat fifth try after 79 minutes when, after heavy forward pressure the ball was swept out to Stef Shillingford whose deft inside pass provided a channel for very impressive replacement centre Tom Weaver to streak through the home cover defence for the fine final try for DK. Jon Higgins converted for a final score of 8-33.

Next week DK are home to Bournville. KO 2.15pm. p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 11th December 2010 – Midlands 1 West

Stratford on Avon 12 Dudley Kingswinford. 43

Dudley Kings: 15 Simon Fletcher, 14 James Jefferson, 13 Tom Weaver, 12 Stefan Shillingford, 11 Matt Farrington, 10 Gareth Bown, 9 Jon Higgins, 1 Stefan Thorp, 2 Luke Greenwood , 3 Al Francis, 4 Ollie Shakespeare, 5 Shaun Griffiths, 6 Tui Asi Pito, 7 Pete Knight (Capt), 8 Jamie Ramsey. Reps. 16 Dan Shakespeare (FR), 17 Ed Parry, 18 Gareth Davies.

DK emerged from their three week, weather enforced layoff to record a seven tries to two victory at Stratford , their twelfth win on the trot, over a very competitive Stratford side. They were understandably a little rusty and many opportunities were missed but there was some great attacking rugby at times from the league leaders and they finished comfortable winners. Stratford is a very friendly and hospitable club and there was much amusing banter between both sets of supporters in the stand during the game which added to the general bonhomie of the occasion in the best rugby tradition.

Whilst DK have been kicking their heels for three weeks they were still short of a couple of their most influential players for this game. Inspirational club captain Ben Connet had work commitments and the DK back row talisman Ian Langford was rested for a further week after an ankle injury. Shaun Griffiths and Tui Asi Pito replaced them. The only other changes were Al Francis returning to the front row in place of Rich Kelley and Tom Weaver replacing Mike Jones in the centre. The DK pack had to work hard to keep on top of a feisty Stratford pack early on with Pete knight outstanding in the loose. The front row did their job well, finally grinding down their opposite numbers. The DK backs were in good form too with the impressive Matt Farrington getting a brace of tries on the left wing, James Jefferson and Simon Fletcher had some great runs too, but the DK Man of the Match had to be Stefan Shillingford for another awesome display of sheer power and pace that the home side found impossible to curb. Young Shilly also scored a brace of tries the first of which was just absolutely stunning in its execution.

DK looked ominous from the start but rustiness saw them lose possession twice early on when close to the home line and they had a lucky escape on 13 minutes when Stef Shillingford’s defensive kick was charged down with the ball rebounding over the DK goal line. Luckily the Stratford prop following up had not got the pace to reach it! Stratford full back Mike Plant missed a straightforward penalty attempt after 15 minutes and DK made them pay when a Stratford defensive kick was charged down in the home 22 and quickly picked up and spun left to Matt Farrington who scored an u/c in the corner for DK to lead 0-5 after 18 minutes. The visitors piled on the pressure and when Stratford ’s kingpin, lock Flo Vialan was yellow carded for pulling down a maul on 24 minutes something had to give. It came in the shape of a fabulous 25th minute try from Stefan Shillingford who, taking the ball close to the scrum accelerated with such power and pace and from virtually a standing start, to hurtle over from 30m out with the Stratford defence only able to watch and wonder! It was a truly stunning try, converted by Gareth Bown for DK to increase their lead to 0-12.

DK then conceded a bizarre try after 31 minutes. They had been penalised for engaging early in the scrum and Stratford tapped and ran the penalty. A kick ahead rebounded off the back of someone’s boot and bounced kindly over the DK line for Stratford flanker Dave Pritchard to touch down an u/c try in the corner to make it 5-12. DK replied almost immediately with their third try after 35 minutes. They spurned a kick at goal in favour of a penalty kick to the corner and from the lineout Luke Greenwood was driven over for an u/c try to make it 5-17. DK’s Jon Higgins got a rather harsh yellow card in injury time trying vigorously to dig the ball out of a ruck with a blatant Stratford hand preventing its release. 

 Half Time:   STRATFORD UPON AVON  5   DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD  17

Against DK’s 14 men Stratford looked to have scored after 42 minutes but the referee to his credit brought play back as he himself had accidentally blocked a DK tackler. Stratford were putting up a good fight but it was DK that went further ahead with another fine try after 50 minutes. A super breakthrough the middle from Simon Fletcher gave Stefan Shillingford room on the outside and there was no stopping him from 10m out. Gareth Bown converted and DK had their four try bonus point in the bag at 5-24. For the next 20 minutes or so DK then played some of their best rugby of the game, constantly tearing through the Stratford cover with sweeping attacks involving both backs and forwards. Unfortunately the contrived to lose the ball or get penalised on several occasions when it looked easier to score! Stratford’s most profitable tactic, indeed seemingly their only one, pick and drive, proved more effective and in a rare attack against the run of play after 68 minutes they did just that when close to the DK line, with flanker Chris Cathcart going over for their second try converted by Mike Plant to make it 2-24.

This unlikely score saw DK regain their focus and become a mean machine again as they hit the home side with three tries in the last six minutes. On 74 minutes a straightforward three-quarter move out to Matt Farrington saw the winger hack on to the line where a Stratford defender fumbled the ball for Matt to touch down. Gareth Bown converted for 12-31. On 79 minutes a good break from Tui Asi Pito and some fancy footwork from Gareth Bown made the gap for replacement lock Ed Parry to thunder in. Gareth Bown converting for 12-38. Finally, with Stratford out for the count, No 8 Jamie Ramsey was driven over from a penalty catch and drive lineout for an u/c try to make the final score a more realistic12-43.

 Next week DK are home to Sutton Coldfield. KO 2.00pm.                 

Saturday 20th November - Midlands West 1

Dudley Kingswinford 78 Nuneaton Old Edwardians 7

Dudley Kings: 15 Simon Fletcher, 14 James Jefferson, 13 Mike Jones, 12 Stefan Shillingford, 11 Matt Farrington, 10 Gareth Bown, 9 Jon Higgins, 1 Stefan Thorp, 2 Luke Greenwood, 3 Rich Kelley, 4 Ollie Shakespeare, 5 Shaun Griffiths, 6 Ian Langford, 7 Pete Knight (Capt), 8 Jamie Ramsey. Reps. 16 Dan Shakespeare (FR), 17 Ben Connett, 18 Nick Adams.

Nuneaton Old Eds were utterley overwhelmed as DK stormed to their eleventh straight win. They had achieved their four try bonus point inside 16 minutes and were 50-0 up at half time having scored a total of eight tries in the half. Whilst it was difficult to keep such an incredible momentum going, DK still registered a further four tries in the second half, totalling twelve in the game against a solitary second half try from the visitors. Once again the DK pack were all powerful, driving the opposition back at, they took countless scrums against the head and won a lot of turnover ball.

Simon Fletcher returned at full back for DK with Matt Farrington re-locating to the left wing in place of the unavailable Robbie Jones. In another brilliant all round team performance there were several candidates for DK Man of the Match. Al Francis, Luke Greenwood and Stefan Thorp were absolutely superb in the front row and were fully supported by the back five. Scrum half Jon Higgins had a great game too, his superb tactical kicking and all round nous really does make the side tick. Jon also converted nine of the twelve DK tries. Despite a hamstring problem, Gareth Bown stuck to the task well until taken off as a precaution late on. Young Matt Farrington has already played in three different positions in his first two games and scored a fine hat trick of tries, he looks to be an excellent prospect. Stef Shillingford and “Speedy” scored a couple apiece and indeed it was the aforesaid James “Speedy” Jefferson that polled most votes with a tremendous performance. Besides scoring two tries, Speedy also made a few, one of which, DK’s seventh try was an outrageous piece of individual skill!

DK were off the mark inside 2 minutes. Mike Jones broke and then a fine move through Gareth Bown, Stefan Shillingford and Simon Fletcher put Matt Farrington in at the corner. Jon Higgin’s fine conversion from touch gave DK a 7-0 lead. A second try arrived after 8 minutes when Jon Higgins’s astutely threaded kick through the NOE cover saw Ian Langford pick up and score an u/c try wide out for 12-0. NOE tried hard to respond but DK hit them with a third try after 14 minutes when great forward interplay from Stefan Thorp, Al Francis and Pete Knight set up a ruck in the NOE 22 for Langy to break forward and send in Gareth Bown under the posts. Jon Higgins converted for 19-0. Try number four came on 16 minutes. A break out of defence from Stef Shillingford then Ollie Shakespeare saw the latter feed James Jefferson (Speedy) who expertly chipped the cover to race through; collect the ball and score close an excellent try close in. Jon Higgins added the extras for 26-0.

It was breathtaking stuff and on 19 minutes James Jefferson (Speedy who else!) scored again after a sweeping move gave the irrepressible winger half a yard of space to streak in at the corner for an u/c try to make it 31-0. More intense DK forward pressure brought try number six after 25 minutes when Al Francis sent in fellow prop Stefan Thorp for an u/c try after more concerted DK pressure, increasing the DK lead to 36-0. NOE had little answer to the DK barrage and a truly exquisite seventh try for DK duly arrived after 29 minutes. The ball had been whipped out to Speedy on the right wing, who made fast ground down the right touchline before somehow flipping an extraordinary and extravagant pass behind his back to a surprised Ben Connett following up. Ben managed to hang on to it and then passed to Stefan Shillingford to stroll over for the try. Jon Higgins converted to make it 43-0. NOE were pretty much out on their feet and more heavy pressure after 35 minutes saw Matt Farrington step through the overworked visitor’s cover to score at the posts, Jon Higgins adding the conversion for a 50-0 half time lead!

Half Time: DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 50 NUNEATON OLD EDWARDIANS 0

Though they must have been shell shocked NOE managed to keep DK out for the opening five minutes of the second half but on 45 minutes Jamie Ramsey scored a sensational try that must qualify for the try of the season so far in anyone’s book! Picking up from a scrum 5m inside the DK half the No8 set off at great pace and galloped fully 55m and though several NOE defenders to score a great individual try at the posts, Jon Higgins converted for 57-0. Ian Langford got a yellow card on 58 minutes for slowing the ball and NOE lock Craig Fielding received one a minute later for a similar offence. Whilst DK were unable to keep up the frantic first half momentum it was still largely one way traffic and DK scored a tenth try after 64 minutes when Jamie Ramsey picked up from a 5m scrum to send in Stefan Shillingford for his second try , converted by Jon Higgins for 64-0. Now back in the groove DK added an eleventh try after 71 minutes. Superb interplay down the right hand touchline with Simon Fletcher prominent saw the ball fed inside to Matt Farrington who was now at scrum half and he stepped through the cover to record his third try of the afternoon with Jon Higgins again converting for 71-0.

NOE’s had hardly any attacking opportunities in the game, but they never stopped trying and were rewarded with a try of their own, albeit a consolation, after 74 minutes. A misunderstanding in the DK centre gave NOE full back Dane Calcunovic a rare chance and he sped through a sizable gap to score and thus avoid a whitewash. Ashley Kalkins converted to make the score 71-7. DK however had the last word with a twelth and final try after 79 minutes. A couple of strong DK scrums inside the NOE 22 saw Jamie Ramsey break and send in Mike Jones for the score converted by Jon Higgins for a final tally of 78-7.

Next week DK are away at Old Halesonians. KO 2.15pm. p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 13th November – Midlands 1 West

Leamington 12 Dudley Kingswinford 67

Dudley Kings: 15 Matt Farrington, 14 James Jefferson, 13 Tom Weaver, 12 Stefan Shillingford, 11 Robbie Jones, 10 Gareth Bown, 9 Jon Higgins, 1 Richard Kelley, 2 Luke Greenwood, 3 Stefan Thorp, 4 Ollie Shakespeare, 5 Shaun Griffiths, 6 Ian Langford, 7 Pete Knight (Capt), 8 Jamie Ramsey. Reps. 16 Dan Shakespeare (FR), 17 Ben Connett, 18 Gareth Davies

DK recorded their tenth consecutive win against bottom club Leamington to maintain their 100% record, whilst condemning their hosts to a tenth straight defeat in what has been a testing season for the Warwickshire club. A lengthy Injury list, especially in the forwards, plus unavailability has conspired to decimate the Leamington squad, which must be extremely frustrating as their backs are probably as good as any DK have come across in the division. Under these circumstances it was perhaps inevitable that the DK pack would dominate and control the game which they did in some style though to their credit Leamington even at 0-38 down managed to score two excellent tries at the start of the second half and battled hard right up to the final whistle. DK scored eleven tries including two penalty tries.

DK made four changes to the side that won at Whitchurch two weeks ago. With full back Simon Fletcher unavailable, Matt Farrington a recent signing from Bridgnorth, made his First XV debut and did very well. Robbie Jones replaced Nick Adams on the left wing. In the forwards Ollie Shakespeare came into the second row with Ben Connett taking a turn on the bench and Rich Kelley replaced Al Francis at loose head prop, Al and his young lady were celebrating the birth of their first child Freddie. Hearty congratulations to both from all at DK. The DK pack were in tremendous form as they have been all season and depleted Leamington were simply unable to live with them. The front five exerted enormous pressure throughout the game and took several heels against the head with Stefan Thorp and Ollie Shakespeare providing lots of “hard yards”. The back row were flawless Pete Knight snaffling opposition ball for fun and Ian Langford just superb in the loose whilst Jamie Ramsey was always in the thick of the action until retiring in the second half with a knock to be replaced by Ben Connett who was also in great form again and very visible in the loose with tremendous ball carrying and skilful offloading. However the DK Man of the Match had to go to Ian Langford, the old boy was just magnificent on the day, Langy’s tenacity whether carrying the ball or in the tackle is a sight to behold! The backs played pretty well though were caught out badly for Leaminton’s two tries. Gareth Bown was having a good game until he suffered a hamstring pull and James Jefferson made several fine breaks. Young Matt Farrington could be pleased with a sound performance at full back on his DK debut.

Both sides threatened in the opening exchanges DK might well have scored in the first minute or so but the dreaded “White Line Fever” caused them to miss simple opportunities. DK’s first try came after 12 minutes when Leamington could not hold the DK drive and collapsed a 5m scrum and the referee immediately awarded DK a Penalty Try which was improved by Gareth Bown for 0-7. A second DK try followed after 16 minutes. DK actually lost their own lineout throw but Leamington were unable to control the tap and Stefan Thorp burst through to take the ball and sprint 20m before sending in Luke Greenwood for an u/c try in the corner for 0-12. More heavy pressure down the left hand touchline and a quick ball inside to Stefan Shillingford saw him power through the No 10 channel for try number three, converted by Gareth Bown to make it 0-19 after 22 minutes.

Try number four for DK came after subtle inter-passing from our two strapping second rows Shaun Griffiths and Ollie Shakespeare no less! They combined to send in Jamie Ramsey at the corner to make it 0-24 on 29 minutes. DK scored a super fifth try on 31 minutes when Stefan Shillingford broke forward from the DK 22 his break was carried on into the Leamington half by new boy Matt Farrington whose pass found James Jefferson 40m out. “Speedy” pinned back his ears to fly in at the posts with Jon Higgins converting for 0-31. Just when you thought it cold not get any worse for poor Leamington it did! A speculative kick from left wing Robbie Jones over two advancing Leamington defenders saw them collide heavily with each other leaving Robbie to pick up the loose ball and stroll over for a sixth try. Jon Higgins converted on the stroke of half time to make it 0-38.

Half Time:  LEAMINGTON  0   DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD  38

DK were stung at the onset of the second half (41m) when they dropped off a couple of tackles to allow  Leamington’s burly skipper and centre Ross Bayston to power through the middle for a fine try under the posts, Pat Northover converted and Leamington were on the scoreboard at 7-38. The visitors were further rocked on 47 minutes after a good period of home pressure when swift ball down the Leamington line to Adam Preece coming into the line at pace saw the full back score a fine u/c try in the corner to make the score 12-38 with the DK cover nowhere to be seen.

That however was as good as it got for the home side as the DK juggernaught resumed normal service and changed into a higher gear. From the kick off DK went straight to the other end where hooker Luke Greenwood was driven over from a lineout catch and drive for DK’s seventh try to make it 12-43 after 50 minutes. An eighth DK try arrived after 57 minutes when a powerful loose maul drove up to the home line then released for Ollie Shakespeare to power over close in. Jon Higgins converted to make it 12-50. DK conjured up a ninth try on the hour, great driving play from Ollie Shakespeare had Leamington back-peddling and Jon Higgins sublime dummy and 35m sprint to the line for an u/c try did the rest to make it 12-55.

DK reached double figures with a tenth try after 68 minutes when tight head Stefan Thorp barrelled over following an unstoppable DK driving maul. Jon Higgins converted for 12-62. With the Leamington pack on their knees DK notched up their eleventh and final try after 76 minutes when the referee awarded the visitors another Penalty Try when the home side were blatantly offside after coming under intense pressure yet again. Jon Higgins somehow missed the conversion from under the posts!

 Next week DK host Nuneaton Old Edwardians at Heathbrook. KO 2.15pm.