Match Reports 2009 - 2010

Bromsgrove (h); Hereford (NM Cup) (h); Stoke on Trent (h); Stratford upon Avon (a); Sutton Coldfield (h); Walsall (a); Bourneville (h); Burton (a); Camp Hill (h); Cheltenham North; Whitchurch (h); Leamington (h); Nuneaton Old Eds (a); Old Halesonians (a) NM Cup; Old Halesonians (h); Solihull (a) pp; Stratford upon Avon (h); Sutton Coldfield (a); Burton (h): Cheltenham North (h); Whitchurch (a); Walsall (h); Leamington (a) Nuneaton Old Eds (h); Old Halesonians (a); Bournville (a); Stoke on Trent (a); Camp Hill (a)

Saturday 17th April - Midlands 1 West

Camp Hill 24 Dudley Kingswinford 38

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 Stuart Walton, 14 Nick Adams, 13 Mitchell Grealy, 12 Gareth Davies, 11 James Jefferson 10 Gareth Bown, 9 Jordan Brookes, 8 Andy McEwen, 7 Pete Knight, 6 Jamie Ramsey, 5 Ben Connett (Capt), 4 Ed Parry, 1 Al Francis 2 Dan Shakespeare, 3 Stefan Thorp. Reps: 16 Adam Blackford, 17 Ian Langford, 18 Tommy Huggins.

DK completed their league program with a hard fought victory over a resurgent Camp Hill side that battled tooth and nail for every ball, on this showing they will be a real force next season. The visitors won the game mainly due to their dominance in the tight scrums where the front row of Al Francis, Dan Shakespeare and Stefan Thorp finally ground down their tenacious opponents with another top drawer performance. In all other aspects Camps were extremely competitive. They were equal to DK in the loose and their backs were generally more positive.

So, DK have again finished as the league’s bridesmaids in third place. Whilst a few members may be a little disappointed by this, it is worth considering that DK have had hardly any financial outlay in the past two seasons and that week in, week out the team is regularly made up of 90% DK club lads whilst the other two or three in the side have played for the club for several years. This is most certainly not the case with many sides in Midlands 1 West who reward their players and, under these circumstances, the DK coaches Shilly and Lockers must be congratulated once again on a job very well done. There are well documented moves afoot to raise DK’s playing profile but for many supporters the current coach’s policy of “growing your own” has been a sound one. DK have also been the top point’s scores in Midlands 1 West this season with 912 points which includes an incredible 129 tries (5.37 a game).

So, DK have again finished as the league’s bridesmaids in third place. Whilst a few members may be a little disappointed by this, it is worth considering that DK have had hardly any financial outlay in the past two seasons and that week in, week out the team is regularly made up of 90% DK club lads whilst the other two or three in the side have played for the club for several years. This is most certainly not the case with many sides in Midlands 1 West who reward their players and, under these circumstances, the DK coaches Shilly and Lockers must be congratulated once again on a job very well done. There are well documented moves afoot to raise DK’s playing profile but for many supporters the current coach’s policy of “growing your own” has been a sound one. DK have also been the top point’s scores in Midlands 1 West this season with 912 points which includes an incredible 129 tries (5.37 a game).

Both sides showed early ambition but it was DK that took the lead in the very first minute. A good break from Jamie Ramsey carried on by Gareth Davies saw a ruck set up and quick hands sent Al Francis over for an u/c try wide out for DK to lead 0-5. DK scored again on 8 minutes. James Jefferson made a fine 40m break kicked ahead and caught his own kick to move the ball quickly through Stu Walton and Jordan Brookes for the ubiquitous Ed Parry to cross the line. Nick Adams conversion made it 0-12. Though conceding the two early tries Camps were competing ferociously for every ball and on 12 minutes an over ambitious miss move pass from Gareth Davies saw Camps right winger Sam Yarwood intercept the pass to sprint 50m to the posts. Camps skipper and centre Ian Briggs converted for 7-12. DK had a penalty opportunity on 18 minutes but Nick Adams was narrowly wide with a good effort.

The game was being played at a frantic pace with DK always looking to increase their lead but Camps though under pressure in the set winning a lot of good ball in the loose. The visitors did manage to increase their lead after 21 minutes when a fine break from Gareth Davies set up a series of rucks deep inside the Camps 22 from the last of which scrum half Jordan Brookes darted over for an u/c try to make it 7-17. The home side then had a period of pressure that DK dealt with well before resuming the attack in the final minutes before half time but they were unable to unpick a solid Camps defence.

Half Time: CAMP HILL 7 DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 17

DK pressed strongly at the onset of the second half but slipshod handling and passing killed a couple of promising moves and their profligacy cost them dear after 63 minutes. DK had demolished the Camps scrum for the umpteenth time but the home side just managed to get the ball away and a straightforward three-quarter move out to Rob Obeng-Manu saw the Camps left winger plough through three tackles to score an u/c try in the corner to make it 12-17. Game on! DK needed a quick response. They were awarded a penalty in front of the posts on 67 minutes and instead of kicking it to put themselves two full scores ahead, they went for the lineout catch and drive. Stefan Thorp got over the line but the ball was dropped and it seemed DK might have made another costly error, however two minutes later (69) Andy McEwen drove over direct from a scrum inside the Camps 22 and Nick Adams converted to make it 12-24

Camps were not about to lie down and scored a good u/c try to make it 17-24 after 72 minutes good quick interplay saw them take the ball up to the DK 22 where Rob Obeng-Manu powered in for his second try with a couple of DK defenders guilty of ball watching. DK went straight back onto the attack and on 74 minutes Andy McEwen scored a carbon copy of his first try, driving over direct from a 5m scrum. Nick Adams added the extras to make it 17-31. DK made the game safe after 78 minutes after again driving Camps off their own scrum ball they attacked through the middle where an error from the home side saw the ball come off the shoulder of a Camps defender into the arms of Jordan Brookes giving the DK scrum half an easy run in to the posts. Nick Adams converted for 17-38 and that seemed to be that but incredibly Camps came again in the dying seconds. They were again under huge pressure near their own line, but a quick throw in to Sam Yarwood saw the right winger run the length of the field to score and then convert his try to make the final score 24-38.

Saturday 10th April Midlands 1 West

Stoke on Trent 14 Dudley Kingswinford 44

A much changed DK side won comfortably enough at Stoke who are already doomed to Midlands 2 next season, but it was another stuttering performance. In the first half hour of the game, despite the changes, DK had chances galore to score against the home side that, perhaps understandably, were short on pace and low in confidence. The visitor’s opportunities in this period must have been approaching double figures but they only scored two tries and once again showing an alarming propensity for leaking soft tries as they let Stoke back into the game by poorly defending the home side’s one and only attack of the first half to concede a converted try! The second half introduction of Stefan Thorp and Andy McEwen to the action, beefed up the DK pack and put the skids under Stoke with DK scoring a further five tries as they at last approached something akin to their true potential.

There were seven starting changes to last week’s side at Bournville. In the pack Adam Blackford was at hooker with Dan Shakespeare tight head and Jamie Ramsey at No 8. The backs also had major changes with Gareth Davies, Tom Weaver, Robbie Jones and Jak Davis all unavailable, Tommy Huggins was at scrum half, Jordan Brookes and Matt Taylor were in the centre and Mitchell Grealey made his debut on the right wing. Stefan Thorp, Andy McEwen and Stu Walton were on the bench. DK Man of the Match had to be Al Francis who has become one of DK’s most consistent performers this season and had another tremendous match here. Al plays at a high intensity throughout, often simply wearing his opponents out, a credit to his super fitness.

DK’s first opportunity came after just forty seconds but the “try” was ruled out for a forward pass, the first of several! A try was not long coming however and after 3 minutes a superb break through the middle from Jordan Brookes split the Stoke cover and Ed Parry was on hand to take his scoring pass. Nick Adams converted to make it 0-7. Jordan Brookes was over the line after nine minutes but another forward pass ruled the score out. Nick Adams made a super 50m break on nineteen minutes but was bundled into touch just short. DK stole the lineout and the ball was moves first right then left where Jamie Ramsey had an overlap to score an u/c try wide out to make it 0-12 after 20 minutes. Following this score literally chance after chance went begging. Debutant right wing Mitchell Grealish has good pace and he might well have had a hat trick on his debut had his team mates given him a decent pass or two! Yet another forward pass on 22 minutes cost DK another score, they were again guilty of over complication often forcing three or four passes when one or two would have proved more profitable.

Missing your scoring opportunities can carry a high risk, and so it came to pass. Stoke set up their only proper attack of the half on 37 minutes after DK had failed to clear their lines and their o/s flanker Aarran Horne broke unchallenged direct from the open side of a scrum to score under the posts from 15m out with not a DK back row man or back for that matter, in sight! Fly half Steve Talbot added the extras and Stoke were unbelievably right back in the game at 7-12. Nick Adams spared DK’s blushes with a penalty in stoppage time but 7-15 was a poor return for almost 90% dominance of the game.

Half Time: STOKE ON TRENT 7 DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 15

Andy McEwen replaced a limping Ian Langford for the second half and DK started the half well. A determined attack down the left on 45 minutes and good play from skipper Ben Connett and Jordan Brookes set up a second try for Jamie Ramsey who went in under the posts. Nick Adams converted and things looked decidedly better at for DK at 7-22. Two minutes later DK scored a fourth try. Omitting the superfluous and unproductive intricacies of the first half, a simple flowing three-quarter move at pace left Stoke chasing shadows as James Jefferson powered in at the corner for an u/c try to make it 7-27 on 47 minutes. Pete Knight got a yellow card for an illegal block on 49 minutes but DK had the bit between their teeth now and another fluent attack after 53 minutes saw Al Francis lead a strong rolling maul before the ball was unloaded quickly to skipper Ben Connett lurking in the left wing position and he plunged over for DK’s fifth try (u/c) to make it 7-32.

Tight head prop Stefan Thorp had now come on and soon made his considerable presence felt, much to the acute discomfort of his opposite number, Stoke’s loose head prop Micheal Preece who reacted in a rather ungentlemany manner and was warned by the referee. The next scrum was no less painful and provoked the aforesaid Mr Preece into another unkind act upon which the referee waved him off with a yellow card. Now back to a full XV and with Stoke now a man short, DK ran the potters ragged. Stuart Walters had come on at half time and made a very impressive First XV debut in the centre. It was Stuart that put Jordan Brookes away to streak through the overworked Stoke cover to register DK’s sixth try after 65 minutes. Nick Adams converted increasing the DK lead to 7-39.

With Stoke now well and truly on the ropes, another sweet flowing three-quarter move on 67 minutes saw the irrepressible James “Speedy” Jefferson with a two man overlap as he sped in for his second try of the afternoon taking the score up to 7-44. Beaten but unbowed, Stoke, much to their credit, threw caution to the wind and ran everything in the final minutes. They might well have scored after 72 minutes but for a glaring gaffe from the rather inconsistent referee Mr Frazer Colley who somehow failed to spot a blatant DK offside close to their line. Stoke did however manage the second try their late tenacity deserved when centre Simon Price finished off a slick move after 75 minutes, the try was converted by Steve Talbot making the final score 14-44 to DK.

DK are away at Camp Hill for their last game of the season next week. Kick off 3.00pm. p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 3rd April Midlands 1 West

Bournville 21 Dudley Kingswinford 16

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 James Jefferson, 14 Nick Adams, 13 Tom Weaver, 12 Gareth Davies, 11 Robbie Jones 10 Gareth Bown, 9 Jordan Brookes, 8 Ben Connett (Capt), 7 Pete Knight, 6 Ian Langford, 5 Shaun Griffiths. 4 Ed Parry, 3 Stefan Thorp, 2 Dan Shakespeare,! Al Francis. Reps: 16 Adam Blackford, 17 Jamie Ramsey, 18 Matt Taylor.

This was a very disappointing result for DK as several players, especially in the back division, did not deliver on the day. They should have been at least ten points clear at the break after totally dominating a one-sided first half in which they squandered several straightforward opportunities and then handed Bournville an unlikely try to boot after a horrific midfield error. DK's fielding of the constant bombardment of high balls from former DK scrum half Robbie Harlow in the second half was simply abysmal as was their lineout, normally so reliable but on this occasion Dan Shakespeare was just unable to control his throw-ins which cost DK a lot of good possession.

These frustrations alone however did not cost DK the game, the second half withdrawals of the dynamic Al Francis and then Shaun Griffiths, DK's biggest forward almost totally emasculated DK's hitherto dominant forward platform at a stroke! Al had a knock on the ankle in the first half but the way he sprinted off did not suggest a major problem. The front row re-shuffle saw Stefan Thorp move to loosehead, Dan Shakespeare to tighthead with Adam Blackford at hooker. Sadly it did not work, Bournville were quick to exploit the changes, as the DK scrum went from rock solid to close to disintegrating at times thereafter. DK had lost the initiative.

There were three changes to the DK side that won at Halesowen two weeks ago. Andy McEwen (8) and Mike Jones (13) were unavailable and were replaced by Tom Weaver and Ben Connett whilst Jordan Brookes replaced Tommy Muggins at scrum half. The pack played very well first half, keeping the Bournville eight on the backfoot throughout. DK's young props, rookie Stefan Thorp and Al Francis were again outstanding and it was almost comical if a little unedifying to see the much vaunted Bournville front row complaining to the referee as they were unceremoniously shunted backwards time and again by the talented DK youngsters. The DK backs had an off day, poor distribution and an almost total lack of composure under the high ball costing their side dear.

DK made a very positive start, Bournville conceding two early penalties. The first was kicked for position and Nick Adams put DK 0-3 up after 3 minutes with the second. Bournville recovered for fly half Alex Warner to level the scores with a 12th minute penalty. DK had a wonderful opportunity to score after 15 minutes when Nick Adams had a clear run for the line but instead of diving over for an easy try he was caught in two minds as he stopped and got held. Put it down to inexperience! DK went 3-6 up on 19 minutes when Nick Adams atoned for his error by kicking a 40m penally. After almost constant pressure in the Bournville half of the field DK got caught with a sucker punch after 20 minutes. There was no threat as three DK players converged to field a high ball but no one seemed to call and as they stumbled in to reach other the ball ran free to be picked up by Bournville and moved out to right winger lestyn Pratt who couldn't believe his luck as he sprinted in to score wide out making the score 8-6 in their favour.

Bournville, under pressure, were conceding penalty after penalty but DK's recurring lineout problems meant that they were rarely able to profit. DK though had another glorious opportunity to score after 36 minutes when Jordan Brookes carved sweetly through the Bournville cover; he looked odds on to score himself but passed to Robbie Jones who was bundled into touch on the line. DK finally got the score their constant pressure deserved when, after a full ten minutes pressure on the home line the ball was spread wide to Gareth Davies whose inch perfect chip over the advancing home cover was touched down by Nick Adams in the corner to make it 8-11 to DK.

Half Time: BOURNVILLE 8 DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 11

Now with an increasingly stiff breeze in their faces and with continuing lineout problems DK came under pressure for the first time in the game. Having conceded scrums to three consecutive "not straight" lineouts Bournville worked themselves into the DK 22 and from another scrum 5m out though being shunted backwards scrum half Robbie Harlow did well to snatch the ball and dash over unimpeded with the DK back row AWOL. Alex Warner kicked the conversion for Bournville to regain the lead at 15-11 after 47 minutes. DK responded immediately, attacking strongly down the right hand touchline they had Bournville backpedalling furiously. Robbie Jones judged his chip to perfection for Tom Weaver to touch down in the corner and once again DK held a slender lead at 15-16 up.

Shortly after the second DK try came the aforementioned changes in the pack that ultimately decided the game. DK lost the initiative for around 20 minutes allowing Bournville to creep back into the lead by courtesy of two Alex Warner penalties after 55 and 69 minutes to make it 21-16. DK came back strongly in the last ten minutes and Jordan Brookes might have won it at the death with a fine break but he was "clotheslmed" twice a metre from the line without penalty!

DK are away at Stoke next week. Kick off 3.00pm.

Saturday 20th March - Midlands 1 West

Old Halesonians 7 Dudley Kingswinford 48

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 James Jefferson, 14 Robbie Jones, 13 Mike Jones, 12 Gareth Davies, 11 Nick Adams, 10 Gareth Bown, 9 Tommy Huggins, 8 Andy McEwen, 7 Pete Knight, 6 Ian Langford (Capt), 5 Ed Parry, 4 Shaun Griffiths, 3 Stefan Thorp, 2 Dan Shakespeare, 1 Al Francis. Reps: 16 Adam Blackford, 17 Jamie Ramsey, 18 Tom Weaver.

DK duly won their sixth consecutive league game against their old rivals Old Hales, their young side under the critical eye of Coach Neil Shillingford, is finally beginning to realise its true potential. In these last six games they have averaged scores of 51 for to 12 against. Whilst their fine current performances may prove to have arrived a little late for them this season, this is true promotion form and hopefully they can keep the run going until the end of the season – you never know!

Against Halesonians DK were totally in charge throughout, their pack dominated both tight and loose to such an extent that had it been dry they might well have had another twenty points or so. The home side, short of a couple of key players, had little to offer in reply but though outgunned in every department, they never dropped their heads and showed their unbending spirit by actually scoring the final try of the game.

There were two changes to the DK side that beat Nuneaton Old Eds, skipper Ben Connett (working) was replaced by Shaun Griffiths whilst Tommy Huggins replaced the injured Ed Nicholls at scrum half. In a great performance from the whole DK pack, the front row of Al Francis, Dan Shakespeare and Stefan Thorp stood out. Very few teams at this level get to shove Old Hale’s pack around but DK’s front three were magnificent. Al Francis seemed to be everywhere and had a great game until injured in the second half. Hooker Dan Shakespeare is playing his best rugby ever and DK Man of the Match tight head prop Stefan Thorp was simply outstanding. Stefan is “a big unit” as they say up north, but has unbelievable pace off the mark and the ability to scatter the opposition forwards like ninepins when carrying the ball! The evergreen Gareth Davies was probably DK’s best back on the day though all played well and, whilst on the subject of backs, my apologies to Mike Jones who had a blinder last week, he scored two tries and didn’t even get a mention! He played pretty well again this week too!

DK kicked off up the slope but with the strong breeze and driving rain at their backs. They attacked early and following a second lineout catch and drive Al Francis emerged victorious from the pile of bodies on the OH line. Nick Adams kicked a superb conversion from the touchline for DK to lead 0-7 after 4 minutes. The visitors continued to press hard, Andy McEwen coming close on 17 minutes before DK increased their lead on 22 minutes. Pressing the OH line DK had four phases of play to and fro across the posts before Gareth Davies touched down an u/c try to make it 0-12. By now DK were well on top and after 28 minutes they scored a third try. A lineout catch and drive 30m out followed by an unstoppable rolling maul all the way to the line saw Al Francis drive over for his second try which Nick Adams bettered with another fine touchline kick to make it 0-19.

Continuing to rampage forward DK’s fourth try came after 31 minutes. Ed Parry and Shaun Griffiths had been giving OH’s big problems at the lineout and after a hurried tap 5m out the ball went loose for Pete Knight to pounce for the u/c score making it 0-24. Just before half time DK got their fifth try when Stefan Thorp was driven over from a catch and drive following a 5m lineout, Nick Adams converting for 0-31 at the break.

Half Time: OLD HALESONIANS 0 DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 31

Now playing down the slope but into the wind and rain DK took time to get back into their rhythm, in fact OH’s attacked for virtually the first time in the game and had a chance when Tommy Huggins knocked on a high kick early in the half, but in the end had to settle for a penalty in front of the posts which they missed! DK came very close to a sixth try after 45 minutes but over complication let OH’s off the hook. OH’s were winning a little more ball but it was painfully slow and DK seemed to be able to re-capture it in the loose with relative ease. Another punishing catch and drive from a lineout saw Stefan Thorp over for his second and DK’s sixth try (u/c) on the hour to make it 0-36.

With normal service resumed Stefan Thorp made a fantastic 45m break through the middle at pace. The big man scattered all before him and how DK failed to score with OH in disarray remains a mystery. Overwhelming pressure saw rep. No 8 Jamie Ramsey over for an u/c try after 65 minutes to make it 0-41. DK squandered a couple more opportunities before another thundering run from Stefan Thorp set up the attack that saw Jamie Ramsey score his second try after 74 minutes, driven over from another powerful rolling maul and Nick Adams added the conversion for 0-48.

OH’s refused to lie down and incredibly they had the last word, scoring the final try of the game in stoppage time. DK had again been camped on the OH’s line striving to make it a fifty pointer. A forced pass allowed an OH boot to clear the ball upfield and very much against the odds managed to neatly work the ball out to Dan Poucher in space. The replacement flanker pinned back his ears and went in under the posts. Tom Harris converted what was a consolation try for the Wassel Grove lads.

DK’s next game is in two weeks time (Easter Saturday 3rd April) away at Bourneville (League). KO 3.00pm p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 13th March - Midlands 1 West

Dudley Kingswinford 73 Nuneaton Old Edwardians 22

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 James Jefferson, 14 Nick Adams, 13 Mike Jones, 12 Gareth Davies, 11 Nick Adams, 10 Gareth Bown, 9 Eddie Nicholls, 8 Andy McEwen, 7 Pete Knight, 6 Ian Langford, 5 Ben Connett (Capt), 4 Shaun Griffiths, 3 Stefan Thorp, 2 Dan Shakespeare, 1 Al Francis. Reps: 16 Adam Blackford, 17 Jamie Ramsey, 18 Tom Weaver.

Keen to improve on last week’s stuttering performance and narrow win at Leamington, DK hit top form against lowly NOE’s. After falling behind against the run of play at the start DK scored eleven tries, five in the first half and six in the second. Despite the impressive scoreline DK had to work hard for the points and whilst they were well on top throughout in the set scrums, they found it more difficult in the loose where NOE’s competed strongly. The visitors did however persist in a rather suicidal kicking game, meat and drink to DK’s pacy back line, and they ultimately paid a heavy price. DK now have four games away from home to complete their season, at Old Hales, Bourneville, Stoke and Camp Hill and whilst they may have missed the chance of a play-off spot this season, in this kind of form they could make it very interesting!

There were four changes to last week’s side, Dan Shakespeare (hooker), Mike Jones (o/centre) and Robbie Jones r/wing replaced Luke Greenwood, Tom Weaver and Matt Grove respectively, whilst Ed Nicholls was in the scrum half position vacated by Robbie Jones. It was Ed’s first senior game for a year or two and he played very well indeed after surviving a nasty knock in the first few minutes.

With the whole side performing well, selecting the DK Man of the Match was difficult. Besides Ed Nicholls, the two Gareths, Bown (2T) and Davies (1T) played out of their skins, as did wings Nick Adams (1T, 9C) and Robbie Jones. The pack was awesome in the set with the front row of Al Francis, Dan Shakespeare and Stefan Thorp absolutely crushing their opposite numbers time after time. Athletic lock Ed Parry scored another try whilst back rowers Ian Langford and Andy McEwen weighed in with two tries apiece. Pete Knight won a lot of maul ball as usual and skipper Ben Connett ensured the tempo never dropped. However! DK Man of the Match by popular vote was full back James Jefferson. “Speedy”, who came into the side earlier in the season almost as a stop gap, is arguably now DK’s most improved player and is probably now one of the first names on the team sheet. He had an absolute stormer and though he didn’t score, he set up several tries with his superb catching and handling skills and also his tremendous, elusive running at pace.

After their scrum had twice been demolished in the first five minutes things looked rather bleak early on for NOE’s but they gained an improbable lead after 9 minutes when DK lost the ball in midfield. NOE’s secured it and then from a lineout 5m out their o/s flanker Stuart Holes shot over in the corner to make it 0-5, totally against the run of play. After further intense pressure on the NOE’s line DK finally broke through after 17 minutes. From a scrum near the visitor’s 22 the ball passed through the hands of Pete Knight, Ian Langford, Ed Nicholls and Gareth Bown who sent in Mike Jones for the try to make it 5-5. They went ahead barely a minute later as Pete Knight clinically relieved NOE’s of the ball, it was flung out to Gareth Bown who mesmerised the visitor’s cover with a mazy run to the posts, Nick Adams converted for 12-5. Not before time NOE’s o/s flanker Stuart Hole was sinbinned on 22 mins for preventing release of the ball. A third DK try duly arrived after 27 minutes James Jefferson ran full tilt to field a difficult high ball and break swiftly forward into the visitor’s half, it was spread wide to Nick Adams who sidestepped beautifully through the static NOE cover to score and then convert for 19-5.

Try number four came on 33 minutes. A great catch and break from James Jefferson followed by an even better break from Gareth Davies saw him pass inside close to the line to hand Mike Jones his second try to make it 24-5. NOE’s full back Ben Gilbert had a chance to score after being put in the clear by Jody Peacock but Robbie Jones did incredibly well to outpace him to the touchdown. Then after a short lull DK again attacked strongly, they drove forward following a lineout and Gareth Davies inside pass to Andy McEwen saw the No 8 cross the line close in. Nick Adams converted for 31-5.

Half Time: DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 31 NUNEATON OLD EDWARDIANS 5

Nuneaton made a determined effort at the start and came close a couple of times before fly half Greg Way finished off a neat move and then converted for 31-12 after 47 minutes. DK replied almost immediately when NOE’s dropped the kick off and the home side drove them back strongly. Gareth Bown latched onto the loose ball 10m out and danced through to the posts, Nick Adams converting for 38-12 on 48 minutes. DK poured forward again and after 50 minutes Ed Parry emerged from a mass of players to run powerfully to the posts from 25m for try number seven, Nick Adams again converting for 45-12.

An incident on 54 minutes when NOE’s o/s flanker Stuart Hole punched the prone Ian Langford should have seen a red card as the player had already received a yellow in the first half; unfortunately Gareth Masters the referee (who had a pretty good game) was unsighted and awarded a penalty against DK for a subsequent offence! A quick tap penalty saw wing James Wilson in at the corner to make it 45-17 after 54 minutes. Then, to rub a little salt into the wound, DK were penalised for shoving too early in the scrum and the aforesaid villain of the piece, Stuart Hole quickly tapped and went before DK could respond and scored at the posts on 61minutes, Greg Way converting for 45-22.

Suitably smarting from a sense of injustice and now very focused, DK rampaged forward to score four further tries in the last fifteen minutes. A quick tapped penalty to Gareth Davies close to the line saw him burst over the line for a try on 65 minutes, converted by Nick Adams made it 52-22. After 65 minutes a move covering the length of the field involving Speedy, Gareth Davies (twice) to Robbie Jones who sent in Ian Langford. Nick Adams conversion made it 59-22. On 75 minutes another superb move involving Gareth Bown and Gareth Davies put Andy McEwen in for his second try again bettered by the peerless Nick Adams for 66-22. By this time NOE’s were well and truly out of it and DK posted a brilliant 11th try (their 110th of the season plus a penalty try). A sweeping move across the face of the posts saw Tom Weaver, under great pressure; flip a pass out of the back of his hand to send in Ian Langford for his second try of the day. Nick Adams kicked his ninth conversion from eleven kicks (23 points in the match) to make the final score 73-22.

Next week DK are at away at Old Halesonians (League). KO 3.00pm p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 6th March - Midlands 1 West

Leamington 18 Dudley Kingswinford 20

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 James Jefferson, 14 Nick Adams, 13 Tom Weaver, 12 Gareth Davies, 11 Matt Grove, 10 Gareth Bown, 9 Robbie Jones, 8 Andy McEwen, 7 Pete Knight, 6 Ian Langford, 5 Ben Connett (Capt), 4 Shaun Griffiths, 3 Stefan Thorp, 2 Luke Greenwood, 1 Al Francis. Reps: 16 Dan Shakespeare, 17 Ed Parry, 18 Mike Jones.

This was possibly DK’s worst performance of the season to date; they have actually played much better this season and lost! Despite winning enough territory and possession to have won the game twice over they were very disjointed, especially in the back division who had an armchair ride for the first hour of the game, but failed lamentably to take advantage against a spirited home side. Too often slow ball meant the DK halfbacks rarely threatened in attack and Gareth Davies was the only back to regularly break the Leamington line but inadequate support and gutsy defence from the home side nullified his efforts. Leading 13-20 going into the last quarter DK slumped alarmingly after losing Ian Langford (6) and then Al Francis (1) to injury. The visitors could count themselves very fortunate that Leamington missed a conversion and a penalty in the last few minutes that would have given them a result.

There were six changes to last week’s side that beat Walsall. Luke Greenwood (2), Robbie Jones (9) and Shaun Griffiths (4) replaced Dan Shakespeare, Tommy Huggins and Ed Parry respectively; Matt Grove made his full DK debut on the left wing and did well whilst Tom Weaver replaced the unavailable Jordan Brookes. The DK pack as usual did very well in the loose but despite shoving the Leamington pack around they somehow contrived to lose a total of three strikes against the head during the game!

Up the slope and in good conditions DK began well and soon had the home side backpedalling and conceding penalties, four in the first nine minutes, but had only a successful 9th minute Nick Adams penalty for 0-3 to show, after running the first two and Adams narrowly missing the third. With DK piling on the pressure, Andy McEwen made a fine early break and a try looked a certainty had he unloaded the ball to the support. As it was DK found themselves 7-3 down after 18 minutes when Leamington, in virtually their first attack, put together a fluid attack down the right and good crisp handling caught the DK cover napping for full back Preece to score in some comfort at the posts. John Robertson converted the try. Leamington’s blindside flanker Lewis Carroll was sinbinned on 22 minutes for pulling down a DK maul close to the line

DK kept up their offensive and were rewarded after 26 minutes when, after opting for a penalty scrum 10m out, No 8 Andy McEwen drove powerfully for the line to score DK’s first try. Nick Adams converted to make it 7-10. John Robertson kicked a long penalty after 29 minutes to level the scores at 10-10 before Leamington second row Simon Harry was incredibly only given a yellow card after head butting DK’s Stefan Thorp on 36 minutes. Under intense pressure Leamington’s discipline again deserted them a minute later when loose head prop Dan Phillips was yellow carded for persistent offside. DK were unable to take advantage of their two man advantage, a situation not helped by Leamington’s remaining players still constantly straying blatantly offside!

Half Time: LEAMINGTON 10 DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 10

DK again began the half strongly and scored a good try after 42 minutes. Quick passing from a maul from Al Francis to Gareth Bown saw the fly half send Nick Adams off down his left wing. He beat his man before passing inside for hooker Luke Greenwood following up to score close in. Nick Adams added the conversion to make it 10-17 in DK’s favour. Under more pressure Leamington again transgressed and Nick Adams nailed the 46th minute penalty to take DK two scores clear at 10-20. Shortly afterwards despite shoving Leamington back, DK bizarrely lost two balls on their own feed. Suitably encouraged by this unexpected bonus Leamington perked up and John Robertson kicked them three points closer making it 13-20 after 57 minutes.

DK talisman Ian Langford had already retired with a dead leg followed by Al Francis (knee) after 66 minutes. Despite this DK should really have settled the game after 68 minutes when after shredding the home cover, a poor pass resulted in a fumble right on the home line. With the disruption to the DK pack beginning to be felt the home side fought like tigers to save the game and when replacement prop Terry Curran went over for a try following a catch and drive from a 5m lineout to make it 18-20 the home side had a chance to level the match. However John Roberts hit the post with the conversion attempt and in a dramatic finale missed a 79th minute penalty to win it.

Next week DK are at home to Nuneaton Old Edwardians (League). KO 3.00pm p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 27th February - Midlands 1 West

Dudley Kingswinford 33 Walsall 15

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 James Jefferson, 14 Nick Adams, 13 Jordan Brookes, 12 Gareth Davies, 11 Robbie Jones, 10 Gareth Bown, 9 Tommy Huggins, 8 Andy McEwen, 7 Pete Knight, 6 Ian Langford, 5 Ben Connett (Capt), 4 Ed Parry, 3 Stefan Thorp, 2 Dan Shakespeare, 1 Al Francis. Reps: 16 Luke Greenwood, 17 Shaun Griffiths, 18 Matt Groves.

DK recovered magnificently from the shock of going 0-10 down after only nine minutes to gradually assume control and eventually crush their local rivals Walsall. Back on level terms by half time, the home side’s superior fitness saw them dominate a one sided second half. Walsall are a very strong, physical side throughout and they were also on a bit of a roll having won all of their last five league games including an comfortable home win over second placed Bournville. They deservedly beat DK at Delves Road back in September and were very much up for this game. DK have now beaten every side in the division except for Burton who are the only side to have beaten them twice.

There were three changes from the DK side that won at Whitchurch last week, one of them positional. Dan Shakespeare replaced Adam Blackford at hooker, Robbie Jones replaced Jak Davis on the left wing and Jordan Brookes moved from scrum half to outside centre in place of the injured Tom Weaver with Tommy Huggins coming back into the side at scrum half. There were several excellent performances, in the pack the front row coped well after a very uncomfortable first quarter and the back five were superb throughout the game. DK Man of the Match was skipper Ben Connett who besides giving a master class in lineout skills, led the side superbly, ensuring that no heads dropped during a fairly torrid first ten minutes for his side. His constant encouragement and cajoling and eventually got the home side firing on all cylinders again and once they achieved that, they never looked back. Fellow lock Ed Parry had another top game whilst Langy, Knighty and Andy Mac were again superb in the back row. Jordan Brookes, Gareth Davies and James “Speedy” Jefferson were the pick of the backs. Speedy has been something of a revelation this season, he is now top try scorer with eleven and was again on top form yesterday, not only scoring a stunning individual try and making another, his panache and elusive running skills were a thorn in Walsall’s side all afternoon.

Walsall started very strongly and dominated the early exchanges to such an extent they went two tries up within nine minutes. A strong driving maul in the very first minute saw hooker Jamie Scott plunge over for the first (0-5) and following further heavy pressure and strong scrummaging they quickly moved the ball wide to left winger Andy Turner on 9 minutes and he went over in the corner to make it 0-10. Walsall centre Matt Wood was yellow carded after 11 minutes for an illegal block and from the penalty DK took immediate advantage. They moved the ball right then left for left wing Nick Adams to squeeze in at the corner to make it 5-10. On 15 minutes Walsall No 8 was fortunate to receive just a yellow card after a spear tackle on Ben Connett. DK though were unable to take advantage of their numerical superiority and the visitors survived a short spell with 13 men unscathed.

Having weathered Walsall’s powerful early surge DK had come back strongly into the game and were giving the visitor’s heavy pack a bit of a run-around in the loose, they should have scored after 20 minutes but a forward pass a couple of metres out spoiled the move. As the game progressed, DK’s domination increased forcing Walsall to give away penalties. Nick Adams kicked one after 35 minutes to make it 8-10 before they took the lead for the first time on 38 minutes. James Jefferson fielded a defensive kick just outside the DK 22 and chipped the ball over the advancing Walsall line towards the touchline. Somehow the ball stayed in touch and Robbie Jones following up, skilfully hacked the ball on 40m over the Walsall line to touch down. Nick Adams’s conversion made it 15-10 to DK. This stung Walsall into action again and in their first real attack for over 20 minutes or so they won a maul on the DK 22 and following a phase of slick inter-passing, full back Chris Mould touched down to level the scores just on half time.

The Walsall line was breached again early in the second half but a marginal foot in touch meant no try. Walsall then got a third yellow card on 63 minutes when fly half Andy Hawkins was sin binned for foul play and Nick Adams kicked DK 18-15 ahead from the penalty. Pete Knight was yellow carded after 49 minutes for tackling when grounded but it did not prevent DK from increasing their lead on 55 minutes with an excellent try from James Jefferson. An accurate box kick from scrum half Tommy Huggins on halfway bounced awkwardly between two Walsall defenders and Speedy, arriving at pace, snatched the ball from literally under their noses and sprinted on to the posts for a wonderful individual try, Nick Adams conversion making it 25-15.

The visitors were visibly tiring and almost all the play was now in the Walsall half. Nick Adams increased the DK lead to 28-15 with a 61st minute penalty and it should have been increased even further after 64 minutes but to his utter chagrin, replacement hooker Luke Greenwood spilled the greasy ball from 2m out. DK then camped on the Walsall line and when the ball squirted loose out of a 5m Walsall scrum after 65 minutes Ian Langford was on it in a flash to pick up and touch down DK’s fourth try to make it 33-15. All in all a very satisfying afternoon for DK and a well deserved victory over their closest rivals in a hard fought encounter. Not many sides in this division are currently better than Walsall.

Next week DK are away at Leamington (League). KO 2.15pm. p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 20th February - Midlands 1 West

Whitchurch 14 Dudley Kingswinford 46

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 James Jefferson, 14 Nick Adams, 13 Tom Weaver, 12 Gareth Davies, 11 Jak Davis, 10 Gareth Bown, 9 Jordan Brookes, 8 Andy McEwen, 7 Pete Knight, 6 Ian Langford, 5 Ben Connett (Capt), 4 Ed Parry, 3 Stefan Thorp, 2 Adam Blackford, 1 Al Francis. Reps: 16 Dan Shakespeare, 17 Shaun Griffiths, 18 Tommy Huggins.

This was just about the perfect day for DK who travelled to Whitchurch by coach, the visitor’s committee and “alickadoos” were regally fed and watered by the, as always, wonderfully hospitable Shropshire club prior to handing their hosts an eight tries to two caning and so avenging the narrow defeat at Heathbrook in October. This was a tremendous win over the third placed Whitchurch side that have been in excellent form of late winning five out of their last six matches with only league leaders Burton getting the better of them and then only by a single point. DK struggled to turn their dominance into points in a frustrating first half in which a combination of unforced errors and dour defence from Whitchurch pegged them to a meagre 7-10 lead at half time. However they got their act together brilliantly in the second period to register a further six tries on their way to a comprehensive victory.

There were a couple of changes to last week’s side. Robbie Jones was unavailable so Jordan Brookes moved to scrum half with Gareth Davies replacing him in the centre. Ben Connett replaced Shaun Griffiths in the second row with Dan Shakespeare, Shaun Griffiths and Tommy Huggins on the bench.

DK dominated the game from the opening whistle and must have enjoyed at least 75% of the territory and possession throughout as they firmly controlled the loose and stole no less than seven of the home sides lineout throws in the first half alone thanks to the sterling efforts of inspirational skipper Ben Connett and fellow lock Ed Parry. The DK pack in fact was pretty awesome as a unit. DK’s loose head prop Al Francis had a difficult task pitted against the redoubtable Russell Lear, “Beano” to his pals, Beano is still one of the best tight head props around but Al coped extremely well against a very powerful opponent. The popular vote for DK’s Man of the Match however was loose head prop Stefan Thorp who had a superb game in both tight and loose play, he certainly knows where the try line is scoring another brace of tries to make it four in two games. DK’s back row totally outplayed their youthful opposition ensuring a steady supply of quality ball. Fly half Gareth Bown scored a couple of super tries, the second was an absolute peach!

DK started strongly and it took Whitchurch fully 10 minutes before they even crossed the halfway line. The home side were harried and pressured into conceding penalties but it was not to be a good day for goal kicking and DK missed three early kicks at goal after 4, 16 and 19 minutes. The pressure eventually told after 26 minutes, DK ran consecutive penalties and the ball was swung right to Gareth Bown who left the cover for dead with a couple of trademark sidesteps before crossing for an unconverted try and a 0-5 lead. Ben Connett and Ed Parry were creating mayhem on the Whitchurch lineout throws and the home lock Ollie Bate was sinbinned after 32 minutes as frustration grew. DK kicked the penalty for touch and from the lineout Stefan Thorp barged over for DK’s second try on 33 minutes. The conversion was missed and DK now led 0-10.

Considering the amount of territory and possession they were winning DK’s points return was poor, then just before half time their profligacy came back to haunt them as Whitchurch stole in for a try in stoppage time. A loose pass in midfield gave the home side possession and with DK’s cover out of position a quick ruck and a flowing three-quarter move saw right wing Mike Woodhouse in for a well worked try. Fly half Danny Nicholas’s fine conversion from touch made it 7-10, leaving DK a mere three points up despite almost totally dominating the exchanges.

Half Time: WHITCHURCH 7 DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 10

Danny Nicholas was wide with a penalty for Whitchurch after 41 minutes before DK again cranked up the pressure. After 45 minutes a midfield maul was driven 20m almost up to the home line before Stefan Thorp exploded, unstoppably from it to score his second and DK’s third try. Gareth Bown converted for DK to lead 7-17. Another unforced howler on the DK 22 let Whitchurch in for their second try on 47 minutes. A poor pass back from a maul left centre Tom Weaver in trouble, Whitchurch quickly re-gained and re-cycled the ball and full back Henry Hockenhull was quickly sent in at the posts. Danny Nicholas converted to make it 14-17. The see-saw sequence continued when DK scored a fourth try after56 minutes. A Gareth Davies break, a ruck and out again to Davies saw him streak over the line to make it 14-22.

DK now at last began to turn their pressure into points. ‘Church flyhalf Danny Nicholas was sinbinned after 64 minutes for blatant offside under pressure. DK opted for the scrum and as it edged inexorably towards the home line Pete Knight broke strongly from 12m out to score, Gareth Bown converted for 14-29 and the writing was well and truly on the wall for Whitchurch. A sixth try duly arrived on 69 minutes after slick interpassing down the left wing gave Ian Langford space to power over wide out. Gareth Bown’s conversion took DK out of site at 14-36 but there was more to come. Now oozing with confidence DK put a splendid move together on 77 minutes giving them a three man overlap. Tom Weaver did not need the two men outside him as he dotted down DK’s seventh try. Finally Gareth Bown scored a sensational individual try, stepping and dummying past several bewildered opponents to touch down DK’s eighth try of the match after 79 minutes.

Next week DK are at home to Walsall (League). Early KO 2.00pm (International). p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 13th February - Midlands 1 West

Dudley Kingswinford 88 Cheltenham North 0

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 James Jefferson, 14 Nick Adams, 13 Tom Weaver, 12 Jordan Brookes, 11 Jak Davis, 10 Gareth Bown, 9 Tommy Huggins, 8 Andy McEwen, 7 Pete Knight (Capt), 6 Ian Langford, 5 Shaun Griffiths, 4 Ed Parry, 3 Stefan Thorp, 2 Adam Blackford, 1 Al Francis. Reps: 16 Dan Shakespeare, 17 Ben Connett, 18 Robbie Jones.

DK posted Midlands 1 West’s highest score of the season against basement boys Cheltenham North, scoring an incredible fourteen tries without reply in the process, seven apiece for the forwards and backs. The Gloucestershire side have had an increasingly rough ride this season and are down to the bare bones in terms of players due to a catastrophic run of injuries and so it is a credit to their spirit, that though outclassed and with several players out of position, they fought hard right up until the final whistle. DK themselves were in a similar situation a couple of years ago and whilst it is scant consolation, things will only get better for North.

Having played only twice since early December due to the inclement weather, DK were keen to put aside recent disappointments and hapless North caught the full force of a superb exhibition of rugby from the home side played with such pace and power that the visitors’ were left like rabbits staring into the headlights at times. In an overall superb and focused team performance, it was a very difficult decision to select a DK Man of the Match but Jordan Brookes edged the vote with a superb game. The scrum half was playing out of position at inside centre but you wouldn’t have known, strong in defence and devastating in attack, he set up numerous attacks leading to tries for his side.

DK’s backs are coming of age, fly half Gareth Bown has added more steel to his game and led the line well whilst both Tom Weaver and James Jefferson have visibly improved over the season and both looked very assured during the game. Young left winger Nick Adams kicked 9 conversions and scored a try to amass 23 points. The DK back row were immense as usual Andy McEwen celebrated his return from injury with a couple of trademark tries as did fellow forwards Stefan Thorp and Ed Parry.

The home side were ahead after 5 minutes when prop Stefan Thorp drove over following a lineout 5m out. Nick Adams converted from touch for 7-0. A superb second try on 10 minutes saw DK go 14-0 up after Jordan Brookes broke 40m upfield to feed Gareth Bown who in turn found Tom Weaver who touched down under the posts, Nick Adams converting. A slick handling move down the left and a neat inside pass from Tom Weaver saw lock Ed Parry over for DK’s 3rd try after 15 minutes, Nick Adam’s conversion made it 21-0 to DK. Then when Ed Parry scored a fourth DK try after 17 minutes following superb back play from Tom Weaver and Jak Davis to make it 26-0, things were beginning to look ominous for the visitors. The blitz continued as DK scored a fifth try on 20 minutes. Skipper Pete Knight tore the ball from a maul and set up another fine passage of play culminating in a dazzling break and try from MOM Jordan Brookes. Nick Adams converted for 33-0.

After a short disruption for an injury DK duly recorded their sixth try on 28 minutes. A typical bullocking 25m break from a scrum by Andy McEwen saw him power over the line. Nick Adams hitting a post with the conversion attempt. Try number seven came on the half hour, again scintillating play between backs and forwards saw Andy McEwen over the line for his second try which Nick Adams converted for 45-0. North rallied and put DK under pressure for the first time in the game. They got to within a couple of metres of the home line and came close a couple of times before DK managed to clear their lines. Back in the driving seat DK added an eighth try just before half time when they worked an overlap on the right for James “Speedy” Jefferson to cruise in from 45m, Nick Adams added another conversion for 52-0.

Half Time: DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 52 CHELTENHAM NORTH 0 

North kept DK out until the 52nd minute when a lightning blindside break from Jordan Brookes on the visitor’s 22 saw him squeeze in for an unconverted try in the corner to make it 57-0. Three minutes later (55m) DK hit double figures when a skilfully weighted chip over the North cover by Gareth Bown saw the ball hacked on first by Bown then again, over the goal line by Jordan Brookes who touched down for his hat trick. Nick Adams converted to take DK to 64-0. Starved of games over the previous weeks, DK kept very focused and their eleventh try followed a sweet crossfield move leaving North short of cover as left wing Jak Davies raced in to get his name onto the scoresheet to make it 69-0. There was just no respite for the harassed North cover and another flowing crossfield move on 68 minutes gave a deserved try for Nick Adams on the right wing making it 74-0.

After 72 minutes the blue tide surged again this time in the powerful form of prop Stefan Thorp who powered over after incessant forward pressure. Nick Adams added the extras for 81-0. DK scored their fourteenth and final try on 76 minutes when hooker Dan Shakespeare crashed over – wow, that’s two this season! Shacker Snr will no doubt be having a word or two about such ostentatious and dare I say it “Unshakespearian” behaviour!! – Nick Adams kicked his ninth conversion for the final score of 88-0.

Next week DK are away at Whitchurch (League). KO 2.15pm. p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 23rd January - Midlands 1 West

Dudley Kingswinford 6 Burton 9

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 James Jefferson, 14 Jak Davis, 13 Mike Jones, 12 Mike Jones, 11 Nick Adams, 10 Gareth Davies, 9 Robbie Jones, 8 Ben Connett (Capt), 7 Pete Knight 6 Ian Langford, 5 Ed Parry, 4 Shaun Griffiths, 3 Al Francis, 2 Adam Blackford, 1 Rich Kelley. Reps: 16 Luke Greenwood, 17 Ollie Shakespeare, 18 Gareth Bown.

DK’s promotion prospects took an almost terminal nosedive after this, their second successive defeat. This time it was to the league leaders Burton following on from their “Rugby on Ice” farce at Sutton Coldfield in their last game over a month ago, in which they lost four players to injury. On the day DK could have few complaints; this was certainly no festival of running rugby but a very hard fought, bruising encounter in which neither side were able to dominate, no quarter was given or asked and the result could just as easily have gone the other way. As it was the match was decided by the odd one of five first half penalties. The game was remarkable for the absolute dearth of try scoring opportunities for either side. The whole game was played for mostly between the 22’s with defences well on top. DK had perhaps the best one of the few chances on offer when a brilliant break from Gareth Bown midway through the second half saw him set up a golden opportunity with a three man overlap only for the first pass recipient to ignore the men outside him and step inside only to get clobbered! The game was refereed very well indeed by Mr Carl Bennett of the Somerset Society.

Still beset with injuries after the Sutton debacle DK made no less than seven changes, two of them positional. Tom Weaver and Mike Jones came into the centre for the injured Stefan Shillingford and Gareth Davies, with Jak Davis on the right wing. Ben Connett replaced the injured Andy McEwen and skippered the side from No 8. Adam Blackford came back into the side at hooker and did well. Positionally, Gareth Davies moved back to fly half from centre and Robbie Jones to scrum half from left wing. Despite all the disruption and not having played for over a month DK competed extremely well in all areas, flankers Ian Langford and Pete Knight were DK’s Men of the match. Langy as usual was awesome going forward and superb in defence and Knighty must have really embarrassed the Burton pack for the number of times he stole the ball off them during the game!

The sides looked pretty evenly matched from the start though Burton showed their backs potential when centre Tom Bartram broke the DK line early on only to be hauled down by the cover defence. The visitors edged the first quarter and took a 0-3 lead with a Tom Bartram penalty after 9 minutes when DK were offside in front of their posts. Burton went further ahead with a 24th minute penalty from Bartram to make it 0-6 but DK were warming to the task and after a spell of sustained pressure Nick Adams reduced the deficit to 3-6 with a 28th minute penalty. DK then went 3-9 down after 32 minutes, Tom Bartram slotting his third penalty after the home side were again caught offside in front of their posts, they were not to know it then, but this was to prove the winning score. DK attacked strongly before half time without being able to penetrate an efficient Burton rearguard however they did manage another penalty from Nick Adams after 35 minutes to make it 6-9 and were now winning more ball than before, which promised a rousing second half.

Half Time: DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 6 BURTON ON TRENT 9

The second half continued in much the same vein as the first with both sides striving for the win but neither able to dominate the proceedings. As the half progressed it seemed that the home side might prevail, but the one golden missed opportunity as described above and Burton’s resolute defending denied the home side at every turn. Even when Burton lost openside flanker Joe Carpenter to a yellow card after 65 minutes and were put under even more pressure the visitor’s excellent defence held firm.

In the last few minutes when DK really should have been pounding the visitors line they found themselves trapped inside their own half with the visitors, now back to full strength, showing great determination to hang on for the win. DK had a penalty 30m out in the last minute which looked very kickable but they chose the “Death or Glory” route with a predictable result!

Finally congratulations to Ian Langford, DK’s dynamic flanker. Ian has been voted the Dudley News Sports Personality of the year with a massive 46% of the 5,500 votes cast. From everyone at DK, well done and very well deserved!

Next week DK are away at Camp Hill (League). KO 2.15pm. p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 19th December - Midlands 1 West

Sutton Coldfield 26 Dudley Kingswinford 14

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 James Jefferson, 14 Robbie Jones, 13 Stefan Shillingford, 12 Gareth Davies, 11 Nick Adams, 10 Gareth Bown, 9 Jordan Brookes, 8 Andy McEwen, 7 Pete Knight (Capt), 6 Ian Langford, 5 Ed Parry, 4 Shaun Griffiths, 3 Al Francis, 2 Dan Shakespeare, 1 Rich Kelley. Reps: 16 Luke Greenwood, 17 Ben Connett, 18 Matt Taylor. .

Out of 108 Midlands rugby matches scheduled for this weekend, the freezing and dangerous conditions meant only two were actually played (at Sutton and Long Buckby). The fact that Sutton Coldfield (who had put on a sponsors lunch) had, with DK’s full agreement played this farcical match on the half frozen pitch and that the hapless referee Micheal Patz did not abandon the game after DK had lost four players to conditions-related injuries (three of them potentially serious) was a disgrace, an insult to the players and reflects badly on both clubs, the official and the game of rugby in general. DK having used all their replacements due to the injuries were forced to play all but a few minutes of the second half with 14 men.

Rugby is a tough enough game even in the best of conditions and the health and safety of the players should be paramount at all times, but in this game they were at serious risk from the opening whistle on what was a patently unfit pitch. Though DK suffered the injuries it could just have easily been the Sutton lads hobbling off. There was a rumour that the players were left with the decision whether to play or not. Heaven forbid! That would really sound like a cop out!

DK made a couple of positional changes from last week’s win over Stratford. With Tom Weaver unavailable Gareth Davies moved to inside centre with Gareth Bown at fly half. Luke Greenwood, Ben Connett and Matt Taylor made up the bench. In a lack lustre first period the DK backs were all over the place with only Jordan Brookes and Gareth Davies really up to scratch. The forwards struggled badly in the lineout where Sutton’s six foot seven inch lock Antony Worthington reigned supreme all afternoon but they were mostly excellent in the loose and even after losing two thirds of their back row to injury, still managed to take the game to Sutton. The main reason for this was that DK’s Man of the Match - Ben Connett had come off the bench to play an absolute blinder, he and Ian Langford galvanised the depleted DK pack to such an extent that even with 14 men they dominated the second half and still looked potential winners only to be let down by their lineout frailties.

DK arguably lost the game in the first 9 minutes when dreadful sloppy play in the backs gifted the home side a 14-0 lead. Trying to force the pace from the off, DK committed cardinal errors, firstly Gareth Bown’s rushed, wayward pass was hacked on by Sutton’s centre Fou to pick up and dive over unchallenged to score after 3 minutes, fly half Alan Rowlands converted for 7-0. Then after 9 minutes a desperately poor defensive kick was run back at DK with interest, slick inter-passing culminating in second row Antony Worthington touching down under the posts, Rowlands again adding the extras for 14-0.

After their shoddy opening DK at last began to play their own game at pace, their pack seemed much fitter than their Sutton counterparts and despite the poor start they were beginning to threaten when disaster first struck after 17 minutes when Andy McEwen had to leave the field with a twisted knee to be followed not long afterwards by fellow back row and skipper Pete Knight with a similar injury, they were replaced by Ben Connett and Luke Greenwood respectively. Ben and Langy set about cajoling and spurring on their badly disrupted pack and though Nick Adams missed a 34th minute penalty he put DK’s first points on the board with a successful injury time kick.

Half Time: SUTTON COLDFIELD 14 DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 3

A 43rd minute Nick Adams penalty brought DK 3 points closer at 14-6 but then in quick succession, they lost a further two players to injury, Robbie Jones (hamstring) and Stefan Shillingford (dislocated shoulder). Shillingford’s departure meant that having used up all their replacements DK were down to 14 men for the remainder of the game. Perhaps at this stage, with the temperature dropping rapidly, a halt should have been called, but the sides might just as well have been playing in Tenerife! Remarkably Sutton were unable to profit from DK’s woes as the depleted, patched up visitors ran the rapidly tiring Sutton pack ragged. Nick Adams made it 14-9 with a 58th minute penalty.

A betting man would have put his money firmly on DK at this stage, but fate was not kind to them and after 70 minutes Sutton launched literally their first attack of the second half from a stolen lineout and with DK a centre short right wing Robert Watts had the space to squeeze in for an u/c try to make it 19-9. Two minutes later a fortuitous bounce into the arms of Matt Gillick from a speculative kick ahead saw the Sutton left winger also in space to touch down at the posts. Alan Rowlands added the conversion for 26-9 and it was all over for plucky DK. Gareth Davies scored a 78th minute consolation try that their second half pressure deserved to make the final score 26-14.

DK, with hindsight, will know that they should really not have agreed to play in these treacherous conditions and their very risky gamble backfired badly. A rearranged fixture played in normal conditions would probably have seen DK win in some comfort but now they will have to start again from scratch.

In their first league game after Christmas, DK are at home to Walsall (League). KO 2.00pm. p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 12th December - Midlands 1 West

Dudley Kingswinford 48 Stratford upon Avon 13

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 James Jefferson, 14 Robbie Jones, 13 Tom Weaver, 12 Stefan Shillingford, 11 Nick Adams, 10 Gareth Davies, 9 Jordan Brookes, 8 Andy McEwen, 7 Pete Knight (Capt), 6 Ian Langford, 5 Ed Parry, 4 Shaun Griffiths, 3 Al Francis, 2 Dan Shakespeare, 1 Rich Kelley. Reps: 16 Luke Greenwood, 17 Ben Connett, 18 Gareth Bown.

DK made amends for their shock horror defeat at Pearcecroft in September when, in the last quarter of the game with a combination of poor discipline and even poorer tactical play, they saw an 8-24 winning lead develop into a disastrous 32-24 defeat. On a cold, wintry day at Heathbrook, DK put this nightmare to bed as their superior fitness saw them gradually grind down the big Stratford pack in the first half then clinically take them apart in the second period with a truly inspirational passage of play that had the visitors running around in a blind panic as DK hit them with an amazing six tries in 19 minutes! All credit to DK’s fitness coach Alan Brookes, because the first half had been pretty tough with the Warwickshire side well up for this challenge, but when DK fired up the after burners, Stratford were simply blown away in what became a torrid second half for them.

DK made only one change from the Old Halesonians game in their starting XV with Jordan Brookes replacing Tommy Huggins at scrum half. Luke Greenwood, Ben Connett and Gareth Bown were on the bench. There were several contenders for DK Man of the Match especially in the brilliant second half display. Skipper Pete Knight was DK’s turnover star yet again, the front row of Al Francis, Dan Shakespeare/Luke Greenwood and Rich Kelley were superb, Ed Parry and Shaun Griffiths ensured good lineout ball throughout but Ian Langford shaded them all, DK’s veteran flanker was peerless and was at the heart of most of the home side’s attack and defence. The backs spluttered a little in the first half but the second half saw them come into their own. Stefan Shillingford was easily the best back on the field and with more ball to play with in the second half, created havoc. Gareth Bown’s excellent second half cameo role at fly half with Gareth Davies moving into the centre at the expense of the injured Tom Weaver seemed to give DK more shape.

Generally lively starters at home, DK were rocked when Stratford scored an early try after 3 minutes. DK had conceded two early penalties and from the second the ball was moved quickly to full back Mike Plant entering the line at pace, neat footwork saw him step through the DK cover for a good try and a 0-5 lead for the visitors. Nick Adams pulled three points back after 10 minutes to make it 3-5 before a marvellous try from James “Speedy” Jefferson after 17 minutes put DK into an 8-5 lead. The home side had fielded a Stratford defensive kick and moved it out to Speedy just before halfway, he firstly chipped the advancing cover and then hacked on over the line to touch down for a sublime 50m plus try.

Though Stratford were still very much in contention at this stage, there were already some signs of stress in their jumbo pack, their handling errors were much higher than DK’s, the home side’s pace increasingly forcing their visitors into errors. Nick Adams increased DK’s lead to 11-5 after 29 minutes but just as it seemed the home side would take control of the game a dreadful midfield error from DK saw the ball run loose to be snapped up by Stratford, it was quickly spread wide to right wing Joe Cook who sprinted over for an u/c try to bring them within a point at 11-10. Bizarrely the ref Dan Mobley blew up for half time after 35 minutes and had to change his watch after being advised of the error!

Half Time: DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 11 STRATFORD ON AVON 10

Discipline let DK down after 43 minutes when a penalty near halfway was advanced well over 10m to enable fly half Jake White to slot the kick and regain the lead for Stratford 11-13. The writing was on the wall however for the visitors as the DK eight were beginning to overrun the Stratford pack. The visitors were penalised twice on their own line before DK spread it wide for Gareth Bown to touch down to make it 16-13 on 59 minutes sparking an avalanche of points for DK. On 61 minutes a Nick Adams penalty made it 19-13. DK’s pressure was such that another try was inevitable; it duly came after 66 minutes. A Stratford scrum was badly disrupted with DK regaining possession for Stefan Shillingford to break to within a metre of the line before popping the ball up for Ed Parry to score, Nick Adams converted for 26-13. Two minutes later (68) DK scored again when Jordan Brookes’s box kick bounced awkwardly for Gareth Davies out on the right to pick up, the old boy then skinned the cover from fully 50m out to score a great try making it 31-13. He certainly won’t have scored many better!

Stratford were down and out but DK were buzzing and on 71 minutes at attempted Stratford clearance was charged down by Stefan Shillingford who caught the ball first bounce to run in under the posts. Nick Adams converted for 38-13. A fantastic try on 76 minutes orchestrated by Gareth Bown who contributed two passes in the move, saw the ball moved at great pace out of defence to the Stratford line, Andy McEwen taking the final pass to score and move the score onto 43-13. With the Stratford side now in a state of shock Stefan Shillingford was given far too much space and coolly ran 40m down the left hand touchline to score DK’s 7th and final try after 78 minutes to make the final score 48-13.

Next week DK are at away at Sutton Coldfield (League). KO 2.00pm or 2.15pm. p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 28th November - Midlands 1 West

Dudley Kingswinford 34 Old Halesonians 8

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 James Jefferson, 14 Robbie Jones, 13 Tom Weaver, 12 Stefan Shillingford, 11 Nick Adams, 10 Gareth Davies, 9 Tommy Huggins, 8 Andy McEwen, 7 Pete Knight (Capt), 6 Ian Langford, 5 Ed Parry, 4 Shaun Griffiths, 3 Al Francis, 2 Dan Shakespeare, 1 Rich Kelley. Reps: 16 Luke Greenwood, 17 Ben Connett, 18 Mike Jones.

DK regained the local bragging rights with this hard fought victory over their old friends and rivals Old Halesonians. OH’s had deservedly beaten DK in the North Midlands Cup Quarter Final at a wet and windy Wassel Grove last weekend and the home side were extremely keen to make amends in front of the biggest crowd of the season at Heathbrook. DK had begun well with two tries in the first eight minutes and they also finished the game well on top and in some style, scoring two more in the last six minutes. In between these flourishes however the home side were forced to fight tooth and nail for every scrap of possession against a tough and abrasive OH pack, adding only one further try just before half time.

Mark Lockley made nine changes to last week’s losing side, no less than seven of them in the pack and although the DK eight found the set piece scrums hard going at times, they excelled in the loose and as the match wore on, gradually assumed control as their visitors tired in the last quarter. In the forwards hooker and another unsung hero Dan Shakespeare had one of his best games for DK, carrying the ball with great effect to keep DK on the front foot. OH’s also found No 8 Andy McEwen really hard work as he tore into them time and again, also finding time to make an amazing eleven tackles in the second half! Skipper Pete Knight turned over a lot of loose ball, right from under OH’s noses at times! Tight head Al Francis back in the side after a spell in the 2nd XV also put in a huge amount of work. As for the backs, Robbie Jones got most votes for DK Man of the Match, starting on the left wing and then taking over at scrum half in the second half he hardly put a foot wrong and with superb handling and passing skills was instrumental in at least two of DK’s tries. Gareth Davies at number ten kept the whole side on their toes and his superb line kicking took a lot of steam out of the OH pack late on. James “Speedy”Jefferson bagged another brace of tries and Stefan Shillingford just oozed class at inside centre.

DK were 7-0 up after only 3 minutes. A super quick midfield ruck saw the ball swiftly out to Gareth Davies whose skill and experience enabled him to hold up the ball for the split second required to send in James“Speedy”Jefferson for the try. Nick Adams converted from near the touchline. More woe befell OH’s after 6 minutes when their loose head prop Steve Head was yellow carded for injudicious use of the boot. A second DK try arrived after 8 minutes when from another well executed ruck, Gareth Davies’s perfectly weighted kick over the advancing OH’s cover was expertly taken by Robbie Jones whose slick handling under pressure gave James”Speedy”Jefferson a straight run to the corner. Another superb touchline conversion from young Nick Adams saw DK go 14-0 up. DK’s Shaun Griffiths was then yellow carded on 18 minutes for retaliating after being punched from behind and Seb Rose kicked OH’s first points of the afternoon to make it 14-3.

DK coped pretty well with 14 men and whilst OH’s certainly had their moments the home side were generally quicker in the loose and harassed their visitors at every turn. It was a little surprising then that OH’s scored the next try after32 minutes. It seemed an innocuous enough situation when Speedy and his OH opposite number Luke Smith both sprinted after a loose ball 30m out. Unfortunately for DK, Speedy’s fly hack at the ball saw it cannon back towards the goal line leaving a delighted Luke Smith the simple task of chasing it, picking it up and dotting it down for an unconverted try to make it 14-8. DK returned to the attack and were rewarded with a third try just before half time when superb control of a difficult bobbling ball by Robbie Jones and then Gareth Davies saw the ball squeezed out to Stefan Shillingford lurking out wide on the left wing who cruised in to make it 19-8.

Half Time: DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 19 OLD HALESONIANS 8

A Nick Adams penalty after 45 minutes crucially restored DK’s 14 point cushion but then DK got themselves in to a spot of bother on 53 minutes when loose head prop Rich Kelly was yellow carded for retaliation. His frustration and anger at the incident was understandable, he still has the incisor marks on his fingers! Down to 14 men again, DK still might have scored on the hour when a similar rebound incident to the OH try saw Nick Adams pick up and sprint for the line only to be brought down just short by a magnificent last ditch try saving tackle by an OH back. Then on 63 minutes Andy McEwen was also hauled down just inches short of the line.

Restored to 15 men DK cranked up the pressure but OH’s defended superbly to keep an increasingly rampant DK from breaching their line and they thwarted the home side’s forceful attacks time after time. The pressure eventually told though when No 8 Andy McEwen drove over for an unconverted try direct from a 5m set scrum after 74 minutes to make it 27-8. OH’s superb defensive efforts continued but they were unable to prevent DK from registering their 5th try in stoppage time. A tremendous break out of defence from Stefan Shillingford was followed by an equally impressive run from replacement hooker Luke Greenwood to link with lock Ed Parry who touched down. Nick Adams converted for a final score of 34-8. Our esteemed “Dear Leader” Chairman Simon Dowding informs me that highlights from the game recorded for DKTV will be available on the DK website from Wednesday (I hope the Canny Scot has been informed!!).

Next week DK are at away at Solihull (League). KO 2.15pm. p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 21st November - North Midlands Cup

Old Halesonians 13 Dudley Kingswinford 8

This week’s Match Report is by courtesy of Ian Bratt

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 james Jefferson, 14 Jak Davis, 13 Tom Weaver, 12 Mike Jones, 11 Nick Adams, 10 Gareth Bown, 9 Tommy Huggins, 8 Jamie Ramsey, 7 Sam Pedley , 6 Ben Connett (Capt), 5 Chris Gledhill, 4 Ollie Shakespeare, 3 Al Francis, 2 Luke Greenwood, 1 Dan Richards. Reps: 16 Stefan Thorp, 17 Neil Chivers, 18 Jo Francis,19 Tom Bissell,20,Karl Lockley,21 Nick Biddlecombe ,22 Stuart Walton

This was certainly a curtain raiser for the League game next week at Heathbrook. DK opted to give a run out to most of the Development side that put up such a good performance last week against Longton. On a day when even the Himley Geese were grounded by the wet and windy conditions the faithful trudged up the Hagley Hill to our good friends at Wassall Grove and were greeted with kind words and good beer and a reunion of old players which might have kept them all in the warm watching England on the Big Screen had it not been for a little matter of a North Midlands Cup game taking place outside. Huddled in the stand the crowd tried to generate enough noise to keep warm but the swirling wind soon wiped away any smiles and thoughts of good open flowing rugby. The sight of backs scurrying towards the breakdown at any opportunity gave it away and the crowd were left to enjoy a full blooded cup tie which threatened at times to dissolve into a Brian Rix farce aided on numerous occasions by some incredulous decision making by both players and the referee Nick Green who allegedly was officiating when Gordon 'Jock' Bannatyne was playing, need I say more? (It is duly noted that Scotland beat Australia on the same day!)

Fielding a much changed side which saw Dan Richards and Al Francis come into the front row and a welcome return to 1st team duty for Ollie Shakespeare and Ben Connett after a number of outings in the Development side following lengthy injury lay-offs, the game kicked off into a howling wind and Old Hales saw their intitial effort gathered by Sam Pedley who made good ground to set up a DK attack. However, crossing by the DK centres allowed Old Halesonians full-back Seb Rose the chance to put the hosts ahead after only 3 minutes. Old Halesonians 3 DK 0

From the kick off Gareth Bown saw his effort flying back towards his forwards and the DK pack then found themselves under pressure but the ball somehow squirmed its way back towards Gareth Bown who made a now familiar run towards the Old Halesonians line and, as he was held up, Al Francis arrived and ploughed on only to see his effort held up also. Not to be outdone Nick Adams popped up to finally touch down and, after 8 minutes, DK found themselves in front. Old Halesonians 3 Dudley Kingswinford 5

On a day when the forwards claimed most of the possession, both sides were trying to play with the ball in hand but failed to keep hold of the 'bar of soap'. Old Halesonians realised that the key was in their pack and they mauled successfully towards the DK line on several occasions. Al Francis tackled hard and was somewhat unlucky to be penalised for an alleged 'spear tackle', in the mud on the Old Hales tight head prop who smiled and took it as a compliment! The resultant penalty set up Old Hales for a drive towards the line and they were rewarded on 15 minutes as former DK favourite Mat Wagstaff popped up on the wing to touch down to make the score:- Old Halesonians 8 Dudley Kingswinford 5. The game began to open up as Old Hales used the wind to good effect and they used their centres Jon Hamlis and Alex Church to chase the long ball and it nearly paid off on 28 minutes only for DK scrum half Tom Huggins to pick up and make 30 metres before being floored by a rather late tackle which the referee, Mr Nick Green of the North Mids Society, failed to see. Indeed with the rain and wind in his face it may have been difficult to see anything and players from both sides enjoyed more freedom to infringe than in most League Games. It was ironic also that a stoppage in play led to players asking for water to be brought on when there was already plenty about? Still time enough for Old Hales to use their maul to good effect to set up Hooker Alan Hubbleday and he was driven over in the corner to make the score at half-time:-

OLD HALESONIANS 13 DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 5

It appeared that DK would relish the wind at their backs in the second half and Gareth Bown made an immediate impact with his boot kicking 40 metres downfield to set up DK inside the Old Hales 22. Jamie Ramsey picked up and carried the ball on but Old Hales have a tight unit up front and they held up DK quite easily. On 44 minutes Jamie Ramsey turned the ball over and fed Gareth Bown who used the inside move to feed Mike Jones, only to see yet again, the ball knocked-on. DK were trying to increase the momentum and Chris Gledhill and Ollie Shakespeare worked tirelessly, as did Ben Connett but he took a blow to the head and was replaced on 49 minutes. This was the time for a change and replacements Stefan Thorp, Neil Chivers, Karl Lockley and Jo Francis came on to try and regenerate DK but the Old Hales forwards were equal to them. On 53 minutes James 'Speedy' Jefferson gathered a ball in his own 22 and made good ground and he proved, yet again, that wringing wet and as slippery as an eel, he is difficult to put down and he earned a penalty for DK which Gareth |Bown drilled into the corner and, as it touched the flag, we all waited for the referee's decision and the groans told a tale. By now the game was slipping away from DK as good territory was made with the boot only for the line out to fail when most needed. On 62 minutes Sam Pedley was replaced by Tom Bissell and more groans of anguish followed, not from the rugby but the sight of the DK support staff tending to Sam's hand injury. I will spare you details!

DK were running everything back at Old Hales and 2 quick penalties on 68 minutes nearly saw the ball reach a winger but, in the gathering gloom, that might just have been a trick of eyes. Into the last 10 minutes and DK pressed into the Old Hales 22 but their back line held firm all afternoon and it wasn't until the 78th minute that DK opted for a kick at goal and Nick Adams stepped up to reduce the arrears. Old Halesonians 13 DK 8.

On the final whistle the muted celebration owed more to the fact that players and supporters were glad to leave the pitch and the stand and to seek warmth in the renowned friendly clubhouse. These sides lock horns again next week at Heathbrook in the League and, whilst at least 8 regular first team players were not involved today, this team showed immense heart and determination and the coaching staff are to be applauded for their willingness to let players have their opportunity and they will have learnt much from today's game.

Next week DK are at home to Old Halesonians (League). KO 2.00pm. p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 14th November - Midlands 1 West

Nuneaton Old Edwardians 13 Dudley Kingswinford 31

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 James Jefferson, 14 Matt Taylor, 13 Mike Jones, 12 Stefan Shillingford, 11 Nick Adams, 10 Gareth Davies, 9 Robbie Jones, 8 Andy McEwen, 7 Peter Knight (Capt), 6 Ian Langford, 5 Ed Parry, 4 Shaun Griffiths, 3 Stefan Thorp, 2 Dan Shakespeare, 1 Richard Kelley. Reps: 16 Luke Greenwood, 17 Tui Asi Pito, 18 Tom Huggins.

DK moved up into fourth place in the table with this win at NOE. It really should have been a lot more comfortable, as the visitors, playing against a strong breeze in the first half, were 24-0 up after 24 minutes. The referee Mr Luke Haskins then took centre stage, his nit picking decisions driving both sides to distraction, especially as he ignored a host of more blatant infringements throughout the game which was quickly ruined as a spectacle. Unfortunately, instead of getting on with it, the frustrated DK lads lost their discipline on occasions and what should have been a very comprehensive victory became more of a running battle with the official at times. It was a very sad comment on the game. It also has to be said that Nuns were extremely unfortunate to lose a prop, flanker and scrum half to injury in the first half which patently did not help their cause.

For the first time this season DK were unchanged in both their starting XV and the bench. Halfbacks Robbie Jones and the inspirational Gareth Davies kept the back line moving well with Gareth scoring another brace of tries making it seven from four games since returning to the side. 18 year old Colt Nick Adams on the left wing put in another confident performance, showing maturity beyond his years to score 16 points including a try. In the forwards the back row was brilliantly efficient as usual and the front five dominated throughout. DK’s Man of the Match was unsung hero and second row Shaun Griffiths who is now back to full match fitness after a year out with injury. Shaun was superb in the lineout, carried the ball well and was a giant in the loose.

DK were quick to attack from the kick off. Under pressure, Nuns knocked-on on their goal line and were put under further intense pressure at two consequent scrums after which they were penalised and also lost a prop to injury. DK opted for another 5m scrum following which, fly half Gareth Davies dummied his way over for the try. Nick Adams converted for DK to lead 7-0 after only 2 minutes. Jody Peacock missed a 5th minute penalty for nuns but DK were looking ominously strong up front and despite the strong wind in their faces, they kept up the pressure with Nick Adams slotting a 16th minute penalty to increase the DK lead to 10-0. DK then scored the try of the game, winning a ruck inside their half, the visitors attacked from deep, a bewildering series of passes at great pace shredded the Nun’s rearguard, the ball was then flung out to Nick Adams on the left wing, the youngster still had a lot to do but he did it with great aplomb, stepping outside then in for a thrilling 40m run to the posts. Nick then drop kicked the conversion to make it 0-17 after 21 minutes.

Nun’s only respite from the continual DK pressure was to occasionally boot the ball up field with the wind but DK kept coming and after 24 minutes loose head Richard Kelly was driven over following a lineout close to the Nun’s line. A magnificent touchline conversion from Nick Adams against the wind saw DK go 0-24 up. The game gradually began to lose its shape due to the incessant referee’s whistle and sadly DK’s attractive flowing rugby was most brutally curbed. A little dissent crept in and Jody Peacock kicked Nun’s first points just before the break to make it 3-24.

Half Time: NUNEATON OLD EDWARDIANS 3 DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 24

Jody Peacock missed a 41st minute penalty for Nuns when DK were penalised yet again but the visitors were also guilty of over complication in their moves which slowed their ball considerably, when conventional three quarter moves executed at pace would probably have been more than enough to provide an avalanche of tries. An extraordinary gaffe by the referee after 53 minutes gifted Nuns an unexpected but welcome try. DK wing Matt Taylor chasing back for a loose ball in the 22 was tripped, albeit unintentionally but nevertheless very clearly, by Nun’s pursuing left winger Jake Woodcock. As young Taylor collapsed in a heap Peacock retrieved the ball to touch down and bring the score a tad closer at 8-24. You couldn’t make it up!

DK’s frustration at events and a growing feeling that they were not being allowed to play, was beginning to affect their game and after Nick Adams was wide with a 57th minute penalty things just boiled over when they were marched 20m back for dissent after yet another penalty. Now much closer to the DK line Nuns opted for a lineout from which lock Simon Hall was driven over for a try to make it 13-24 after 58 minutes. Somehow despite winning very little ball and being comprehensively outplayed throughout in both tight and loose, Nuns had scored two tries in just under 20 minutes of the second half. It just didn’t make sense!

To the player’s eternal credit and the efforts of their coaches and skipper Pete Knight, DK began to calm down, stuck grimly to the task in hand and just got on with the game, ignoring the distracting influences that had temporarily de-railed them. They again took complete control of the game and made sure Nuns never got another sniff of the DK line. The game was wrapped up after 72 minutes. The DK pack still seething at the perceived injustices, took a morale crushing heel against the head on the Nun’s 10m line and Andy McEwen broke strongly from No 8 to batter through the first line of defence before his inside pass found the ubiquitous Gareth Davies on his shoulder. The fly half took the ball at pace to sprint unimpeded to the line for his second try of the day. Nick Adams converted for 13-31 to send the DK faithful home happy but somewhat perplexed at what they had witnessed.

Saturday 7th November - Midlands 1 West

Dudley Kingswinford 68 Leamington 14

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 James Jefferson, 14 Matt Taylor, 13 Mike Jones, 12 Stefan Shillingford, 11 Nick Adams, 10 Gareth Davies, 9 Robbie Jones, 8 Andy McEwen, 7 Peter Knight (Capt), 6 Ian Langford, 5 Ed Parry, 4 Shaun Griffiths, 3 Stefan Thorp, 2 Dan Shakespeare, 1 Richard Kelley. Reps: 16 Luke Greenwood, 17 Tui Asi Pito, 18 Tom Huggins.

After last week’s poor show against Whitchurch, DK bounced back in some style. They blew Leamington away with an astonishing second half blitz that saw them score six tries in sixteen minutes. They had scored four in the first half without looking particularly convincing but then played some scintillating attacking rugby in the second period to totally overwhelm and deflate their visitors, they left the field very comprehensive winners by eleven tries to two. Blimey even Shacker scored! Before today’s game the sides had identical records both having won five games whilst losing four but once again DK proved that, though somewhat inconsistent, they have the ability to play at a very high level of skill when fully focussed.

The result was all the more remarkable as due to injury and unavailability in the backs, centre Mike Jones was the only back playing in the same position from last week. With Gareth Bown injured, Gareth Davies started his first game at fly half since his schooldays; Robbie Jones took over from him at scrum half again not having played there for several years! Matt Taylor took Robbie’s place on the right wing and with James Jefferson moving to full back in place of the injured Simon Fletcher Colt Nick Adams made his debut on the left wing. Ed Parry returned to the second row in place of Chris Gledhill. All very confusing but it worked! This was a very good overall team performance in which every player did well but Ed Parry’s sheer athleticism and pace won him a share of DK Man of the Match. After a fortnight off on holiday, he marked his return with a superb, dynamic performance. Gareth Davies shared the accolade with Ed. Playing out of position at fly half he had a tremendous game and was involved in absolutely everything. Stefan Shillingford scored a hat trick of tries on his return from injury, how DK have missed him! Colt Nick Adams made a very confident and memorable senior debut scoring fifteen points including a well taken try.

Playing with a stiff breeze at their backs DK were 7-0 up in the first minute. Centre Stefan Shillingford carving through the Leamington cover with a couple of neat dummies. Nick Adams converted the try. A superb break from Gareth Davies again split the visitor’s defence after 5 minutes but the final pass was not held. A minute later though the constant pressure told when Stefan Thorp did very well to hold off two tacklers to hand Andy McEwen a scoring pass. Nick Adams again converted for 14-0. Leamington pulled a try back on 12 minutes when appalling defence from DK allowed lively Leamington centre Matt Cooper to brush through no less than three powder puff tackles to score. Fly half Pat Northover converted for 14-7.

DK restored their 14 point cushion after 17 minutes when quick thinking from Gareth Davies saw him dart quickly down the blindside to feed the marauding Andy McEwen who did remarkably well to keep his balance and power in for the score. Nick Adams again converted for DK to lead 21-7. A tremendous surging break from Stefan Shillingford after 20 minutes was held up on the line then, after more heavy pressure, DK went 26-7 ahead on 27 minutes when Dan Shakespeare was driven over after a lineout catch and drive for only his second senior try in about 10 years according to his dad! Seemingly cruising to victory, DK got a nasty shock after 37 minutes when in a rare attack Leamington’s replacement winger was given far too much space as he scored a well taken try. Pat Northover converted to keep Leamington in the hunt at 26-14. Nick Adams narrowly missed a 38th minute penalty but made no mistake with another in stoppage time that sent DK in at the break 29-14 ahead.

Half Time: DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 29 LEAMINGTON 14

Now against the elements, DK’s pack continued to dominate possession and territory but they were frustrated until the 50th minute when a remarkable passage of play saw them score 6 tries in 16 minutes. Firstly a superb try from Stefan Shillingford after the ball had passed through at least ten pairs of hands to make it 34-14. On 54 minutes a 50m break from James Jefferson, inside to Gareth Davies then inside again to Stefan Shillingford for his hat trick. Nick Adams converted for 41-14. From the kick off Ed Parry caught the ball and made 30m before handing on to Tui Asi Pito - literally his first touch after coming on – and the flanker sprinted 40m to the posts. Nick Adams converted for 48-14 and DK were almost out of sight! Again from the KO, Ed Parry fielded the ball and was involved at least four more times as the length of the field move culminated in a well deserved try for debutant Nick Adams making the score 53-14. Gareth Davies was next over the line after 63 minutes; his determined break inside the Leamington 22 saw him beat off three tackles to make it 58-14. Further brilliant interplay from the backs provided a try for centre Mike Jones on 66 minutes to make it 63-14.

Breathtaking stuff! Leamington were in shock but to their credit they held DK at bay until the 75th minute when Stefan Shillingford drilled a grubber kick through the visitor’s cover for Tui Asi Pito to chase and touch down his second try, making the final score 68-14. Coach Neil Shillingford will be a lot happier this week; he was certainly not a happy bunny last week, describing the DK first half performance against Whitchurch as “the worst in many years”. Happily, and in complete contrast, DK’s second half performance this week was one of their best in recent years and one that coaches can normally only dream about!

Next week DK are away at Nuneaton Old Edwardians (league). KO 2.15pm. p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 31st October - Midlands 1 West

Dudley Kingswinford 25 Whitchurch 30

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 Simon Fletcher, 14 Robbie Jones, 13 Matt Taylor, 12 Mike Jones, 11 James Jefferson, 10 Gareth Bown, 9 Gareth Davies, 8 Andy McEwen, 7 Peter Knight (Capt), 6 Ian Langford, 5 Chris Gledhill, 4 Shaun Griffiths, 3 Stefan Thorp, 2 Dan Shakespeare, 1 Richard Kelley. Reps: 16 Nick Biddlecombe, 17 Sam Pedley, 18 Luke Greenwood.

After the relief in gaining their first away win of the season at Cheltenham last week, DK must have been in some despair at losing their 100% home record. The sides shared six tries but Whitchurch deserved the win, they played simpler, basic rugby and predictably their error count was far less than the home side’s. During the game DK must have had 70% of the territory and almost as much of the possession, but, by dint of their dire ball retention inside the opposition 22, exacerbating their extraordinary failure to turn the constant pressure into points, a couple of lamentable “scoring” passes with the cover well beaten, the gifting of seven points to the visitors just before half time, all this on top of sterling defence from Whitchurch who, despite being under heavy pressure throughout the whole of the second half, had one real attack and yes, they scored from it!

DK’s small First XV squad has been beset further by injury. Centres Stefan Shillingford and Tom Weaver were both out and fly half and DK playmaker Gareth Bown limped off at half time. Bown’s injury was a huge blow as he had already sliced through the Whitchurch rearguard on a couple of occasions to provide excellent but ultimately squandered first half opportunities. Mike Jones came in for Tom Weaver and Matt Taylor continued in Stef Shillingford’s absence. The DK Man of the Match produced one outstanding candidate in No 8 Andy McEwen. No player did more for DK’s cause, a 110% effort both in attack and defence and he certainly did not deserve to be on the losing side. The return of Gareth Davies has brought invaluable experience to the DK side. He kept his pack on their toes and weighed in with a couple of typical scrum half tries though he will quickly want to forget his quick lineout throw to James Jefferson just before half time. “Speedy” received the ball along with two of the Whitchurch back row who swiftly turned the situation to their advantage with a try for scrum half Adam Churton.

Whitchurch were penalised in DK’s first attack and Gareth Bown kicked DK 3-0 ahead after 2 minutes, but Whitchurch soon hit back, taking the first scrum of the game against the head and driving the home pack 20m back. DK transgressed and Whitchurch fly half Dan Nicholas levelled the scores at 3-3 on six minutes. DK were living dangerously and in an attempt to run the ball out of their 22 lost possession, only a superb tackle from wing Robbie Jones prevented ‘Church full back Henry Huckenhull from scoring. The visitors were not to be denied though and after 13 minutes excellent play from their back row set up their veteran tighthead prop Russell “Beano” Lear for a 25m unchallenged trundle to theposts. Dan Nicholas converted for Whitchurch to lead 3-10.

DK were stung into action and a brilliant break from fly half Gareth Bown on fifteen minutes cut the Whitchurch cover to ribbons. His pass to Ian Langford 5m out should have guaranteed DK’s first try, but Langy trying to make sure passed out to wing James Jefferson and the referee adjudged it forward. DK did level the scores after 18 minutes when the took a 5m scrum against the head and scrum half Gareth Davies was over the line before the Whitchurch defence could react, Gareth Bown converting to make it 10-10. Dan Nicholas restored the Whitchurch lead 10-13 with a 21st minute penalty. The next 10 minutes or so was fairly even, notable only for DK getting into good positions and then losing the ball. They shot themselves in the foot on 37 minutes when Gareth Davies injudicious attempted quick lineout throw to James Jefferson was snapped up by the visitor’s back row and with the DK cover out of position scrum half Adam Churton galloped in unchallenged from halfway. Dan Nicholas converted and though somewhat against the run of play, Whitchurch were now 10-20 up.

Half Time: DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 10 WHITCHURCH 20

Gareth Bown was caught offside in front of the DK posts at the onset of the second period and the unerring Dan Nicholas stroked over the penalty to stretch the visitor’s lead to 10-23. DK then began to turn the screw, they penned Whitchurch inside their half for long periods but poor options and at times discipline cost them at least three possible scoring opportunities. Despite about 80% possession their complex moves foundered time after time against a solid uncomplicated Whitchurch cover defence. DK finally got over the line after 64 minutes when Stefan Thorp was driven over following a lineout 5m out. Simon Fletcher converted for 17-23 and the DK show was back on the road. Simon Fletcher added a 67th minute penalty to make it 20-23 after almost constant pressure and a home win seemed a probability at that stage. There was an unsavoury incident on 70 minutes when a cowardly punch from behind by Whitchurch second row Gareth Wills resulted in DK’s loose head prop Richard Kelly having to leave the field with a badly cut mouth. Unfortunately the referee did not see it and the miscreant escaped a card. It was an isolated incident in what had been a hard fought but fair game and most unusual in DK Vs Whitchurch games.

Perhaps the disruption momentarily affected DK’s focus as Whitchurch mounted their only concerted attack of the second half after 71 minutes. Good play from their forwards took the ball into the DK 22 where it was moved out to wing Thomas Krank to score wide out. Dan Nicholas celebrated a 100% return from the boot with superb touchline conversion to make it 20-30. DK would not lie down and Gareth Davies scored his second try of the day after more furious pressure on the Whitchurch line after 76 minutes to make it 25-30 and despite further heavy pressure DK ran out of time and will know they really should not have been in that position.

Next week DK are at home to Leamington (league). KO 2.15pm. p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 24th October - Midlands 1 West

Cheltenham North 14 Dudley Kingswinford 44

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 Nick Biddlecombe, 14 Robbie Jones, 13 Matt Taylor, 12 Tom Weaver, 11 James Jefferson, 10 Gareth Bown, 9 Gareth Davies, 8 Andy McEwen, 7 Peter Knight (Capt), 6 Ian Langford, 5 Chris Gledhill, 4 Shaun Griffiths, 3 Stefan Thorp, 2 Dan Shakespeare, 1 Richard Kelley. Reps: 16 Luke Greenwood, 17 Sam Pedley, 18 Mike Jones.

The good news was that DK have at last won an away game. They did very well in the first half, after kicking off into a near gale force wind, they played sensible rugby, generally keeping the ball in hand and turning around at half time four tries to nil up at 9-24. The bad news was that despite now having the considerable elements in their favour and their dominant forwards in almost constant possession, instead of totally dismantling the home side in what really should have been a sixty or seventy point romp, DK contrived to almost criminally spurn several try scoring opportunities, due in the main to careless, sloppy play. The lost possession on the floor on many occasions, at least three times on the North line! The will need to be far more clinical against better sides, North have lost several players to other local clubs and are struggling badly, however, due mainly to DK’s profligacy, they showed a lot of “Dog” in the second half that will encourage them.

DK made three enforced changes from the side that beat Camp Hill last week. With star centre Stefan Shillingford, out with a hand injury, Tom Weaver moved to inside centre with Colt Matt Stanford at outside centre. Gareth Davies made a welcome return to the First XV at scrum half in place of Tommy Huggins (unavailable) and lock Shaun Griffiths made his first senior start for over a year after injury as Ed Parry was also unavailable. The DK pack dominated play throughout and there were several candidates for DK Man of the Match. Ian Langford covered every blade of grass as did Richard Kelly. Andy McEwen made dozens of hard yards and was always a handful for North’s pack, but tight head prop Stefan Thorp got the vote for another highly impressive game in both the set and loose play. The big fella’s power and bulk has made a big impact and was instrumental in keeping DK on the front foot for long periods of the game. Gareth Bown was again the pick of the backs with several incisive breaks and scoring 19 points in the game, including a try.

Kicking off into a very strong wind, DK found the opening minutes quite challenging. Full back Phil Thomas kicked North 3-0 up after 6 minutes but DK settled quickly and forged ahead after 9 minutes. A fine break down the right from Richard Kelly culminated in a penalty to DK which Gareth Davies quickly tapped and ran finding Gareth Bown on his elbow to take the scoring pass. Gareth Bown also converted for DK to lead 3-7. North were finding the DK pack a real handful and after a heel against the head the visitors were awarded another penalty as the home side transgressed. Another quick tap from Gareth Davies saw the scrum half scamper down the blindside to score an unconverted try after 13 minutes that saw DK go 3-12 up.

Phil Thomas clawed three points back for North on 20 minutes but by now the DK pack were running the home eight ragged and when Ian Langford was impeded as DK shoved North back over their goal line the referee had no hesitation in awarding a Penalty Try which Gareth Bown duly converted to stretch the DK lead to 6-19. Another successful Phil Thomas penalty after 31 minutes kept North in touch at 9-19 but he missed another after 34 minutes. A fine flowing threequarter move on 39 minutes with Nick Biddlecombe playing a central role, saw the full back slip a pass inside to Matt Taylor who cruised in from 30m to register DK’s fourth try. Gareth Bown converted for DK to give DK a very healthy 9-24 lead considering the very strong wind against them throughout the first half.

Half Time: CHELTENHAM NORTH 9 DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 24

DK’s fifth try after 41 minutes was the try of the game. A mesmeric break from Gareth Bown started inside the 22 saw him beat several players before spotting a gap on the left hand side. A quick ball out to James “Speedy” Jefferson lurking near the touchline saw the winger pin back his ears and fly 60m plus, stepping inside and outside several defenders on the way to a sensational try at the posts. Gareth Bown converted and at 9-31 up the expectant DK faithful sat back to await the flood of points that were sure to follow. It didn’t happen! A turgid, error strewn 15 minutes followed in which DK should have scored at least three more tries but only had a 56th minute penalty from Gareth Bown, making it 9-34, to show for all their pressure.

North lost their No8 Tom Stephenson to the sinbin for stamping after 58 minutes and DK finally began to play with a little more focus. No 8 Andy McEwen drove over from a 5m scrum on the hour and Gareth Bown converted for 9-41 but again DK flattered to deceive. North upped their game and scored a deserved try after 62 minutes. A rare error from Gareth Bown saw North’s scrum half Dave Johns retrieve the fly half’s knock on and kick for the left hand corner where there was a bit of fumbling and the hint of a forward pass but nevertheless fly half Matt Dean got over the line and the (unconverted) try was given making the score 14-41. DK had the last word when Gareth Bown kicked a 66th minute penalty to make the final score 14-44 but DK’s coaches must have been a little disappointed with the teams second half performance.

Next week DK are at home to Whitchurch (league). KO 2.15pm. p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 17th October - Midlands 1 West

Dudley Kingswinford 57 Camp Hill 21

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 Nick Biddlecombe, 14 Robbie Jones, 13 Tom Weaver, 12 Stefan Shillingford, 11 James Jefferson, 10 Gareth Bown, 9 Tommy Huggins, 8 Andy McEwen, 7 Peter Knight (Capt), 6 Ian Langford, 5 Chris Gledhill, 4 Ed Parry, 3 Stefan Thorp, 2 Dan Shakespeare, 1 Richard Kelley. Reps: 16 Luke Greenwood, 17 Sam Pedley, 18 Matt Taylor.

DK’s tremendous home form, four straight league wins at Heathbrook, continues. This time they ruthlessly hammered a spirited Camp Hill side by nine tries to three and left both supporters and coaches scratching their heads as to why their away form has been quite so dismal to date. Despite conceding three tries, the first a complete gift and the other two both as a result of successive quickly taken penalties against DK (and quick thinking and movement from Camp Hill), DK won at a canter and hopefully can take this form with them to Cheltenham North next week.

After the disappointing game at Burton several changes were made. Simon Fletcher was ruled out with a shoulder injury and he was replaced by Nick Biddlecombe. The front row was totally re-shaped with Dan Shakespeare reverting to hooker and big Stefan Thorp coming in at tight head to impress with several powerful breaks and a brace of tries. Chris Gledhill returned to the second row releasing Andy McEwen into the back row at No 8. Luke Greenwood, Sam Pedley and Matt Taylor made up the bench. The back row as ever plundered lots of ball during the game with skipper Pete Knight outstanding but DK Man of the Match was fly half Gareth Bown who led the line superbly, scoring 22 points in the game, including two well taken tries and just pipping Stefan Shillingford who had a great game in the centre.

In perfect conditions DK made their intentions clear from the start. They pounded the visitors line from the off and a tap penalty saw lock Ed Parry cross the whitewash after only 2 minutes, Gareth Bown converting for 7-0. An awful defensive error from the home side saw Camps level after 4 minutes when prop Rich Kelley’s attempts at fly half resulted in a horrible floated pass right into the hands of Camps surprised but highly delighted left winger Alex Richmond who touched down at the posts. Fellow winger Mark Brashaw converted to make it 7-7. DK were guilty of over eagerness in their attempts to redress the balance but eventually regained the lead after 16 minutes when Camps missed a penalty to touch which was run back at them, culminating in a neat dummy and step from Gareth Bown that saw him touch down at the posts and add the conversion for 14-7. Brashaw missed a 24th minute penalty for Camps before DK increased their lead on the half hour. A strong forward drive through the middle from DK saw No 8 Andy McEwen erupt from the base to power over for DK’s 3rd try. Gareth Bown again converted to make it 21-7. To add to Camps woes their impressive second row Jan Van Der Walt was yellow carded for taking a man out in the air.

Half Time: DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 33 CAMP HILL 7

A spate of knock-ons from DK marked the onset of the second half but they nevertheless increased their lead with a sixth try after 47 minutes with Gareth Bown again effortlessly carving through the Camps cover to send Stefan Thorp barrelling in for his second try of the afternoon, Gareth Bown converted for 40-7. Camp Hill managed a try on the hour when they tapped a couple of successive penalties against DK catching the home side on the hop as replacement Danny Ingram sprinted in from 20m. Fly half James Oliver converted for 40-14. DK hit back immediately and following fine breaks from Matt Taylor and Robbie Jones, the latter sending in Ian Langford for a try converted by Gareth Bown making it 47-14 after 63 minutes.

A tremendous 45m break from Stef Shillingford followed by a 25m effort from Matt Taylor set up an eighth DK try for James Jefferson to make it 52-14 after 68 minutes but Camps were far from finished and when DK were again penalised near their own line the visiting forwards drove over openside flanker Darren Forder for a try converted by James Oliver to reduce the deficit to 52-21. DK however had the last word when they took a heel against the head inside the Camps 22 and Gareth Bown danced around the blindside cover to record his second and DK’s ninth try of the day.

Next week DK are away to Cheltenham North (league). KO 3.00pm. p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 10th October - Midlands 1 West

Burton 36 Dudley Kingswinford 18

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 Simon Fletcher, 14 Robbie Jones, 13 Tom Weaver, 12 Stefan Shillingford, 11 James Jefferson, 10 Gareth Bown, 9 Tommy Huggins, 8 Peter Knight, 7 Ian Langford (Capt) , 6 Tui Asi Pito, 5 Andy Mcewan, 4 Ed Parry, 3 Al Francis, 2 Luke Greenwood, 1 Richard Kelley. Reps: 16 Dan Shakespeare, 17 Chris Gledhill, 18 Matt Taylor.

DK’s roller coaster season continues. Their away form is giving real cause for concern with 3 defeats and whilst the DK front five provided Burton with a lot to think about, they never came to grips, as a team ,with the overall invention and tenacity of a team making their intentions very clear from the kick off. Indeed, buoyed by a thumping 76-5 points win against Cheltenham, Burton came into the game brimming with confidence and in the two half backs, Darryl Banton at scrum-half and Tom Bartram at Centre, they possess two real playmakers and they tormented DK all afternoon with their darting runs and fine kicking. Last week Bartram slotted 10 from 12 kicks and today bagged another 16 points. To our credit we fought back to trail by only 6 points at half-time but conceded a further 16 in the second period with our backs trying to find gaps in a resolute Burton defence.

DK made only one change from last week, Tui Asi Pito coming in for Chris Gledhill with the latter reverting to the subs bench and Matt Taylor and Dan Shakespeare joining him. DK kicked off on a beautiful sunny Autumn afternoon and made the initial gains before conceding a penalty which Burton centre Tom Bartram booted a fully 50 metres downfield. Despite taking the first of 5 Burton line outs against the throw, DK still managed to hand the initiative back to Burton who gathered the loose ball and the right winger Dan Archer fed Tom Bartlam who deftly chipped the defence and gathered the ball to touch down by the posts. Converting his own try the score after only 4 mins Burton 7 DK 0. Fletcher pulled back 3 points with a penalty after 9 mins to make the score 7-3 but his next kick was an attempted clearance from his own 22 and this was nearly charged down by the ever eager scrum half Darryl Banton and DK were relieved to see the ball in touch. On 14 minutes a mix up in the DK defence the Burton fly-half Ian Gilmour slice them open and touch down to the right of the posts. For once the trusty boot of Bartram missed the conversion. Burton 12 -DK 3 Stung into action DK continued to press and the Burton pack was by now aware that in Pete Knight there is considerable scope for disruption and it was indeed he who set the backs away on 19 minutes and Tommy Huggins was unfortunate not to have made more of a neat pick up and kick ahead.

Burton replied with some neat footwork of their own and on 23 minutes their forwards showed why they will take some stopping in this League as they mauled their way towards the DK line and No 8 Craig Dutton sauntered round the flank to touch down again and Bartram duly converted taking the score to Burton 19 DK 3 Indeed only a minute late a mistimed forward pass robbed Burton of another scoring opportunity and DK were being outplayed by a skilful Burton outfit. But DK have plenty of character and on 32minutes a neat break by Stefan Shillingford down the right flank saw the ball pass neatly to Pete Knight and Andy Mcewan who was hauled down just short of the line but Captain Marvel, Ian Langford popped up on the outside to score out wide and reduce the arrears to Burton 19 DK 8, with Fletcher missing the conversion.

Inspired by this turnaround DK pressed immediately from the kick off and made useful ground again and Robbie Jones and Shillingford again combined to surge into the Burton 22 only for the full-back to gather up and send a neat kick back downfield where Tom Weaver was waiting and he, in turn, fed Shillingford who sent a looping pass wide on the left to James 'Speedy' Jefferson to run in for his 4th try in 3 games. The conversion was missed and DK went into half-time trailing Burton 19 DK 13.

The half-time talk on both sides would have made interesting listening as the teams appeared closer by the scoreline than in reality and Burton must have been stung into action as they advanced on the DK line. Tui Asi Pito was making good ground with his break but failed to retain the ball and the advantage was lost. By now the DK pack was beginning to turn and steal Burton ball and Dan Shakespeare, on for Luke Greenwood, was enjoying possession in the scrum. The game was becoming a bit of a stale mate with both sides exchanging penalties and both sides missing. On 57 minutes Mcewan found himself accidentally off-side and Bartram kicked the resulting penalty to increase Burton's lead to.... Burton 22-DK 13.

Solid Burton defending kept out the DK forwards and a penalty against DK for holding onto the ball saw Burton three quarters clearing their lines with some more neat running by centre Lawrence Batty who hoisted a high ball and Robbie Jones was somewhat harshly penalised for tackling a player who appeared to jump at him rather than the ball but Bartram failed to convert the penalty and within a minute the Burton pack found themselves on side after a kick through by their full-back touched a DK hand and the Burton No 8 Dutton gratefully touched down on 70 minutes under the posts to make it Burton 29 DK 13 as Bartram kicked the conversion. The game seemed to be going away from DK but they persevered and by now Matt Taylor had come on for James Jefferson and Stefan Shillingford made 40 metres only to see his pass fumbled with a try on offer. Burton responded with a fine backs move that saw centre Lawrence Batty finish neatly on 74 minutes and Bartram convert making the score Burton 36 DK 13 and a consolation try on 76 minutes for Robbie Jones drew an end to the game with a final score of

Coaches were left scratching their heads wondering how such a performance could follow last week's ? Well the DK supporters were left to wonder the same. Burton are a good side and deserved their win and they have, in key positions, some talented players and their position is well merited. Next week DK entertain Camp Hill and they need to get their season back on course and an Away win must be top of the list.

Saturday 3rd October - Midlands 1 West

Dudley Kingswinford 21 Bourneville 15

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 Simon Fletcher, 14 Robbie Jones, 13 Tom Weaver, 12 Stefan Shillingford, 11 James Jefferson, 10 Gareth Bown, 9 Tommy Huggins, 8 Andy McEwen, 7 Pete Knight , 6 Ian Langford (Capt), 5 Chris Gledhill, 4 Ed Parry, 3 Al Francis, 2 Luke Greenwood, 1 Richard Kelley. Reps: 16 Dan Shakespeare, 17 Tui Asi Pito, 18 Matt Taylor.

DK’s roller coaster season continues. After being deservedly beaten at Walsall last week they bounced back to inflict a first defeat upon joint league leaders Bourneville. The DK front five who were horribly out of sorts at Walsall showed a dramatic improvement on last week. After a shaky start they coped pretty well with the strong Bourneville eight, their scrum improved as the game wore on and the lineout was easily the best so far this season. The Birmingham side have risen rapidly through the Midland leagues and have recruited on a regular basis to maintain their competitive edge. By contrast DK are very much home grown these days with thirteen of their starting XV yesterday all graduating from the thriving DK Mini Junior setup.

The game itself was a rather drab affair. Bourneville's strength is in their pack and many of their tries to date have come from catch and drive lineout including their two tries against DK. Outside of the pack they did not offer too much of a threat and virtually all of their backs moves were comfortably dealt with by the DK cover. Indeed DK’s backs looked so much sharper than their opposition, had they played their normal game and spread it wide at every opportunity they could well have been out of sight by half time. As it was there were too many playing as individuals and opportunities went begging on a regular basis.

DK made only two changes from last week, Al Francis started at tight head prop and Andy McEwen at No8. Dan Shakespeare, Tui Asi Pito and Matt Taylor made up the bench. Though still a little lightweight in some areas, every one of the DK forwards could be a lot happier with their game this week, they looked as if they wanted it! None more so than flanker Pete Knight who was a popular choice for DK Man of the Match with another tireless performance. The improved forward performance took the pressure of Tommy Huggins at scrum half and he had a solid game. Gareth Bown’s kicking out of hand was excellent and importantly, kept the big Bourneville pack on the move. Centres Tom Weaver and Stef Shillingford were rock solid and full back Simon Fletcher’s running was always a problem for the Bourneville cover defence.

DK kicked off with a strong breeze behind them and pressed from the off. The early scrums were a little uncomfortable as Bourneville sought to dominate but they were penalised for kicking the ball back into the scrum after 5 minutes and Simon Fletcher put DK 3-0 up. A sharp defensive sidestep from the same player saw the visitor’s full back Matt Mountford badly twist an ankle trying for the tackle and unfortunately he had to leave the field. Fletcher was wide with a 9th minute penalty as DK kept up the momentum but after 17 minutes DK scored their first try. A line out catch and drive developed into a slick three-quarter move and Simon Fletcher, coming into the line, superbly sliced through the Bournville cover, he was tackled and maybe should have passed outside, but was fortunate enough to regain the loose ball to score in the corner and make it 8-0 before Bournville’s defence could react.

Bournville got back into the game after 23 minutes; DK shot themselves in the foot by giving away a particularly daft penalty inside their half. From it Bournville unleashed a ferocious lineout catch and drive and Ian Langford got a yellow card for illegally preventing release of the ball. From the scrum Bournville drove DK’s depleted back over the line for No 8 Nick Southern to touch down. Fly half Alex Warner added the extras as DK’s lead was cut to 8-7. Fourteen man DK hit back immediately from the kick off on 25 minutes. Richard Kelley won the ball to set up another quicksilver three-quarter move out to wing Robbie Jones; he chipped ahead for fellow winger James “Speedy” Jefferson to score another fine try out wide. Simon Fletcher’s excellent conversion made it 15-7 to DK. DK were looking comfortable on the ball and successive Simon Fletcher penalties after 30 and 38 minutes gave them a comfortable 21-7 half time lead.

Half Time: DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 21 BOURNVILLE 7

Against the elements in the second half it was always going to be more difficult for DK but a midfield stalemate developed until Alex Warner kicked Bournville three points closer with a 50th minute penalty to make it 21-10. Then on 53 minutes DK conceded another penalty, allowing the visitor’s to set up a lethal catch and drive deep inside the DK 22 from which hooker Dean Bick was driven over to make it 21-15.

DK, determined not to let this one slip immediately upped the tempo, Simon Fletcher’s 59th minute penalty attempt was on target but held up in the wind. DK then wasted a couple more clear opportunities to make the game safe. A simple pass to James Jefferson could have settled it but the ball carrier died with the ball and lost possession. Bournville made a last gasp effort and DK had to dig deep but the visitor’s forwards had lost their earlier impetus and despite further indiscipline from DK they were unable to take advantage, their miserable afternoon completed as the ref blew up five minutes early!

Saturday 26th September - Midlands 1 West

Walsall 22 Dudley Kingswinford 17

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 Simon Fletcher, 14 Matt Taylor, 13 Tom Weaver, 12 Stefan Shillingford, 11 James Jefferson, 10 Gareth Bown, 9 Tommy Huggins, 8 Jamie Ramsey, 7 Pete Knight , 6 Ian Langford (Capt), 5 Chris Gledhill, 4 Ed Parry, 3 Dan Shakespeare, 2 Luke Greenwood, 1 Richard Kelley. Reps: 16 Al Francis, 17 Andy McEwen, 18 Robbie Jones.

Two defeats in the last three games have left pre-season title favourites DK languishing in mid-table, and to be absolutely frank, for long periods of yesterday’s game they looked to be no better than a mid table side. DK have a great back row and match winning backs in Gareth Bown, Stefan Shillingford and Simon Fletcher but they thrive on quick ball and an absolute requirement for their front five forwards to provide good forward momentum. The facts are that Walsall won the front five battles hands down, taking at least three heels against the head and keeping enormous pressure on No Jamie Ramsey and scrum half Tommy Huggins at the base of the DK scrum throughout the game. Having to take the ball whilst retreating had the effect of stifling much of the DK backs creative talent. Had the home side got the backs to match their forwards, it might have been embarrassing for DK, but as it was the visitors albeit with scrappy ball, actually created more scoring opportunities during the game than Walsall.

Ian Langford and Stefan Shillingford returned to the DK side and Langford who had missed the last two games was the DK Man of the Match for his usual herculean effort in the DK back row, getting through a mountain of work and notching up a huge tackle count. The DK backs tackled quite well throughout and there were patches of individual attacking brilliance from Stefan Shillingford and especially Gareth Bown who “scored” a superb second half try only to have it adjudged “held up” by the ref Mr Proctor who was sadly nowhere near the action as Gareth touched down.

Walsall made all the early running and had a clear opportunity after 4 minutes but a poor final pass ruined the move. It was apparent very early on that DK were going to struggle in the set scrum and on 9 minutes when Walsall opted for scrums after two successive penalties under the posts in which they drove DK back over their line, the referee then awarded the home side a penalty try for a third, more blatant infringement. Fly half Andy Hawkins added the conversion for 7-0. DK belatedly began to get their game together and levelled the scores after 11 minutes when quick ruck ball was whipped out to James Jefferson who found Matt Taylor in support, the right winger broke forward and returned an inside pass back to James Jefferson who glided in for the try. Simon Fletcher converted the try for 7-7.

Walsall regained the lead 10-7 after 15 minutes through an Andy Hawkins penalty but DK despite ragged possession were always dangerous in the loose and took the lead for the first time with a try after 23 minutes. Again quick ball, this time from No 8 Jamie Ramsey, was moved on to Matt Taylor who then passed inside for Stefan Shillingford to burst through for a neat unconverted try to make it 10-12. Simon Fletcher was narrowly wide with a 28th minute penalty as DK cranked up the pressure, whilst continuing to struggle in the set scrum, they were dominating the loose and missed a golden opportunity in stoppage time when a tap penalty on the Walsall line was hurriedly taken and a poor pass saw the ball knocked on less than a metre from the unguarded line!

Half Time: WALSALL 10 DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 12

DK began the second half strongly and could well have added a couple of scores. Gareth Bown brilliantly sidestepped through to the posts on 45 minutes. Several close observers confirmed the score, but the ref was 15m away and unsighted when the “try” was scored. DK’s next attack also breached the Walsall line but again the official was unsighted behind the play and the decision was again “held up”. DK then had an amazing let off themselves on 51 minutes when a Walsall forward stretched an arm over the DK line to touch down what looked like a perfectly good score, again confirmed by close observers. The ball squirmed forward after the touchdown but certainly downward pressure had been applied. Walsall were understandably aggrieved to have the score discounted as a knock on. Walsall did score on 51 minutes, DK lost a heel against the head and the ball was swiftly moved to Walsall lock Mark Reeves lurking on the right and he rumbled over for an unconverted try to restore Walsall’s lead at 15-12.

DK redoubled their efforts and Al Francis got over the Walsall line on the hour but was unable to ground the ball. DK were also down to 14 men after both props, Rich Kelley and Dan Shakespeare were injured and there was a 10 minute period of uncontested scrums. Dan Shakespeare eventually returned and DK again pressed hard. They took the lead again after 68 minutes when Andy McEwen’s strong run was carried on by Stefan Shillingford who fed James Jefferson for his second try of the game making the score 15-17 to DK. Walsall, no doubt sensing that DK were about to repeat last season’s nail biting win at Delves Road, poured forward in search of the decisive score. It came three minutes from time when after heavy pressure deep inside the DK 22, the visitors eventually ran out of defenders as flanker Nick Field forces his way over from 5m out. Andy Hawkins slotted the conversion to make it 22-17. DK had a final opportunity to salvage the game in stoppage time when they had a 2:1 overlap going into the Walsall 22, but after a fine break Stefan Shillingford made a rare mistake with his “scoring pass” and it was agonisingly just a few inches too far in front of Matt Taylor. All in all a fair result, though just like last season’s league game at Walsall it could quite easily have gone the other way.

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

Saturday 19th September - Midlands 1 West

Dudley Kingswinford 42 Sutton Coldfield 14

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 Simon Fletcher, 14 Matt Taylor, 13 Tom Weaver, 12 Mike Jones, 11 James Jefferson, 10 Gareth Bown, 9 Jordan Brookes, 8 Jamie Ramsey, 7 Pete Knight (Capt), 6 Andy McEwen, 5 Chris Gledhill, 4 Ed Parry, 3 Dan Shakespeare, 2 Luke Greenwood, 1 Richard Kelley. Reps: 16 Al Francis, 17 Shaun Griffiths, 18Karl Lockley.

This was a fantastic weekend for DK! A black tie dinner on Friday Evening was attended by over a hundred former players including no less than thirteen past captains of the club. Then, before the game against Sutton, the formal official opening of DK’s magnificent changing facilities took place with John Owen, President of the RFU doing the honours. Best of all DK got back to winning ways with a comprehensive win against previously unbeaten Sutton.

Things did not look so good prior to the game. Influential skipper Ian Langford was ruled out for the second week running (knee) and Stefan Shillingford DK’s talented young centre missed the game after taking a heavy blow to the head last week. On top of this Full back Nick Biddlecombe, Wing Jak Davis and centre Tom Weaver were all laid low with a Flu bug, though Tom recovered just in time to play. Langy was replaced in the back row by DK Man of the Match, Jamie Ramsey who had probably his best game to date for DK, constantly tearing right through the Sutton pack, creating chaos in the visitor’s ranks and providing numerous attacking options for his side. James Jefferson replaced Jak Davis on the left wing and Mike Jones, back for his first game following a serious knee injury nearly eighteen months ago replaced Stefan Shillingford in the centre. It was good to see Shaun Griffiths back in the First XV fold after being out for over a year with a knee injury; the big second rower looked pretty good in his second half cameo role. Simon Fletcher scored 22 points in the game from a try, 4 conversions and 3 penalties and was the outstanding DK back on the day.

With the sun shining and in front of a bumper Heathbrook crowd in excess of 550, DK made their now customary quick start with a try after 3 minutes. They had already turned over the large but rather cumbersome Sutton pack twice and following a half break from Gareth Bown the ball was moved wide to Matt Taylor who scored wide out for a 5-0 lead. A fairly stagnant period of play followed with DK unable to dominate possession against the big Sutton pack and the visitors unable to make much of their own ball. Simon Fletcher finally kicked a 45m penalty on the half hour to extend the DK lead to 8-0. This seemed to jolt DK into action and a minute later (31m) they scored a second try. Left wing James Jefferson’s long cross-field break was carried on by Tom Weaver who sent in Matt Taylor under the posts for his second try. Simon Fletcher converted to make it 15-0.

With the sun shining and in front of a bumper Heathbrook crowd in excess of 550, DK made their now customary quick start with a try after 3 minutes. They had already turned over the large but rather cumbersome Sutton pack twice and following a half break from Gareth Bown the ball was moved wide to Matt Taylor who scored wide out for a 5-0 lead. A fairly stagnant period of play followed with DK unable to dominate possession against the big Sutton pack and the visitors unable to make much of their own ball. Simon Fletcher finally kicked a 45m penalty on the half hour to extend the DK lead to 8-0. This seemed to jolt DK into action and a minute later (31m) they scored a second try. Left wing James Jefferson’s long cross-field break was carried on by Tom Weaver who sent in Matt Taylor under the posts for his second try. Simon Fletcher converted to make it 15-0.

DK were caught napping on 33 minutes when from what looked to be an innocuous situation in midfield, Sutton’s speedy full back Nathan Burchell outpaced a sloppy DK cover defence to score a fine individual try. Scrum half Alan Rowlands converted for 15-7. DK’s backline was all at sea again on 37 minutes when from a similar situation replacement back Micheal Britton ran through DK’s awol defence to score Sutton’s second try, bringing them within a point at 15-14. Rowlands should have given Sutton the lead in stoppage time but missed a straightforward kick at goal.

Half Time: DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 15 SUTTON COLDFIELD 14

The second half continued on in much the same way as the first. DK were winning more possession but were unable to penetrate a resolute Sutton defence. Simon Fletcher kicked the home side 18-14 ahead with another 45m penalty after 58 minutes and this was the signal for an avalanche of points, 3 converted tries and a penalty in the final quarter of the game. DK had brought on Al Francis and Shaun Griffiths in the pack and the fresh legs had an immediate galvanising effect as DK began to push the tiring Sutton pack around for the first time in the game, even managing to steal a heel against the head.

DK forged further ahead on the hour. Successive lineout catch and drives close to the Sutton line saw hooker Luke Greenwood driven over for his maiden league try for DK followed by another fine conversion from Simon Fletcher to make it 25-14. Then Simon Fletcher’s 69th minute penalty saw DK two converted tries ahead at 28-14. Sutton knew the game was up and when that man again Simon Fletcher hit the line at pace after 76 minutes to fight off two attempted tackles to touch down from 40m out and then convert his try for 35-14 it really was all over! DK rounded the win off in great style with a fifth try after 78 minutes. A sublime midfield dummy and 30m break from Gareth Bown split the Sutton cover wide open and the fly half’s inside pass gave centre Mike Jones an easy run-in under the posts. Simon Fletcher again converted to make the final score 42-14.

Next week DK are away at Walsall (league). KO 3.00pm. p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 12th September - Midlands One West

Stratford upon Avon 32 Dudley Kingswinford 24

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 Simon Fletcher, 14 Jak Davis, 13 Tom Weaver, 12 Stefan Shilingford, Matt Taylor, 10 Gareth Bown, 9 Jordan Brookes, 8 Jamie Ramsey, 7 Pete Knight (Capt), 6 Andy McEwen, 5 Chris Gledhill, 4 Ed Parry, 3 Al Francis, 2 Luke Greenwood, 1 Richard Kelley. Reps: 16 Dan Shakespeare, 17 Nick Biddlecombe, 18 Chris Bartley.

DK’s bewildered supporters left Stratford’s picturesque Pearcecroft ground in a state of utter shock having seen their team, cruising at 8-24 up and looking odds on to increase their lead further into the last quarter only to totally fall apart and concede four tries in the last eighteen minutes. The catalyst for their collapse was the yellow card for fly half Gareth Bown who despite an earlier warning for petulance and talking back to the referee (Mr Luke Haskins), persisted, giving the official little option but to send him packing. However, whilst young Bown’s “Faux Pas” was at best immature and at worst plain stupidity, it would be harsh in the extreme to heap the blame for this improbable defeat solely onto the young man’s shoulders. Yellow cards are now commonplace in the game and sides have to deal with it by changing tactics or whatever. The surrender seen yesterday was unprecedented, though in this game and against Stoke last week, DK visibly wilted in the last quarter.

DK were without two of last week’s back row heroes Ian Langford and Tui Asi Pito. Langy who scored four tries last week became a proud father for the second time yesterday when wife Rachel presented him with their second son. Tui is away for a couple of weeks. Jamie Ramsey came in at No 8 with Andy McEwen at blindside. The forwards were evenly matched throughout, though DK generally looked a little sharper in the loose. Pete Knight, skipper in the absence of Langford had a great game, probably the best forward on show. Scrum half Jordan Brookes was DK’s Man of the Match, a constant threat with his pace and a very effective link between forwards and backs. Fly half Gareth Bown had also played very well up until his 60th minute brainstorm!

DK opened the scoring after only 40 seconds! From a scrum 30m out good hands from Pete Knight a dummy from Jordan Brookes who then found Tom Weaver to send in Jak Davis in the left hand corner for 0-5. The home side were level after 4 minutes when, from a similar 1st phase scrum a clever back flip pass caught the DK cover napping and a quick ball out to James Kennedy saw the full back in at the corner for 5-5.

The next 15 minutes or so were pretty even though DK lost good possession through conceding several needless penalties enabling Stratford to edge the territorial battle. DK finally began to dominate possession in the loose and regained the lead on 25 minutes when a neat pick up from Jamie Ramsey followed by a burst from Jordan Brookes split the Stratford cover for Stefan Shillingford to power through to the line for a well worked try and a 5-10 lead. Now well on top DK blew their chance to forge further ahead when a lack of concentration resulted in shoddy handling and a couple of clear try scoring opportunities were squandered. Stratford clawed three points back with a penalty from fly half Simon Brain after 34 minutes and DK were left to rue their first half profligacy.

Half Time: STRATFORD UPON AVON 8 DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 10

A superb individual try from try DK MOM Jordan Brookes and conversion from Simon Fletcher saw DK’s lead increase to 8-17 after 42 minutes. The pacy scrum half spotting a gap at a ruck 20m out jinked and sidestepped through a packed 22 of defenders to touch down at the posts for a great try. DK were looking ominously strong at this stage and had Stratford back pedalling furiously at times. It was no surprise at all when they scored a fourth try after 53 minutes. It was a superb flowing move begun yet again by Jordan Brookes who broke the line and the ball was moved swiftly up field through several pairs of hands to Stefan Shillingford whose pace and dummy inside ensured it was another seven pointer with Simon Fletcher adding the conversion for 8-24. At this stage it was odds on that DK would possibly add a couple more scores and run out comfortable winners as time was fast running out for the home side.

The yellow card incident that changed the course of the game came on the hour. Down to 14 men DK conceded two quick tries from poorly defended catch and drives after 62 and 66 minutes. Firstly flanker Dave Pritchard was driven over for an unconverted try then fly half Simon Brain touched down and converted the second to make it 20-24. Though now back to 15 players DK couldn’t raise their game against the home side who, from being down and out for an hour glimpsed the possibility of a famous victory. They took the lead for the first time after 73 minutes when fly half Simon Brain was embarrassingly allowed to run 50m through several flapped tackles to the line. He converted the try for 27-24. DK’s final ignominy came in stoppage time when, in a desperate attempt to salvage the game, the ball was wildly flung wide. It hit the deck and whilst the DK defence dithered, Stratford wing Will Franklin gleefully picked up the loose ball and dotted it down in the corner. You couldn’t make it up!!

Next week is the official opening of DK’s new “State of the Art” changing facilities (12.30pm) by John Owen, President of the RFU after which DK host Sutton Coldfield (league) 3.00 pm KO. p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 5th September - Midlands One (West)

Dudley Kingswinford 57 Stoke on Tent 15

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 Nick Biddlecombe, 14 Jak Davis, 13 Tom Weaver, 12 Stefan Shiilingford, Matt Taylor, 10 Gareth Bown, 9 Jordan Brookes, 8 Pete Knight, 7 Ian Langford, 6 Tui Asi Pito, 5 Ed Parry, 4 Chris Gledhill, 3 Dan Shakespeare, 2 Luke Greenwood, 1 Richard Kelley. Reps: 16 Al Francis, 17 Joe Francis, 18 Simon Fletcher.

DK began their league campaign in stunning fashion with a nine tries to three victory over a spirited but totally outgunned Stoke side. The super mobile DK pack was awesome on the day as their visitors were turned over time after time with Pete Knight to the fore. With Knighty back in the side fellow back row Ian Langford has been freed up to play a more attacking and support role which he did with some relish bagging four tries. On the blindside flank Tui Asi Pito was simply outstanding, his rampaging runs causing mayhem in the disrupted Stoke pack. Though Stoke were left licking their wounds after this pounding, they have an excellent back line and with a little more possession they will cause problems for most sides in the division.

Whist the DK pack are light on their feet and very quick around the park, their scrum was rock solid, driving their larger opponents off the ball a couple of times, The front row was dynamic with Richard Kelly, Luke Greenwood and Dan Shakespeare all superb in the loose. They also excelled in the lineout with Chris Gledhill, Ed Parry and Pete Knight taking several Stoke throws. With the pack dominant the DK half backs excelled, Jordan Brookes’s sniping runs created many openings and Gareth Bown’s silky skills did likewise and had it not been for the visitor’s backs stoical resistance it could well have been a cricket score.

A healthy crowd of 450 plus saw DK kick off into the breeze at Heathbrook and they were 5-0 up after only 2 minutes. Super slick handling and passing took play deep into the Stoke 22 and from a ruck the ball was spread wide for Ian Langford lurking on the left touchline to touch down wide out. They increased the lead with a super try after 4 minutes. Again quick handling and movement followed by a midfield break from Ian Langford saw the Stoke cover shredded. The ball was moved to Nick Biddlecombe steaming up the left wing, his break and inch-perfect chip over the last Stoke defender was caught on the first bounce for the full back to sprint in for an excellent 45m try and then add the conversion for 12-0.

Stoke managed a few phases of possession after 14 minutes and their talented backs turned it into a try. Enterprising play at pace down the left saw centre Simon Price touch down wide out to make it 12-5. DK though hit back with their third try barely a minute later when, from a set scrum a miss move pass to Stefan Shillingford set up a second try for Ian Langford to increase DK’s on 15 minutes, Nick Biddlecombe converted for 19-5. Stoke tried hard to stem the flow but after their fly half Steve Talbot missed a 20th minute penalty DK poured forward again. A brilliant break from Gareth Bown deserved a try but his pass was knocked on with the line beckoning. A fourth try duly arrived after 27 minutes and it was that man Langy again! The ball was moved quickly both left and right for Tui Asi Pito to send in Ian Langford at the corner for 24-5.

A spectacular fifth try came after 31 minutes when DK stole a Stoke lineout ball inside the home 22 and a tremendous dummy and break from Gareth Bown took play over halfway before the fly half sent in Stefan Shillingford for a 40m sprint to the posts. Nick Biddlecombe’s conversion took the score to 31-5. Stoke had the last word before the break when they secured good ball inside the DK 22 and moved it out to right wing Paul Ramage who touched down in the corner for a 31-10 interval scoreline.

Half Time: DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 31 STOKE ON TRENT 10

Ian Langford scored his fourth try and DK’s sixth when, after a cross field break from Jak Davies, he was on hand to touch down in the corner. Simon Fletcher slotted the touchline conversion to make it 38-10. Try no seven arrived on 48 minutes as DK battered the Stoke line both left and right. The visitor’s tackled themselves to a standstill but could not prevent the scoring pass to lock Ed Parry wide on the right. Si Fletcher again kicked the conversion from the touchline to make it 45-10. The onslaught continued and Jak Davis was next up, crashing through two tackles to score in the corner 50-10. Great play from Tui Asi Pito set up DK’s ninth and final try, tearing into the Stoke pack and scattering them like ninepins, from the melee the ball was popped up for wing Matt Taylor to score in the corner. Another monster touchline conversion from Si Fletcher made it 57-10.

With 23 minutes left and Stoke well beaten, one might have expected the last quarter to have been extremely tough for them but the young DK side had put so much into the game most of them were shattered with several suffering cramp during this period. Whilst DK were still hogging possession it gave Stoke a little breathing space and they managed a third try in stoppage time when right wing Paul Gamage chipped the cover to collect and score in the corner for a final score of 57-15.

Next week DK are away at Stratford upon Avon p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 29th August - North Midlands Cup - Preliminary Round

Dudley Kingswinford 38 Hereford 12

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 Nick Biddlecombe, 14 Jak Davis, 13 Tom Weaver, 12 Stefan Shillingford, Robbie Jones, 10 Gareth Bown, 9 Jordan Brookes, 8 Pete Knight, 7 Ian Langford, 6 Andy McEwen, 5 Ed Parry, 4 Dave Gledhill, 3 Dan Shakespeare, 2 Luke Greenwood, 1 Richard Kelley. Reps: 16 Adam Blackford, 17 Stefan Thorp, 18 Jo Francis, 19 Tui Asi Pito, 20 Tom Huggins, 21 Matt Taylor, 22 James Jefferson.

DK wrapped up their pre-season preparations with a convincing six tries to two win over their old rivals. Hereford had pipped DK to promotion last season and were the only club to have achieved the “double” over them, so it was an especially pleasing win and sets up an interesting Quarter Final tie with our friends and neighbours, Old Halesonians.

Whilst neither of the sides were quite at full strength, DK are still seven nor eight squad players short, there was some high quality rugby played and most of the missing players should become available in the coming weeks. The pack stuck to their task well with young locks Ed Parry and Chris Gledhill impressing. Luke Greenwood had another good game at hooker and the back row won a lot of ball in the loose. Scrum half Jordan Brookes and centres Tom Weaver and Stefan Shillingford were the pick of the backs.

DK got off to a flying start. From the kick off they poured forward and the ball was flung wide to Gareth Bown from a ruck and his tidy inside pass found Stefan Shillingford who was unstoppable from 20m out. Gareth Bown’s excellent conversion from touch saw DK 7-0 with barely a minute elapsed. Hereford were stung into action but Morgan Goodall was wide with a 12th minute penalty and after holding the Hereford surge, DK piled on the agony with a second try after 21 minutes. A tremendous, surging rolling maul in the left hand corner saw prop Richard Kelly propelled over the visitor’s to make it 12-0.

Though DK were asking all the questions at this stage, poor execution and a couple of questionable kicking options possibly cost them a couple of scores until they registered their third try on 32 minutes. Fine play from new hooker Luke Greenwood had the visitors on the wrong foot as the ball was moved quickly down the line to Nick Biddlecombe who’s superbly executed quick pass left Hereford chasing shadows as Jak Davis flew down the touchline to score. Nick Biddlecombe’s long conversion made it 19-0. Hereford were struggling to cope as DK again rampaged forward and a fourth try duly arrived after 36 minutes. Stefan Shillingford’s break and pass to Nick Biddlecombe gave DK a two against one advantage but the full back didn’t need his winger as he pinned back his ears to sprint in for a superb 45m try to make it 24-0. Hereford clawed a try back in stoppage time when skipper and openside flanker Matt Pritchard charged over from a tapped penalty deep inside the DK 22.

Half Time: DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 24 HEREFORD 5

The home side were guilty of some over elaboration at the start of the second period and lost possession on several occasions through poor handling, injudicious kicking and strangely for a side winning so comfortably, a very high penalty count against them. Despite all this they scored a fifth try after 53 minutes when the back row turned over Hereford’s ball inside their 22 and scrum half Jordan Brookes’s explosive break from the back of the maul turned the visitor’s cover inside out, his inside pass to the ever present Ed Parry saw the second row over for a fine try. Nick Biddlecombe converted to make the score 31-5. Following a 15 minute period of sterile play caused mainly by the incessant whistle, DK scored a sixth try when Stefan Shillingford effortlessly carved through the Hereford defence following a scrum inside the visitor’s 22. Nick Biddlecombe again converted for 38-5.

Tom Weaver got a yellow card after 75 minutes for hands in the ruck in what must have been a nano second after it had formed! To their credit Hereford made a final effort in the closing minutes and were rewarded when sloppy defence from DK enabled prop Ben Probert to trundle in under the posts after 79 minutes. The try was converted by Morgan Goodall to make the final score 38-12.

Next week DK entertain Stoke in the first league game of the new campaign p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 22nd August

Dudley Kingswinford 22 Bromsgrove 24

In this, the first game of the new season at Heathbrook, DK and last season’s league champions Bromsgrove shared eight tries in a thoroughly entertaining Pre-Season friendly end to end encounter. Holidays, injuries and unavailability meant that neither side were at full strength, DK were pretty much down to the bare bones with no less than eleven squad members missing. They managed to scrape together a squad of twenty players for the game. It was nevertheless an encouraging start to the new campaign for both sides with some excellent rugby being played by both sides.

DK welcomed back Pete Knight to the side after a couple of very successful seasons with our National 2 neighbours Stourbridge and he looked better than ever! New signing from Malvern, hooker Luke Greenwood showed up well under pressure from the bigger Bromsgrove pack and was very impressive around the park. The evergreen Ian Langford was superb as usual as was lock Andy McEwen who got through a mountain of work and took a few hard knocks. In the backs both centres Simon Fletcher and Stefan Shillingford were excellent and wing Robbie Jones looked very sharp.

DK controlled the opening minutes, forcing Bromsgrove onto the back foot, Gareth Bown was just wide with a 4th minute penalty and Bromsgrove gradually settled down and began to gain some good possession by virtue of their heavier pack. After 15 minutes it was pretty even but with the visitors getting a little more of the ball. However it was DK that opened the scoring after 18 minutes with a quality try. Quick ruck ball inside the Grove 22 was moved quickly down the line for right wing Robbie Jones to crash over in the corner for an unconverted try.

Bromsgrove then managed 10 minutes of concerted pressure and with DK left short of cover after some enterprising play from the vistors, their outside centre outflanked the cover to score. Fly half Ben Copson added the conversion for Grove to lead 5-7 after 29 minutes. Bromsgrove’s front five were giving their DK counterparts a hard time but whenever the home back row were in possession they punched holes and their backline looked sharp.

DK regained the lead against the run of play in first half injury time when the ubiquitous Pete Knight turned over a Bromsgrove ball inside their 22. It was quickly spun out to the impressive Simon Fletcher whose flamboyant dummy had the desired effect as he stepped inside the cover to score. Simon Bown converted to make it 12-7 in DK’s favour. Still in stoppage time DK scored arguably the try of the game when a superlative 50m midfield break from Simon Fletcher had the Grove cover in disarray, Ian Langford carried it on before finding Nick Biddlecombe on his outside, the full back cleverly switching the ball inside for fly half Gareth Bown to touch down DK’s third try and a 17-7 half time lead.

Half Time: DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 17 BROMSGROVE 7

Bromsgrove had toiled hard in the first half for little reward but were quickly back in the game with a try in the first minute of the second half. The visiting forwards drove forward purposefully from the whistle and after setting up a ruck on the DK 22 moved it out to centre James Lloyd Jones who timed his pass perfectly for the full back following up to score an unconverted try. Suitably encouraged Bromsgrove powered forward again and managed a third try of their own after 48 minutes but from a DK point of view it was a shocking lapse as Bromsgrove’s big centre James Lloyd Jones, with absolutely nothing “on”, was allowed to trundle through a desperately weak tackle to score near the posts. Ben Copson converted and Bromsgrove were back in business at 17-19 up.

Stung back into action DK immediately regained the advantage with another fine try after 50 minutes, good driving play from the forwards and slick handling saw the in-form Simon Fletcher over for his second try (unconverted) making it 22-19 in DK’s favour. It was a cracking game with both sides throwing everything into attack with the play constantly switching from end to end. Disaster struck for DK though after 68 minutes when hooker Adam “Beefy” Blackford (not normally known for skuduggery!) received a yellow card for playing the ball on the floor. Mistaken identity perhaps! Anyway Bromsgrove immediately made their advantage count. After driving the depleted DK pack back onto their own line, The home side’s desperate defence conceded a penalty from which a replacement Bromsgrove front row forward was driven over from the resultant tapped penalty.

Now 22-24 down DK had most of the last 10 minutes play and should perhaps have won the game in stoppage time when the ultra talented Stefan Shillingford broke clear with one man to beat. With Simon Fletcher on his inside a try looked a formality but Stef took on the last man, centre James Lloyd Jones who made a superb match winning tackle. Ah well, at least he saved Fletch the cost of a jug in the bar afterwards!

Next week DK are at home to Hereford in the North Mids Cup (1st Round) p.stinton@blueyonder.co.uk

Dudley Kingswinford Rugby Football Club is the essence of Black Country spirit and social life.