News

Ian Langford tops Poll for Dudley's Sports Personality of the Year 2009

DK's Ian Langford has topped a local poll to win the Dudley Sports Personality of the Year award in run by local paper Dudley News. A product of the club's very successful youth section where he began playing at the age of 9, this award thoroughly deserved following 14 years with the senior section of the club. He captained the club for four seasons in the National Leagues including leading the side to second place in National 3 and to the play off's at Launceston in 2002. The veteran flanker is still a cornerstone of the first XV and an integral member of the side trying to win promotion this season back into the national leagues.

Shaun Perry to become life member at DK

At the club's annual general meeting held on the 15th July outgoing chairman Graham Rousell announced that former member and club stalwart Shaun Perry is to be made a life member of the club. Shaun who started his rugby career as an under 8 at the club and went on to play six full seasons with the first team became the club's first full international. After DK he spent two seasons with Coventry and then joined Bristol in the Premiership where he won his fourteen England caps. This season Shaun will be playing in the French Championship for Brive in the South of France - a long way from his black country roots. Graham in his remarks commented that although Shaun had gone on to achieve great things in his rugby career he still held DK close to his heart and has presented the club with one of his England shirts and other memorabilia. An honour well deserved says I.

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Pete Knight rejoins DK

The club are delighted to announce that former captain Pete Knight has rejoined the club following a very successful spell with near neighbours Stourbridge. The club are delighted Pete has decided to rejoin and he will be an integral part of the drive to gain promotion next season and ultimately achieve its objective of returning to National League rugby as was before the RFU's restructure at the end of last season.  Pete will bring a wealth of experience which will be put to use in developing DK's young and talented squad. Roll on September.

Volunteer’s service acknowledged by North Midlands RFU

At this week’s prestigious North Midlands Rugby Volunteers Awards Evening, Bob Parker’s lengthy service to Mini and Junior was recognised. Bob has served both club and county youth rugby tirelessly for over thirty years, and was a popular choice at the evening North Midlands RFU President, Stuart Potts, presented Bob with a crystal rugby ball and a celebration “England RFU VIP” tie The club is delighted that Bob’s lengthy service has been recognised

The club was awarded with a plaque to acknowledge it’s tremendous achievement in raising the funds to implement the essential development work Hon Secretary, David Coyle, also collected a cheque from the RFU Development Fund for £100”

Annual presentation evening

Over one hundred players, partners and club officials attended the official club presentation evening at the clubhouse on Saturday. As usual it was quite a boisterous affair with everyone entering into the spirit of the occasion.

The main award winners were as follows and please use the link at the bottom of the article to view the photographs.

Fred Fry Shield for the most successful team in the club - First XV - Captain Ben Connett

First Team ties awarded for 20 league or cup appearances in a season - Gareth Bown; Jak Davis; Robbie Harlow; Richard Kelley; Stefan Shillingford

Most Improved First Team Squad Player - Presented by Alan Brookes - Al Francis

RJ Smith Cup - Top Try Scorer - Stefan Shillingford (18 Tries) - Runner Up Ed Parry 16 Tries

Wasp of the Year - Richard Smith

Ron Nitsch Trophy - Most Improved Colt - Josh Brownsword

Dave Vaughan Young Player of the Year - Presented by Jasmine Vaughan - Richard Kelley

Matt Growcott Trophy - Top Points Scorer - Gareth Bown - 151 points Runner Up Nick Biddlecombe

Season Ticket Holders Award - Presented by David Coyle - Ian Langford

Wasps manager's Player of the Year - Richard Barnsley

Colt of the Year - Presented by John Griffiths - Chris Bartley

Development Player of the year - Presented by Gary Smith - Stuart Walton

Wasp of The Year - Richard Smith

Colts Player's Player of the Year Presented by Simon Hart - Nick Adams

Player's Player of the Season - Presented by Gordon Bannatyne - Stefan Shillingford

Paul Keeton Player of the Season - presented by Mark Lockley - Stefan Shillingford

Gerry Jones - Clubman of the year presented by Anne Jones - Roger "Shakka" Shakespeare

Club rocked by the sudden death of our President John Richards

Sadly the President of DKRFC, John Richards, died on Tuesday of this week

John Viv Richards joined the club at the old Penzer St ground in 1947. John didn’t have to travel very far, he actually lived in Penzer St! John left the club briefly to complete his National Service in the RAF, but rejoined as soon as he was able. Before the move to Heathbrook, he served the club as Secretary and Fixture Secretary. In those days, after match hospitality was “agricultural”. The club only had a gas ring and frying pan. John is well remembered for frying pounds of sausages and making piles of sausage sandwiches for the visitors’ meals!

Following the move to Heathbrook, John represented the club as a wing forward, he then took up refereeing and, of course, for five years served as Club President

In his business life, John did what he did best. He talked! John had regular radio shows on BBC Radio Manchester, Merseyside, Stoke and Lincolnshire. He also had guest slots on Radio 2. Club members of a certain age will remember “Dr John’s Sound Surgery” discos at the club; others will wince at the memory of one of John’s projects, possibly the roughest venue in Dudley, the Crypt in Wellington Road. he and

John’s other great passion was real ale. For many years John was the local Chairman of CAMRA, and championed the causes of small local breweries. In the 1970s major breweries were pushing through the keg revolution, and small breweries were closing onAnd  a daily basis. John’s work helped keep the breweries open, and he is one of the reasons we have such a good selection of real ales locally today.

John became an expert on real ale and gave lectures the length and breadth of the country. He published four books and brought out a range of CDs. Until recently, John worked in marketing for a local micro brewery.

John performed his duties for the club as long as he could. Only last weekend he appeared on the team photographs, and every year he organised a lunch for former players of the Penzer St era. The lunch took place on Wednesday of this week, and although the event was tinged with sadness, there were many smiles when we reminisced about the things John had done

John was the master of bonhomie, and I’m sure he will be missed by visiting clubs

John died of a heart attack at the age of 77. He is survived by his daughter and grandchildren. Our thoughts and prayers go to the family.

Who says lightening doesn't strike twice?

Who says lightening doesn't strike twice? In DK's world - no less than six times. That is the unprecedented serious injuries sustained in last week's league encounter with Burton. Broken bones in the hand were incurred by Robbie Harlow (Thumb) Leigh Foster and Simon Fletcher whose season has been brought to a premature end. Broken rib to Al Francis; Gareth Davies (knee) and Jak Davis (achilles) all sustained injuries that will keep them out for a few weeks adding to DK's already large injury list including Ben Connett; Adam Blackford; Dave Westwood and Shaun Griffiths. So it is off to Portsmouth in the quarter final of the EDF Energy Cup with great optimism and faith pinned on the talented youth of the club.

New Changing Rooms Update

Those of you who have experienced our changing rooms in recent years will know that it has become increasingly difficult to maintain hygiene and ensure safety. This was apparent as long ago as 2000 when a campaign to raise funds was begun. (DK 1000 DAYS.) After 2000 days barely £60,000. (a fraction of the projected cost.) had been raised, largely due to other demands on Club finances.

Therefore in August 2007 the R.F.U. was approached with a view to obtaining ‘Partnership Funding’. On their advice a party from DK visited our friends Luctonians, who were just completing a project of a size and specification which would also match our needs. They kindly showed us around, and gave us detailed drawings, specifications and costs. Thus armed our architect prepared our own design which was submitted to the R.F.U. architects at Twickenham in September 2007 and finally approved by them in February 2008.

Meanwhile grants and loans were applied for, planning approval sought, and tenders obtained. By April this was all achieved and on April 30th. a contract was signed with Homer Construction, to start on site on 1st. May, although this was delayed until 9th. May because of the DK-10K race. So, due also to the poor weather, completion is not scheduled until December.

The facility will be completely up-to-date and meet all the required standards of Health & Safety, Child Protection etc. It will comprise 8 player changing rooms, referees room, first –aid room, Physio room, tea room, stores, shop, office, new lobby, extended and refurbished club-house toilets, and a small extension to the members lounge. (To be furbished when funds are available.) All changing rooms will be ‘en – suite’ c/w showers, toilets, wash-hand basins and urinals, and each will have ‘modesty’ entrances so that men, women, and children can use adjacent rooms simultaneously. The car park will be extended, lighting added and training lights up-graded.

For the finance we are indebted to:-THE RUGBY FOOTBALL UNION, RUGBY FOOTBALL FOUNDATION, SPORT ENGLAND (via the National Lottery), STAFFORDSHIRE ENVIRONMENTAL FUND (via The Landfill Communities Fund), and MARSTONS BREWERY.

Plus significant donations from:-Charles Kenchington, John & Alan Gallis, Errol Mason, Mark Lockley, Bernard George and others via the BUY – A – BRICK Campaign.

Other contributors ‘in – kind’ are Les Richardson, Ken Crane, Graham Cornforth and Neil Shillingford.

The project team: - BOB SWAN. (Architect.) SIMON HART. (M&E Consultant.) RAY STOKES. ROGER SHAKESPEARE. ROGER PORT. PETER EDMONDS and TONY MARSH, with the assistance of ROSS BAXTER of THE R.F.U. who’s help and guidance was invaluable.

The season ahead - all change at DK

On the eve of the new season there is an air of optimism around DK following the disappointment of last year’s relegation. There is a refreshing newness about the squad and the commitment and determination to move forward and develop as a squad and challenge for the promotion places available in Midlands 2 West. There is no complacency with regard to the enormity of the task as teams such as Walsall have Hereford challenged strongly last season and narrowly missed out on promotion to Midlands 1, as well as successful sides coming into the league including old adversaries Camp Hill and Sutton Coldfield There is a feeling of déjà vu about the league as we cross swords again with some of our old local neighbours whom we’ve had close association over the years and includes teams such as Whitchurch; Bromsgrove; Stratford on Avon; Stoke and Burton

The optimism around the club is built on the encouraging performances in the opening pre season games against Bedford Athletic; Lichfield and Halesonians where great emphasis was placed on the youth and developing players from within the club. Already a number of those have shown real quality and potential including Stefan Shillingford, Gareth Bown, Jordan Brookes, Jak Davis, Stefan Thorp, Tom Lockley and Chris Bartley.

The coaching structure of the senior section of the club will be headed up by Mark Lockley and Neil Shillingford. They will be supported by former first team fly half Eddie Smith who has taken to the coaching role like a duck to water. The development fifteen will be run again by Gary Smith and Julian Pugh. Simon Hart and John Griffiths will be looking after the colts supported by Graham Cornforth in the management role. Alan Brookes will be responsible for ensuring the squad are fit and if the evidence from the preseason training in training is anything to go by then they are certainly been some positive results in that particular area. Alan will also take on much of the team management role that has previously been carried out by Gordon Bannatyne.

There have been a lot of player movements during the close season with Cameron Pimlow, Carl Robinson and Dan Chesham all moving to Malvern. Allan Mitchell has hung up his boots to take up a coaching role with Aston Old Eds although I wouldn’t’t be the least bit surprised to see Alan playing again early in the season. Adam Coniff has ended his brief association and has returned to Walsall, and Tom Mcintosh has gone to Bourneville. Russell Gauden has moved to Kidderminister and James Bullock has retired although may well be available if the situation requires. Last year’s skipper Ian Gowland has left the club and taken up a teaching post in Stockholm and will be missing for the whole season. He will keep his rugby skills going as he is already playing for the Stockholm Exiles.

To supplement the youth policy the club has retained their southern hemisphere links with three New Zealanders joining the club for the season. Scrum half Robbie Harlow has already arrived and he will shortly be joined by centre Leigh Foster in the next week or so. The third member of the trio will be fly half Manuel Rangi who will arrive in early October. In addition second row Ed Parry has signed from Dudley Wasps moving to the senior section of the club, and back row Jamie Ramsey has joined the club from Bournemouth having recently relocated to the area.

In addition some old faces have emerged including the club’s record points scorer Pete Stinton who at the age of 37 still displays his old skills although he readily admits that sometimes it’s a case of the mind is willing but and the body is a little weak. In addition Robbie Jones has made a comeback after becoming a dad at the start of last season and hopefully he will find enough time between his parental responsibilities to allow him time to train and challenge the first team place.

There will be a new face on the physiotherapy front as well with Esta Kane joining us to replace Natalie Wybrow who has moved into private practice and therefore unable to be with the team on Saturday due to work commitments. Esta brings with her a new forward thinking on the physiotherapy front and has special skills when it comes to conducting players rehab as part of the injury recovery process

There are still a number of key players on the injured list including back row and talisman Ian Langford who has not yet recovered from his ankle injury, plus years top point scorer and fly half Tom Bissell who is still recovering from a serious knee injury sustained in the cup semifinal defeat at Hereford. Wayne Millard has recovered from his elbow injury and has decided to start his playing again initially with Dudley Wasps.

So it’s back to basics, development from within with the youth policy and engendering a new club spirit that was the hallmark of the successful DK teams in the recent past. The real test starts this weekend when we face Whitchurch in the opening league game which is the first of eight consecutive league and cup games that will be played away from Heathbrook whilst the new changing facilities are being constructed.

Latest update on the new changing rooms

Now that all the underground services have been completed progress on the new changing rooms can now be seen to take shape.

Stockholm 10's July 2008

A party of over 30 members and friends of the club had a full rugby weekend in Stockholm to compete in the annual 10's tournament. On the Saturday the seniors reached the quarter finals before being beaten by an Irish invitation side. The junior competition on the Sunday went much better with the successful colts side from last season sweeping all before them to run out convincing winners.

I am led to believe the leisure hours were spent absorbing some of the local culture.

Cup draws for new season released

The draws have been made for the two cup competitions for next season. In the Intermediate cup we have been drawn away to Syston on the 18th October. In the North Midlands Cup we have a home tie against Solihull in the preliminary round - date to be arranged.

Dudley Old Boys win Summer Sevens

This is the second year of the summer sevenths have been played with more teams joining the competition this year for the first time. It was nice to see teams from the North Midlands joining the competition for the first time including Upton on Severn and Harbourne. There was also a guest team from UWIC (Cardiff) put together by former DK player Rhys Crane son of chairman Ken Crane.

The boisterous crowd at Heathrow was served up some entertaining rugby during the group's stages and the usual mixture of fatigue and errors made the semi finals very entertaining for the crowd. The eventual winners were the DK old boys who proved to be too strong who overcame UWIC in the final outscoring their younger rivals by five tries to two. Led by Kiwi Tui Asi Pito is it was lovely to see their free flowing rugby especially former DK star Steve Smart who some once again graced the Heathbrook turf with his speed and grace. Smarty how we miss you.

Special thanks and should be made to the organizers Adam Blackford and Richard Hickman for their efforts and hopefully that tournament to go from strength to strength and become a regular feature on the club's annual calendar

Ian Gowland Leaving DK

The club has suffered another major loss as another of this senior players Ian Gowland will be leaving before the start of the new season to take up a teaching post in Stockholm. Ian was last year’s captain and also top try scorer and his enthusiasm and work rate will be sadly missed as no doubt will his try scoring ability.

Dudley Old Boys win Summer Sevens

This is the second year of the summer sevenths have been played with more teams joining the competition this year for the first time. It was nice to see teams from the North Midlands joining the competition for the first time including Upton on Severn and Harbourne. There was also a guest team from UWIC (Cardiff) put together by former DK player Rhys Crane son of chairman Ken Crane.

The boisterous crowd at Heathrow was served up some entertaining rugby during the group's stages and the usual mixture of fatigue and errors made the semi finals very entertaining for the crowd. The eventual winners were the DK old boys who proved to be too strong who overcame UWIC in the final outscoring their younger rivals by five tries to two. Led by Kiwi Tui Asi Pito is it was lovely to see their free flowing rugby especially former DK star Steve Smart who some once again graced the Heathbrook turf with his speed and grace. Smarty how we miss you.

Special thanks and should be made to the organizers Adam Blackford and Richard Hickman for their efforts and hopefully that tournament to go from strength to strength and become a regular feature on the club's annual calendar

Ian Gowland Leaving DK

The club has suffered another major loss as another of this senior players Ian Gowland will be leaving before the start of the new season to take up a teaching post in Stockholm. Ian was last year’s captain and also top try scorer and his enthusiasm and work rate will be sadly missed as no doubt will his try scoring ability.

New Club Captain for next season is Ben Connett

If a club or stop the new season with a new captain, second row number eight Ben Connett will take up the challenge of trying to bring about the necessary changes in playing fortune to reverse last season’s relegation from Midland’s 1 and hopefully lead the club to a successful promotion campaign. Ben is under no illusion of how difficult this test may be but will tackle it in his normal single minded and forthright manner stamping his authority on how to the game should be played. This is Ben’s second stint as captain having led the team in their first season in Midlands 1 following the relegation from national league three north.

North Midlands Volunteers Award goes to Roger Port

Roger Port was recently presented with the prestigious North Midlands Volunteer of the Year Trophy at the annual awards evening at Six Ways, the home of Worcester Warriors RFC. Roger deservedly won the award following more than thirty years loyal service to Dudley Kingswinford RFC. In that time he has been Chair of Youth Rugby, Club President, and served as Chair of Rugby for eighteen years. He helped push the club forward to the National Leagues of rugby in that time Roger currently works many hours in an unpaid capacity as Club Manager, and has worked tirelessly in developing the facilities of the club Everyone at Heathbrook is delighted that Roger’s efforts have been recognised

Presentation Evening

Almost 150 players wives girlfriend parents and officials filled the clubhouse for the annual presentation evening. In addition to the main presentations a number of special awards were made including one to Mark Wilson former head coach in recognition of his tremendous service to DK in the 10 years he spent at the club. Another was made to Physio Natalie Wybrow who is leaving to take up work in private physiotherapy practice. The club also made a donation to Mike Fellows on behalf of St John's Ambulance for their service to both the senior and youth section of the club being in attendance every Saturday and Sunday come rain or shine.

 

The Fred Fry Shield	Colts (Captain Danny Hawkins)
First team ties	Andy McEwan & Alex Francis
Colts Coaches Special Award	Darryl Evans
The RJ Smith Cup – Top try scorer	Stephan Shillingford & Jak Davis
Wasps Players Player of the Year	Richard Smith
DK Ladies Players Player of the Year
Ron Nitsch most improved colt	Jak Davis
Dave Vaughan – Young Player of the Year	Andy McEwan
Mac Growcott Cup – Top point scorer	Jordan Brookes (142 points)
Season Ticket Holders Award	Allan Mitchell
Wasps Manager of the Year Award	Ed Parry
Colt of the Year	Stefan Thorpe
DK Ladies Coaches Player of the Year
Development Player of the Year	Tommy Huggins
Wasp of the Year	Dave Hartland
Colts Players Player of the Year	Jak Davis & Chris Bartley
The Players Player of the Year	Andy McEwan
The Paul Keeton Player of the Year	Ben Connett
The Gerry Jones Clubman of the Year	Andy Gallis

Work starts on new changing facilities

Today work got under way on the first phase of the new development of the changing rooms and other club facilities. It is expected that the work will take around five months to complete meaning that the first month the season will see little or no league rugby being played at If  at least throughout September. It is the plan to publish pictures of the development as it progresses and the first few are already in place showing the initial ground works prior to the demolition process. Over the coming weeks and months an update on progress by means of photographs giving a visual display on how the development is progressing.

Colchester Colts Challenge

DK Colts have got another home draw in the National Colts Cup and will be testing themselves against a strong Colchester outfit who scalped Rosslyn Park in the previous round.

Double cup success for DK

DK enjoyed a good weekend in the cup. The 1st XV are through to the semi final of the North Mids cup after defeating Worcester Students, whilst DKs superb colts side are throught to the next round of the National Colts Cup after a fine victory over a strong Doncaster team

DK Summer Ball 2008

A flier for the DK Summer Ball is now on the site, for more information click the link on the left or contact the club

DK Colts in action

DKs all conquering colts are in action at Heathbrook this weekend (9th February) against Worcester Wanderers Colts in the first round of the North Midlands Colts Cup. Kick off is at 2.15pm

The English Colts Knockout Cup Rd 5 (North/Midlands) match against Doncaster Colts has been confirmed for Sunday 24th February K.O. 2.00pm. Get down and support the lads!

International rugby at Broadstreet RFC

On Sunday 3rd February England Deaf take on their Welsh counterparts, the current World Champions, at Broadstreet RFC (K.O. 1pm).

As many associated with the club will know Nigel Francis represents the Welsh Deaf team and has been selected to start the game.

Entry to the ground costs £5 and there will also be a guest appearance from Miss England.

New coaching team at DK

Following the resignation of head coach Mark Wilson prior to the league game against Kenilworth the club has appointed a new coaching team comprising Neil Shillingford and Mark Lockley.

DK move to strengthen injury ravaged squad

Having lost their open six matches the club have moved to strengthen the squad by signing 6 mew players this week. Forwards Paul Coles (front row) Sam Herrington (lock) and Tom McIntosh (back row) have joined from Moseley in time to play against Loughborough Students this weekend. In addition backs James Lloyd Jones (full back) Carl Robinson (Centre) and Dave Hadkiss (Scrum/Fly Half) have joined from near neighbours Stourbridge again in time to play this weekend subject to all the registrations going through on time.  

Injury Update

Following what can only be described as an unprecedented injury list club physio Natalie Wybrow has had her work cut out trying to treat and rehab the players. Still on the treatment list at present are:

Adam Blackford - hooker Broken Rib - mid November

Al Francis - prop - rib cartilage - due end October

Ben Connett - lock - knee due back mid October

Dan Shakespeare - neck - end of October

Wayne Millard - elbow - no date

Gareth Davies - shoulder & arm - New Year

Jon Shankland - broken ankle - New Year

Ben Coles - hamstring - early November

Mike Jones ankle - end October

John Fallon hamstring - end October

Nigel Francis thigh strain - end October

Ian Gowland - broken hand - mid October

Tom Weaver - knee - early November

All change at DK

There has been a lot going on at DK over the last few months much of it not reported. The opportunity has now arisen to rectify this shortcoming and the information below is designed as a summary of what has been going on.

Player Movements:

During the close season the club lost 4 key members of the first team squad. Andy McLellan returned to Kidderminster, Richard port moved to Wolverhampton; skipper Pete Knight to Stourbridge and Eddie Smith retired following the serious eye injury he sustained in the Play Off final at Beverley. Incoming have seen wing Adam Coniff arrive from Walsall & hooker Jeff Large from Solihull. With the current crop of very talented young players the club plan to build their promotion push based on a strong youth development

Changes in the Committee:

Roger Port stood down as Chairmen of Rugby after 14 years at the helm, to be replaced by Ken Crane. Ken's previous role as secretary has been filled by Dave Coyle who now adds this to his role of programme editor.

Coaching Changes:

Mark Wilson continues in his role as Head Coach and will be supported by an extensive range of coaches. Warwick Bullock will take a greater role in developing the forwards with Andy Grosvenor and Simon Taylor assisting Mark with the backs. Bob Ashwood will take an active role in working to develop fitness and stamina. Simon Hart remains as Development Team coach and is supported by Julian Pugh and Gary Smith who have moved up from the colts. The Colts will now be coached by Mark Lockley & Neil Shillingford

New Brewery:

After 10 very successful association with Scottish & Newcastle the club have formed a new partnership with Marstons Breweries (Formerly Bank's) to be the exclusive supplier of beers & lager to the club. The new agreement will take effect around the middle of October with a special promotion day planned for Saturday 20th World Cup Final day.

Luctonians League game officially abandoned

Luctonians result declared void. DK lost a front row forward after 4 minutes, and again after 32 minutes meaning that the game was effectively abandoned because it resorted to uncontested scrums. As a result the game will be replayed on Saturday13th October - Kick Off 3.00pm

Club shocked by the news of the sudden death of Gavin Tipper

Gavin's untimely passing has been received with shock and great sadness by his many friends and fellow players at the club. It has already been said by many that Gavin really was a great guy, a gentle giant, a superb athlete and tremendous forward for many years with DK. His dedication and fitness saw him play with distinction in the 1st XV until he reached 40, after which his athletic prowess took him into triathlons where he became a fine competitor. It was during a training run on Tuesday evening with colleagues from Black Country Tri Athletes that Gavin collapsed and was rushed to Sandwell General Hospital where despite heroic efforts to save him, he sadly passed away. Gavin has the honour of being the only player representing DK to score a try at Twickenham when he appeared for the club in the NPI Cup final in 1999. On behalf of everyone at DK, the club would like to offer their heartfelt condolences, to his wife Mandy and children, Lara and Jacob at this very sad time

Presentation night

Another successful evening at the club was held last Saturday for the annual presentation of awards for the season. Over 150 players, officials together with partners attended in what was a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

• Jerry Jones Clubman of the Year - Ros Lob & Ellen Harris

• Paul Keeton Player of the Season - Shaun Griffiths

• Player's player of the season - Pete Knight

• David Vaughan Young Player of the Year - Adam Blackford

• Season tickets player of the season- Simon Fletcher

• Mac Growcott - Top Points Scorer - Tom Bissell 119

• RJ Smith - Top Try Scorer - James Jefferson 23

• Fred Fry Shield - Wasps - captain - Richard (Woolfie) Smith

• Development Player of the Season - Liam Reynolds

• Colt of The Year - Gareth Bown

• Ron Nitsch Most Improved Colt - Michael Whitehouse

• Colts player's player - Danny Hawkins

• Wasp of the year - Dave Hartland

• Wasps Player of the Year - Neil Shillingford

• Wasps manager's player of the Season - Lloyd Davies

• First team Ties - Dan Chesham

Eddie Smith announces his retirement

Long serving fly half eddie Smith has announced his retirement from rugby following a series of injuries that have dogged him over the last couple of seasons. In a career spanning 10 years Eddie has been an integral part of a back division that was equal to any around. He made his debut at 18, played in the DK team that reached the final of the NPI cup in 1999 making the break that led to DK's opening try. A member of the league & cup double winning side the following season that took DK into the National leagues for the first time Eddie continued to play even whilst studying at Sheffield University. A tough tackling Nr 10 saw Eddie make more than his fair share of big hits over time, and it was those that eventually made him make his decision after having to retire from the play off final game against Beverley at the end of April. That injury may still yet require further medical treatment as the recovery is taking longer than originally expected. Eddie will be missed as a player, but will not be lost from the club as head coach Mark Wilson has already asked him to join his coaching team.

Andy McLellan returns to Kidderminster

First team full back Any McLellan has left DK after 5 seasons to return to his home town club Kidderminster, to aid them in their revival plans to move up the league structure. A committed and enthusiastic player Andy has been the last line of defence for several seasons - secure under the high ball, solid in the tackle and has had varied success as a goal kicker to go along with it. All at DK wish Andy all the best in his quest to revive Kidderminster's the fortunes.