Dudley Kingswinford must tighten up as top two collide

DK host the team lying directly below them in Midlands One West, with coach Neil Shillingford well aware of the threat second-placed Lichfield pose.

Both sides are set up to play free-flowing rugby with the emphasis very much on keeping the scoreboard ticking over.

DK are the leading point scorers in the division with 680 in 18 games – 86 of them during Saturday’s win at Kidderminster – but Lichfield are hot on their tail having scored 663.

And Shillingford believes defence will be key on Saturday.

“Lichfield score a lot of points, but they also concede a few,” said Shillingford. “They have got a good set of backs that will do some damage if you let them play and the defensive side of our game is going to be crucial.

“We know that we can score points so we need to keep our defensive structure and then it’s about playing in the right areas of the field.”

DK warmed up for the clash with a 86-12 success at Kidderminster.

Sam Vaughan scored four of his side’s 14 tries and added eight conversions.

Tommy Walker (two), Stef Shillingford (two), Danny Hawkins, Arran Hudson, Charlie Baffour, Ryan Smitherman, James Fildes and James Ryan also touched down.

Lichfield will go into the clash two points behind DK and on the back of a 58-12 success at home to Droitwich.

The derby-day clash between Old Halesonians and Stourbridge Lions went the way of the Lions, 15-12.

In Midlands Three West (North), Eccleshall lost 22-17 at home to Handsworth, Willenhall were beaten 41-15 by Edwardians, and Wednesbury and Linley drew 17-17.

Aldridge still lead the way in Midlands Four West (North) following a 44-10 win over Cannock.

Rugeley lost 22-10 to Market Drayton, Essington went down 31-7 at Trentham and Warley were beaten 39-19 by Clee Hill.

Free scoring free flowing

“On paper we should be going down there and winning.

“But when you are 40-odd up at half-time it’s all about being disciplined and keeping your structure.

“We did that well and played some good rugby.

“It was a good performance and it ticked all the boxes.

“And coming off the back of the previous few weeks, it’s a good confidence booster for the lads going into this weekend.

“The lads have played long enough to know this weekend is going to be a lot tougher.

“It should be a good game for the neutral.

“We beat them at their place so we know what they are all about.

“There are a few banana skin still to come and this game won’t decide anything.

“You have to just go game by game. I think it will go down to the wire.

“We went three tries up at their place and then they came back and we had to defend it out.

“We were a bit light player wise that day and that was probably one of our best performances of the season.

Dan Marsh and Pete Griffith have joined in training and I would say it’s probably about 70/30 that they will be fit.