DK in charge ahead of league lockdown
Dudley Kingswinford moved back into pole position in the race for Midlands One West glory – but now face a waiting game to see if the season will be completed.
The Rugby Football Union followed government advice last night and suspended all rugby activity until April 14 due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The decision came as no surprise and now club’s up and down the country are going into lockdown with the RFU’s ruling coverimg not just games, but also club training and education courses.
DK had gone back top of the table on the back of one of their most impressive performances at the season, a 27-0 success at Ludlow.
“Everyone knew the decision was coming an all we can do now is what and see what happens,” said DK head coach Neil Shillingford.
“Hopefully we will be able to complete the season at some stage.”
Shillingford and his troops will go into the enforced break reflecting on a job well done on Saturday.
Tries from Charles Baffour, Stef Shillingford, Ryan Smitherman and Tom Walker secured a fine win in Shropshire.
“It was a very good display and a very good result,” said Shillingford.
“I think Ludlow have only been beaten two or three times at home in the last couple of years.
“I think the lads were a little bit frustrated at half-time because we only led 3-0. We started well but we weren’t clinical enough
“But we had a chat during the break and told them to calm down and think things through.
“We tweaked a few things and everything clicked into place in the second half.
“The lads put a great defensive shift in and Ludlow basically ran out of ideas. We tackled them off the park.
“And when we had the ball, we didn’t try to force or rush things.
“We were disciplined in what we wanted to do.
“We played in the right areas of the pitch and in the end we got what we wanted, which was another bonus-point win.
“I have said all season how important the bonus points are, even when you lose.
“And picking those up has helped us get back to the top of the league.
“It was a perfect day at the office. We picked the right team, the tactics were right and the execution was very good.”
The decision has been taken following government advice in the interests of players, coaches, referees, volunteers, supporters and the wider rugby union community.
Where possible, players at all levels are encouraged to maintain their own personal fitness and keep active during this time, while following government guidelines about safe distance and safe exercise environments.
The RFU will continue to review and monitor government advice and will provide detailed updates on the impact to the season in the coming weeks.
