Express & Star

Dudley Kingswinford target return to top spot

Dudley Kingswinford are aiming to reclaim pole position in the race for Midlands One West glory, writes Nick Elwell.

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The Heathbrook outfit will head to Ludlow on Saturday looking to make the most of their game in hand on title rivals Kenilworth and climb back to the top of the table.

DK took care of business on Saturday when they claimed a 45-24 derby day success away to Old Halesonians.

That victory left them a point behind Kenilworth, who survived a tough test at Ludlow to run out 24-20 winners.

Dudley Kingswinford target return to top spot

And DK’s head coach is under no illusions regarding the task his side face in Shropshire.

“Every game in the division played out as I thought it would on Saturday,” said Shillingford. “We are still a point behind Kenilworth with a game in hand, which we play at Ludlow on Saturday.

“On paper, you would say this game and the one on the final day of the season at Whitchurch are the toughest ones we have left.

“Ludlow gave Kenilworth a tough game on Saturday. They are very strong at home and I think they have only lost there two or three times in the last couple of seasons. It’s going to be a test.

“We normally go out looking for the bonus point win, but it night be a case of adopting a slightly different approach on this occasion.

“It’s all about winning the game on Saturday, and climbing back to the top of the table.”

Dudley Kingswinford target return to top spot

Tries from Stef Shillingford (two), Pete Griffiths, James Ryan, Will Hancox, Tommy Walker and Jake Thompson, plus 10 points from the boot of Sam Vaughan saw DK to victory at Old Hales.

“We made hard work of it at times, but we got the job done and the bonus point,” added Shillingford.

In the same division, Lichfield beat Kidderminster 67-17 while Stourbridge Lions went down 27-17 at home to Whitchurch.