DUDLEY Kingswinford's promotion hopes ended in heartache as a last-gasp try handed play-off success to Syston.

DK went head-to-head with their counterparts from Midlands One East at Heathbrook last Saturday but fell just short of a memorable end to the season.

The lead continued to change hands throughout the trilling contest with the home side heading into the final five minutes with a narrowly advantage.

However, a turnover moving into the final three minutes of the clash had DK on the backfoot. Syston took advantage to crash over and secure promotion with a 37-33 victory.

DK director of rugby Neil Shillingford said: "They were exactly what we expected them to be. They weren't outstanding but were just a very solid outfit.

"Realistically it came down to two or three unforced errors from ourselves that gifted them field position and possession.

"We played most of the rugby but they were dangerous when they got into our 22.

"It's disappointing to come so close. The lads were gutted afterwards but will have to just take it on the chin."

Shillingford is now determined to go one better next season.

He added: "Everyone was disappointed with the result but the one thing everyone was talking about was making sure we win the league next season.

"That'll be the challenge and there is no reason why we can't do that.

"We've kept improving since I came in. We finished sixth and then fourth and no the play-offs. ext year needs to be winning it.

"We have a young squad and lots of talented players coming through to support the first team so everything is looking good.

"We'll look to strengthen a few areas but a lot of the lads have already committed to staying involved and giving it another go."

One player that won't be around is Luke Greenwood. The experienced campaigner is handing up his boots after more than 10 years with the club.