DUDLEY Kingswinford RFC joint head coach Neil Shillingford believes his side still have room for improvement, despite a stunning start to their Midland One campaign.

A healthy crowd of 450 saw DK run in nine tries in a 57-15 demolition of Stoke-on-Trent at Heathbrook on Saturday.

Despite the confident start, Shillingford was left disappointed by the three tries conceded and is eager to avoid a repeat of last season - when DK missed out on promotion on points difference.

He said: “It was a good start but we are still a little bit frustrated at the amount of points we allowed against us.

“There were definitley four tries we left out there as well and we should have won the game by more.

“Having lost out on promotion last season on points difference it is something we have really focused on and we need to tighten up in that respect.

“A few of their scores we just shouldn’t have let in.”

DK’s super mobile pack dominated their opponents, with the returning Pete Knight a prominent force on his first game back at the club following a spell at Stourbridge.

Knight’s presence has allowed Ian Langford more freedom on the park and the flanker made the most of his opportunity, bagging four tries.

Stefan Shillingford scored with a spectacular effort, while Jak Davis, Ed Parry and Matt Taylor all went over, with only the visitors’ stubborn reistance preventing them from being humiliated.

Shillingford added: “I thought the pack worked really well, some of the guys have really stepped up a little bit.

“Ian had an outstanding game, having Pete back in the side has really freed him up to hang back and look for more of the ball.

“He is a threat, as are most of our backs.”

DK now travel to Stratford-upon-Avon on Saturday eager to continue their good start.

The Warwickshire side picked up an impressive win at Cheltenham North in their opening fixture and Shillingford believes his side are in for a tough battle.

He said: “We know that every week is going to be tough, we are one of the favourites for the league so that gives team’s an extra incentive to up their game.

“We have told the players to expect that.

“Stratford are another side like us who rely on their pack so it should be a good battle.

“But we know if we can get good ball to our backs we will score.”

STAR MAN: Flanker Ian Langford races away on route to score his first try of four during DK’s impressive win.