DK hit by Thorp exit (From Dudley News)

DK hit by Thorp exit

8:44am Thursday 19th July 2012 in Dudley Kingswinford RFC

POWERHOUSE prop Stefan Thorp is the only major loss for Dudley Kingswinford so far this summer.

Thorp, pictured right, who played a big part in DK’s back-to-back promotions over the past two seasons, has moved to Championship outfit Moseley.

It has otherwise been an off-season of consolidation for head coaches Jon Higgins and Pete Knight as they prepare for life in National Two North, who have been boosted by winger Matt Farrington’s decision to remain at Heathbrook .

Higgins said: “There were a few clubs interested in Matt and it’s understandable when you consider the season he had and it’s a credit to how well the club has done.

“We are delighted he will be staying.

“Stefan is going to see if he can make it at the higher level and he goes to Moseley with our best wishes.

“Of course, we want to have the best players we can but we will not stand in peoples way, it will be a great opportunity for him.

“There is a chance he could come back to us depending on how things work out.

“Whatever happens, the experience will improve him as a player.”

DK have raided Shropshire side Newport for openside flanker Joe Carpenter and scrum-half Jimmy Gore.

Higgins expects to bring in a few more new faces in time for the opening league fixture at home to Otley on September 1.

He added: “We are having to look at teams further down the pyramid and hope to pick up a few gems.

“This season is a big step up but we are quietly confident if we can continue our good form from the last two seasons there is no reason why we can’t surprise a few.”