DUDLEY Kingswinford turned in a scintillating second half display to beat Stratford 48-13 in Saturday’s rugby match at Heathbrook.

RUGBY UNION – Midlands 1 West Dudley Kingswinford 48, Stratford-upon-Avon 13 DK made amends for their nightmare defeat at Pearcecroft in September when they let slip a 24-8 lead with this more than convincing victory.

A few months back a combination of poor discipline and even poorer tactical play, saw their lead erode into a disastrous 32-24 defeat.

But there was never a chance it was going to happen again on a cold and wintry day at Heathbrook.

This time their superior fitness gradually saw them grind down the big Stratford pack in the first half then clinically take them apart in the second period with a truly inspirational passage of play. Their movement had the visitors running around in a blind panic as DK hit them with an amazing six tries in 19 minutes!

All credit to DK’s fitness coach Alan Brookes, because the first half had been pretty tough with the Warwickshire side well up for this challenge. But when DK fired up the after-burners, Stratford were simply blown away in what became a torrid second half for them.

DK made only one change from the Old Halesonians game in their starting XV with Jordan Brookes replacing Tommy Huggins at scrum half. Luke Greenwood, Ben Connett and Gareth Bown were on the bench.

There were several contenders for DK Man of the Match especially in the brilliant second half display.

Skipper Pete Knight was DK’s turnover star yet again, the front row of Al Francis, Dan Shakespeare/Luke Greenwood and Rich Kelley were superb, Ed Parry and Shaun Griffiths ensured good lineout ball throughout but Ian Langford shaded them all.

The DK veteran flanker was peerless and was at the heart of most of the home side’s attack and defence.

The backs spluttered a little in the first half but the second half saw them come into their own. Stefan Shillingford was easily the best back on the field and with more ball to play with in the second half, created havoc.

Gareth Bown’s excellent second half cameo role at fly half with Gareth Davies moving into the centre at the expense of the injured Tom Weaver seemed to give DK more shape.

Generally lively starters at home, DK were rocked when Stratford scored an early try after just three minutes but they showed their determination by bouncing back to secure a narrow 11-10 interval lead before easing to the points in that golden second half.

DK’s tries came from James Jefferson, Gareth Bown, Ed Parry, Gareth Davies, Stefan Shillingford (2) and Andy McEwen, and three penalties and two conversions from Nick Adams.

This Saturday DK are again on league duty away at Sutton Coldfield (2pm).

Dudley Kingswinford: 15 James Jefferson, 14 Robbie Jones, 13 Tom Weaver, 12 Stefan Shillingford, 11 Nick Adams, 10 Gareth Davies, 9 Jordan Brookes, 8 Andy McEwen, 7 Pete Knight (Capt), 6 Ian Langford, 5 Ed Parry, 4 Shaun Griffiths, 3 Al Francis, 2 Dan Shakespeare, 1 Rich Kelley. Reps: 16 Luke Greenwood, 17 Ben Connett, 18 Gareth Bown.

DK Man of the Match – Ian Langford