DUDLEY Kingswinford suffered a 53-10 reverse against National Two North leaders Darlington Mowden Park, but were far from downhearted with the outcome.

Having leaked six tries in the opening 25 minutes, DK supporters would have feared the worst, but a spirited last-quarter show prevented the floodgates from opening.

Joint head coach Shaun Perry praised his young troops and insisted: “The boys are fronting up, and if we can keep them together they will be stronger and better players for it.

“Some players have left because they don’t like the feeling of losing every week, but the lads we have here have shown their character and are committed to DKs.

“Once we got into the changing-room after the Darlington game it felt like a little victory. We just need to get that first win and keep moving forward.”

Perry added: “When I took on the role at Dudley Kingswinford I didn’t expect so many players to leave. As a result we’ve had to bring in a number of youngsters, the average age of the side must be around 19 to 20, but they’ve been outstanding.

“Despite the situation, we still go out believing we can win every game and the lads remain fully committed.”

The DKs are still on the lookout for a new director of rugby, and applications close by the end of the month.

This Saturday DKs travel to strugglers Hull in the hope of breaking their duck.