DUDLEY Kingswinford shouldn’t become too disheartened by their 71-17 National Two North defeat to Stourbridge.

Neil Mitchell’s men are capable of steamrollering a number of sides at this level.

DK president Graham Robbins spelt out the club’s position in his programme notes and predicted a very difficult season ahead after losing eleven of last season’s squad.

DK player-coach Pete Knight added : “We’re looking to stay in this league, while Stourbridge are looking to win it.

“We’ve had to recruit from within and there are certain situations where we’ve thrown people in at the deep end.

“Harry Bayliss has only just celebrated his 18th birthday. He came up against the best two centres in this league, yet he was tremendous.”

The match as a contest was over within 18 minutes as Stourbridge ran in four tries to seal the bonus point.

That spree was only punctuated by a drop goal from DK’s Gareth Bown.

Stourbridge added a fifth score before scrum-half Jordan Brookes went over for the hosts. A further Stour try from former DK player Stefan Shillingford took the half time total to 36-10.

The second half saw Stour extend their try total to 11, eight of which were converted by left wing Jamie Hearn.

But there was some late DK defiance when second row Matt Perks plundered a try which Bown converted.

DK travel to Otley this Saturday.