NEIL Shillingford says last Saturday’s draw away at Bridgnorth was another small step in the right direction for his Dudley Kingswinford squad.

The director of rugby at Heathbrook was left a little frustrated his players let a lead slip in the closing stages but admitted he was pleased with the overall performance during the 19-19 draw.

“I think we played well and managed to produce our best rugby of the season in the first 40 minutes,” he said.

“We had also worked hard on the defence leading up to the game and it was pleasing to see the improvement that was made in that area as well.

“They played the ref well in the second half and we just couldn’t get enough ball to really get into the game.

“From what I saw, Bridgnorth are one of the better sides in this league and the most rounded.

“Even though it was a little frustrating after we had a lead I think it was another good step for us and there are a lot of positives to take.”

DK have a break from league action this weekend as they travel to Newport in the North Midlands Cup (2pm).

Shillingford said he may use the fixture as a chance to hand starts to a few members of the squad that having been pushing for a place.

“The seconds have been having some good results so far and we have a lot of players that are knocking on the door for a start,” he added.

“The game at Newport may give us an opportunity to hand them a chance. We will be keeping the core of the team together but a few other faces may come in. Anyone nursing an injury could also have a break.”

Against Bridgnorth, DK took a 19-5 lead after tries from Richard Kelley, Mitch Grealey and Stef Shillingford.

Duncan Tompkins added the extras from two of the scores.

The hosts cut the deficit with a penalty from full back Ed John just before the half time whistle.

The second period saw the pressure exerted by the rampant Bridgnorth forwards finally begin to tell. Three consecutive penalties resulted in a lineout five metres from the DK line. A catch and drive resulted in a rolling maul, which saw Jamie Ramsey touch down against his former club.

Another former DK player, Simon Fletcher, began to take firm control of the game and his educated boot kept DK pinned in their own half.

John then slotted home two more penalties to level matters.