DUDLEY Kingswinford’s dismal start to the season shows no sign of improving after they were blitzed 70-12 by local rivals Birmingham and Solihull to remain rooted to the foot of National Two North.

It signalled DK’s 10th defeat but more alarming was the fact it was a game they had hoped to get something out of.

Instead DK were despatched by an 11 try spree but director of rugby Gordon Bannatyne refused to get downhearted.

He said: “There’s no shortage of commitment and effort from the players, but we’re just lacking that bit of bite and sparkle while going through what I can only describe as a horrible period for the club.

“The players are giving everything they’ve got but are coming up against teams who are stronger, fitter and much more clinical.

“What made this defeat worse was the fact we thought, given half a chance, we could sneak something from it.

“If we could just get a win on the board, it would change the whole perspective.

“By and large, the forwards are holding their own, but the problems seem to be in the back division where they are coming up against players who are far more experienced.

“Somewhere along the line, a win has got to come and this Saturday at home to Caldy is as good as any. “They’ve not been going that well of late, so the game presents a real chance.”

DK welcome back skipper Ed Parry to the second row, while fly-half Gareth Bown, centre Harry Bayliss and full-back Ryan Smitherman all come back into the reckoning to face Caldy.

Rod Petty, Rob Connelly and Ashley Elvers all bagged two tries for Bees with Dai Evans, Steve Leach, Chris Fensome, Joseph Mogaji and a penalty try accounting for 55 points while Petty’s boot did the rest of the damage.

DK responded with tries from Jordan Brookes and replacement prop Tony Gordon either side of half-time to reduce the arrears to 39-12 at one stage.