DUDLEY Kingswinford RFC’s season ended in disappointment as they went down 35-19 to Luctonians in the final of the North Midlands Cup on Sunday.

The big Luctonians pack gave the DK eight a torrid time in a one-sided first half at Stourton Park, running in five tries to go 28-0 up after just 37 minutes.

Half-time changes by DK saw them mount a brave comeback in the second period but they could not bridge the gap to the Herefordshire side – who finished second in Midlands 1 this season, one league above DK.

With influential skipper Ian Langford on holiday, DK’s new forward line-up saw Andy McEwen take over Langford’s mantle on the blindside flank with Joe Francis coming into the second row.

Luctonians stunned DK by taking a first minute lead as strong, bustling forward Brett Prior touched down before a poor defensive kick from Dudley allowed Mark Panniers to score in the corner to make it 10-0.

The Luc’s pack were totally dominant but it was poor tackling that let in winger Andy Garrod for their third try after 22 minutes. A Brett Prior penalty after 25 minutes increased Luc’s lead to 18-0 before DK conceded a fourth try on 31 minutes.

Dudley were floundering and Luctonians duly made it five when an excellent backs move saw Cameron Hewitt brush aside another weak tackle to score. DK finally got onto the score sheet in first half injury time as Simon Fletcher crossed for a try, Gareth Bown added the extras for a 28-7 scoreline at the break.

Changes at half time saw Robbie Harlow come on at scrum half, Jamie Ramsey at No 8 with Tui Asi Pito moving into the back row and Andy McEwen into the second row replacing Joe Francis.

The moves sparked an immediate revival for DK as Robbie Jones who scored in the corner to make it 28-12 in the opening minutes of the second half.

They went close again seconds later and continued to furiously batter away at Luctonian’s line, their hard work rewarded after 64 minutes as Stef Shillingford to Robbie Jones saw the winger in for his second try.

Gareth Bown’s conversion reduced the gap to nine points. With the clock ticking down DK missed a golden chance to further cut the deficit as Stef Thorpe tried to pick up a bobbling ball over the goal line only to knock it on.

Nervous Luc’s then scored a late converted try to wrap up a deserved victory by 35-19 - though they must have been a little relieved given DK’s sterling second half effort.