HOME advantage will be key to Dudley Kingswinford’s hopeful return to the top of the table this weekend, according to boss Neil Shillingford.

After powering their way to become league leaders, DK suffered their first defeat of the season away at fellow title chasers Bromsgrove on Saturday.

In a game that will be remembered as a marvellous display of attacking rugby by both sides, the match contained 10 tries and the lead changed hands four times in the 43-36 defeat.

Stourbridge News:

Jordan Brookes on his way to score for DK in the side’s first league defeat of the season against Bromsgrove. Photo: Ian Jackson

The director of rugby said the result could have been different if not for a couple of mistakes, after Bromsgrove’s vital score came from an interception.

Shillingford said: “We knew going into the game that it was going to be competitive. We weren’t expecting an easy day.

“From a neutrals point of view it was a great attacking game of rugby, but a couple of mistakes made the difference.

“It’s disappointing to finally lose a game after our really good start to the season, but if we look at the wider picture we came away with two bonus points which could prove to be vital.

“We were forced into making a few changes in the team and that made a difference as we were struggling on the line-outs.

“A few of our kicks weren’t executed right, but going forwards we looked dangerous and the more we played in their half the better we were.”

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Luke Trevis dives to score his first try in DK’s first league defeat of the season against Bromsgrove. Photo: Ian Jackson

DK, who have now slipped to fourth place in the Midlands One West table, will hope to return to the league summit when they host third place Burton on Saturday (3pm start).

Shillingford said he is anticipating another free flowing game, but thinks home field advantage will prove to be the difference.

“We expect a very similar game against Burton. They are a great attacking side themselves and will punish you if you make a mistake.

“Over the years they have always been one of the best in the league so it should be a very similar game to Saturday.

“They have scored plenty of points, but they have conceded a few too, so we know they are beatable if we capitalise on our changes and don’t make mistakes.

“It’s good that we are playing them at home in the first game, as usually we have to travel to Burton which is always a tough place to play. I think having home advantage will be key.”