DUDLEY Kingswinford took a big step towards promotion with a thrilling success over rivals Bromsgrove.

DK bagged a 25-23 bonus-point win at Heathbrook last Saturday to set up a barnstorming clash with Midlands One West leaders Burton this weekend.

Against the third-placed Boars, Sam Vaughan got the hosts off to flying start when going over for a key early advantage.

Bromsgrove answered to go 15-5 ahead before Luke Greenwood and Stef Shillingford made sure matters were level at the break.

Both sides swapped penalties before the visitors struck through Ed Spalding to move five points clear.

However, DK kept the heat on heading into the final 15 minutes before Greenwood broke through once more. Vaughan, who had endured a difficult afternoon with the boot, wasn't to be denied when the key kick came and made sure to bag the extras to edge his side to victory.

Director of rugby Neil Shillingford said: "We knew it was going to be a tough encounter but we identified areas to put them under pressure and carried it out well.

"We got the initial line-speed but did let them dictate the collisions. I was pleased to be drawing at half time and it gave us chance to highlight where we needed to improve.

"We again executed that well without changing our philosophy. It was a good feeling at the end and we can take a lot from it."

DK are now level on points with this Saturday opponents Burton but have played a game more.

Shillingford added: "It is going to be a really tough place for us to go, especially with the conditions set to come up heavy again.

"But, after the Bromsgrove win, I really do think we're in a no-lose situation and I'll be telling the players that.

"We have stretched our lead from Bromsgrove and have put ourselves in a really good position for that play-off place.

"We can go there now and not put too much pressure on ourselves. If we did slip up it wouldn't be the end of the world.

"Both Bromsgrove and Burton have a game in hand on us but that is against each other.

"It does mean we can play with a little freedom and just see what that brings."

The last time the sides met in September, Burton ran out 41-10 winners at Heathbrook.

"Hopefully we've improved as a unit since the last meeting," added Shillingford. "I know we can adapt our play much better now. We can adjust to the conditions, referee, opponents much better, which is something we have done over the last 10 weeks in particular."

Ryan Smithemann is the only absentee this weekend after he picked up a hamstring injury against Bromsgrove.