DUDLEY Kingswinford RFC cannot afford to ease off the accelerator as their Midlands One West promotion quest continues, according to joint head coach Neil Shillingford.

He was delighted after his side continued their 100 per cent start to the season with a bruising and impressive 17-7 win at fellow title hopefuls Bournville last Saturday.

DK now face a run of what are, on paper, easier games starting with this weekend’s visit of struggling Banbury to Heathbrook (kick-off 3pm).

But Shillingford has urged his side to maintain their concentration and is keen to pick up bonus points by putting up big numbers.

He said: “We’ve had a great start but now it’s all about keeping our focus.

“We can’t afford to switch off against anyone and we need to start scoring bonus points.

“We beat Sutton only a few weeks ago but they are only two points behind us in the table because of the bonus points they have scored.

“Banbury have had a poor start but I think we need to concentrate on our own performance.

“I have said for some time that the only team who can beat us in this league is ourselves.”

One habit the coach is keen to quash is conceding early, which continued on Saturday as DK fell behind in just the second minute.

Despite going on to dominate the first half, they still trailed 7-3 at half-time.

But their constant pressure eventually told in the second period as James Jefferson fed Tui Asi Pito for the try which put them in front.

A Jon Higgins drop goal then sealed matters.

Shillingford added: “It was very pleasing.

“It was a tough game and we knew it was going to be.

“Fair play to the boys they were really up for it.

“Bournville are a side who you would expect to be up there at the end of the season and it’s good to get an early blow in.

“We had targeted the games against Sutton Coldfield and Walsall and we have won all three.”

Centre Stefan Shillingford, who missed Saturday’s game through a stomach upset, should return on Saturday though Jak Davis is likely to be missing after picking up a knock.

Shillingford added: “Hopefully over the next few weeks we will be able to give a few of the lads on the fringes of the side a go.

“We have good strength in depth at most positions and its a chance for some others to get some minutes under their belts.”