DUDLEY Kingswinford chief Neil Shillingford says his side have progressed since their last clash with promotion rivals Bromsgrove.

Second-placed DK welcome third-placed Boars to Heathbrook this Saturday (2.15pm kick-off) for a much-anticipated encounter that could have a big say in this season's title race.

Bromsgrove came out on top with a 43-36 victory when the sides last met in the reverse fixture back in September.

However, the director of rugby believes his players can secure another massive win as long as they stick to the things that have brought them success this term.

He said: "It is going to be a big game and will then be followed by another big one against Burton a week later.

"Bromsgrove are a good side and will have got a few injuries back after the break so it is going to be tough. You can't allow them the space to run at you.

"We're a different side since the last time we met because I'd like to think we have progressed, especially defensively.

"We are also better equipped to change things during a game now. The team as a whole knows what needs to be done and how to alter something if it's not working.

"We're going to have to be disciplined and patient. There can be times when we try and force the ball and force the play too often, so that is something we'll need to manage.

"The gap between ourselves and Bromsgrove is more than one result so that takes the pressure of slightly. I think we can afford to slip up in one of the next two, but not both.

"The win would be massive heading into the back end of the season but there is a lot of rugby still to be played."

DK go into the clash on the back of an accomplished 54-5 success at Wolverhampton last weekend.

Shillingford was pleased to hit the ground running following the festive period lay-off, adding: "It was very pleasing and a top performance from us. The lads were clearly up for it.

"It did feel like the start of the season again and we knew it was important that we were quickly out of the blocks again.

"They enjoyed more of the ball in the first half but we were much more clinical. It was great defensive display but we also played some fantastic rugby in difficult conditions."

Shillingford has no major injury concerns ahead of the Bromsgrove crunch clash.