VICTORY over fellow strugglers Longton could act as a springboard for Dudley Kingswinford's stuttering season, says Carl Douglas.

The DK director of rugby wants his players to bounce back from last Saturday's exit from the North Mids Cup at the hands of Newport by finally kick-starting their campaign.

He said: "The players are well aware of how important Saturday's game at Longton is. They are scrapping at the bottom end of the league the same as we are.

"I'm confident the players have the ability. If they can get a positive result it may prove significant step for us and could really act as a springboard to finally get our season going once and for all."

However, DK's players will first have to put last weekend's 67-0 defeat well out of their minds.

They travelled to Newport with seven changes to the team but never really go going in the contest.

In complete contrast to the previous week’s performance, the DK pack were outplayed with the home team dominating in both the scrums and lineouts. Newport kicked off with a strong wind at their backs and it took only five minutes for them to start the score board moving.

DK were penalised in the forwards following early pressure from the home side and Liam Holder was successful with the resulting kick. This early pressure continued and in the tenth minute Newport shunned a relatively easy kick at goal opting instead to kick for position.

From the resulting lineout, they won possession and formed a rolling mail which led to flanker Luke Kendall touching down for the opening try, which Holder successfully converted.

DK’s former centre, Chris Perry, then crossed for Newport’s second try on 35 minutes which was converted by Holder once more.

It only took a further three minutes for the home side to extend their lead when Holder landed his second penalty.

Newport’s Dave Riley crossed for a converted try just before the break.

It was hoped that with the wind at their backs in the second half, DK’s fortunes would improve. However, the complete opposite was to happen. With the home team’s confidence riding high, they carried on in the same vein as the first half.

In contrast, DK’s discipline completely deserted them and Newport took full advantage. This ill-discipline, coupled with poor tackling led to the home side running in a further six tries - one each for Liam Holder, Richard Biggin, and Robert Keith. Fijian centre Henry Vaka bagged a brace and Chris Perry added a second to his total.

Liam Holder, who was in superb kicking form, successfully converted five.

"We simply didn't turn up," added Douglas. "Players need to start taking responsibility for what they bring to the party.

"It's important they bounce back in the right manner."

Following defeat at the hands of Newport, DK have now joined the Plate competition and have been drawn at home against Bournville.