NEIL Shillingford was left to rue missed opportunities after Dudley Kingswinford suffered defeat in their season opener at Sutton Coldfield.

It proved to be a frustrating afternoon for the director of rugby as DK slipped to a 24-17 loss last Saturday.

They found themselves 17-6 down at the break with Nic Adams and Duncan Tompkins kicking the points to keep them in the clash.

However, a spirited second half saw them draw level thanks to two more penalties from Tompkins and a try for Adams.

DK kept the pressure on but couldn't find a way through to get their noses in front.

Instead it was the hosts that would take the spoils as they crashed over in the final minutes leaving DK having to be content with a bonus point for efforts.

Shillingford said: "I was frustrated and disappointed after Sutton.

"We just needed to show more composure at vital times. We put ourselves in the position to win the game but couldn't do it.

"We just lacked that control in certain positions and maybe our link between nine and 10 didn't quite work for us.

"Maybe the players just panicked a little when they got near the try line and just couldn't finish the move. That mental toughness and composure is something we have talked about and something we need to show moving forwards.

"There were also times in the game, like when we went behind early on, that you could see some individuals go into their shell and rely on others to lift things. That can't happen and everyone needs to step up.

"Overall we are close to what we want and we can't dwell on the defeat for too long. The main thing is that we were getting into the positions and creating the chances.

"There we a lot of positives to take from the game, even though we didn't get the win."

DK will now host Whitchurch this Saturday (3pm) for their first home game of the campaign.

Shillingford is keen for his side to turn Heathbrook into a fortress this season.

"I spoke before about how important it is to try and get that first away win under your belt, but it is even more important that we win at home," he added.

"We won't know for a few more weeks which teams will be strong or weak this year, but we want Heathbrook to be a difficult place to come.

"I want us to build on the second half performance against Sutton but work on taking our opportunities."

DK will assess an injury to Connor Jones ahead of the weekend.

Shillingford said that changes will be considered due to players in the club's development side pushing hard for a first team start.