A huge contingent of fans had flocked to East Yorkshire in the hope of seeing the Heathbrook outfit gain promotion to National Three North but they were left to rue a host of missed chances.

The win means Beverley have now gained promotion four seasons on the trot but press officer Peter Stinton is still scratching his head to figure out how D-K lost.

Peter said: "I'm still struggling to fathom out how we lost this game, because in term's territory and pressure we wiped the floor with them.

"The major problem was we just couldn't score in open play and to add to that Andy McLellan missed two easy penalties.

"Credit to Beverley though because they defended bravely, but even relegated Walsall threatened our line more than they did, its just very bizarre."

The visitors were dealt a big blow early on when influential fly- half Eddie Smith had to be replaced on 13 minutes after being concussed in a heavy tackle.

Young replacement Gareth Bown came on and did himself justice but Stinton believes Smith's wealth of experience was sorely missed.

He added: "Eddie going off so early didn't help our cause and that is no disrespect to Gareth because after settling down he did very well.

"It's just the fact that maybe Eddie's experience and know how could have been the key to unlocking the Beverley defence at those crucial moments."

D-K will now begin their summer break in the knowledge they will be up with the best Midlands Division One has to offer.

Peter added: "We have done well this season despite of this setback and I'm sure the players will pick themselves up over the summer and come back raring to go for another promotion push next year. "As long as we can retain the majority of our squad and just fiddle around with a few things the future will look bright.

One player who will not be involved in a title assault next season is full back Andy McLellan who played his last game for the club at Beverley on Saturday before rejoining former side Kidderminster.

Read all about the agonising defeat on page 126...