DUDLEY Kingswinford's poor league form continued as they slumped to a 51-11 defeat at home to Peterborough Lions.

On a bright December afternoon, DK welcomed a fourth-placed Peterborough to Heathbrook.

With the sun behind them, DK set off with pace and determination and launched some promising forays forward.

From one of these, Peterborough were penalised for holding on and Jamie Hearn kicked a well struck penalty to open the scoring.

Peterborough retaliated with one of their own when the referee penalised Rich Kelley at a scrum.

The Lions began to warm up and gradually wore down the DK pack but were unable to turn possession into points until the 15th minute when Will Carrington struck a second penalty. Despite gaining more possession, the Peterborough backs were unable to penetrate, or frequently catch the ball, with the exception of the giant winger Vernon Horne.

From one of these forays Peterborough gained a line out close to the DK line and with their massive weight advantage it was straightforward to drive over for a try by Arta Balciunas, converted by Carrington.

DK were rewarded for good work at the breakdown by Ed Parry with a second penalty by Jamie Hearn after 25 minutes.

In the 31st minute, Carrington kicked another penalty after DK had repelled the main weapon yet again before a series of penalties gave DK good position just before half-time.

A quality catch and drive by the smaller DK pack enable hooker James Fildes to touch down to leave the scores 16-11 to the Lions at half time.

Almost immediately after the resumption, Horne showed his strength and speed to score his first try. This was repeated after 52 minutes, the second converted by Carrington.

Despite their massive strength up front, Peterborough were unable to convert possession and position into points. They did get their rewards after another close driven try for the pack which Carrington converted after 59 minutes.

DK then had a period of possession thwarted but held out until the 70 minute when an attempt to run the ball deep into their 22 was turned over and allowed the other wing to cross with Carrington again converting.

Despite much better defence, DK couldn't prevent the Peterborough pack claiming a further try, again converted by Carrington.

The positives were the improved tackling by DK in the midfield and the useful displays by stand in scrum half Kieran Pinches and hooker James Fildes.