NEIL Shillingford was pleased with the way his Dudley Kingswinford players battled to their sixth successive victory.

DK produced a second half fightback to beat Whitchurch 16-10 away last Saturday.

The win maintained their fine form and sees them heading into the festive break in fifth place in Midlands One West.

However, Shillingford's men had to do it the hard way after finding themselves 10-0 down at the break.

But second half tries from Luke Greenwood and Nic Adams drew the visitors level before two penalties from Tommy Huggins handed them the win.

Shillingford said: "It was very much a case of job done. We went there with the aim of making sure we came out with the win rather than focusing on bonus points.

"But I think 70 per cent of the side had already finished for Christmas because we just didn't get going in the first half.

"I don't think it's something you do deliberately but the players seemed to just be going through the paces in the warm up and the intensity wasn't there. Maybe they we too confident of turning up and getting the job done after winning the last five.

"I had harsh words with them at half time and they responded to that second half. They battled really well and did well to come back into it.

"We made a few tactical changes because we were struggling in the scrum. We then won our personal battles in the collision areas and with our ball carries."

DK will return to league action on January 7 when they welcome welcome local rivals Wolverhampton to Heathbrook (2.15pm kick-off).

Shillingford is hoping a positive start can see his side continue to keep the pressure on the top three.