DIRECTOR of rugby Carl Douglas has called for Dudley Kingswinford's players to work harder.

The Heathbrook chief thinks the signs are all there of the team's continued improvement, but reiterated the need for greater concentration and work-rate.

DK slumped to another league defeat last Saturday at the hands of third-placed Peterborough Lions.

Despite losing 51-11, Douglas said there were plenty of positives to suggest his team will be able to turn their results around.

He said: "We started the game as well as any this season and we we in the contest at half time. But we soon fragmented and let the game get away from us.

"We must make sure we play for the full 80 minutes rather than in 10 and 20 minute spells.

"The best way of achieving that is by the players working harder and making sure they give it everything. If they worry about those little moment then the scoreboard will look after itself.

"I have laid that firmly at the feet of the players and they must now apply themselves more consistently."

Against Peterborough, 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.

However, 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 visitors in.

Despite much better defence as time ran out, DK couldn't prevent the Peterborough pack claiming a further try to wrap up the win.

DK will travel to Scunthorpe this Saturday.

"Scunthorpe are strong at home but we believe we are capable of getting something from the game. They are beatable if we can apply ourselves," added Douglas.