Rugby Union: Dudley Kingswinford extend winning streak to four

DK went 14-0 up after Tommy Walker scored an early try in the corner that was expertly converted by Duncan Tompkins and Pete Griffiths added a second score from a five-metre scrum. But the hosts hit back with a try before half-time and a penalty after the break to make things interesting.

Although the second-half descended into a tackle-slog, DK held on to win 14-8 and stay in fourth position above Stratford on points difference. Stratford joined Dudley on 62 points after beating Wolverhampton 34-13 at Pearcecroft.

One division higher in National 3 Midlands, Old Halesonians won a tight game with Bedford Athletic 27-23 in front of a full crowd and over 100 former players who had gathered for the club’s annual reunion lunch.

Skipper Steve Leach opened the scoring with a try which was converted by Ian Briggs, but second-bottom Bedford hit back immediately.

Luke Smith collected a neat chip to open up the gap before Leach added his second to make it 19-8 at half-time. However, Bedford scored two tries to take a one-point lead on the hour mark before Jay Reid restored the home side’s advantage.

A Bedford penalty made it 24-23 before Briggs slotted a penalty to secure a much-needed bonus-point victory that leaves Hales in sixth place.

In the same league, Lichfield lost a closely-contested game at home to second-place Broadstreet, going down 10-8.