LUCTONIANS threw away a half-time lead as they lost their re-arranged Midlands One fixture at Dudley Kingswinford 23-7.

The visitors had the advantage of a stiff breeze at their backs for the first-half, but the opening exchanges belonged to the home side, although they were unable to pierce the resolute Luctonians defence.

After 10 minutes, a fine forward drive by the Lucs pack drove their opponents back more than 30 metres, but they were eventually penalised when the try-line was within reach.

On 20 minutes, a kick ahead saw winger Andy Garrod catch the Dudley full-back in possession and centre Ricki Helagi was on hand to gather and go over under the posts. Jeremy Wheadon added the extra points.

Minutes later, Lucs centre Mark Panniers limped off with a leg injury, which caused his side to lose their attacking momentum.

After the break, the hosts soon had Luctonians on the back foot and, within 10 minutes of the restart, they opened their account with a try by wing forward Ian Langford.

Then an Andy McLellan penalty put the home side ahead for the first time.

Dudley made full use of the elements, which put Lucs under constant pressure, and a further mistake presented home winger Steve Smart with a try.

On 65 minutes, a second McLellan penalty put Dudley firmly in the driving seat. The visitors rarely threatened to get into their opponents' half and the game became punctuated with several stoppages for injuries.

Wing forward Layton Wilkinson scored Dudley's third try on 80 minutes and McLellan added the extra points.