Lichfield RUFC’s win was overshadowed by a sickening injury to Luke Massey.

The talented fly-half underwent a four-hour operation after suffering a broken leg in a freak accident – an injury that will mean he now misses the remainder of the season.

The blow came as Lichfield took on a Whitchurch side unbeaten in their last five games and lying fifth in the table.

The Myrtle Greens started brightly as they went through numerous phases and played at a very high tempo which the visitors were struggling to cope with.

As early as the fourth minute Tom Adams finished off a sweeping attack to score a fine try, Josh Massey converting to put Lichfield 7-0 in front.

Whitchurch got onto the scoreboard with a penalty in the 11th minute to narrow the deficit to 7-3.

The Lichfield pack was rampaging about the field, carrying forcibly and was proving physical at the breakdown. The home backs were relishing the quick clean ball and were quick to spot any openings, making numerous line breaks and presenting the forwards with some great go forward ball.

The hosts continued to press for a second score until disaster struck in the 15th minute when Massey was injured. This visibly upset the Lichfield side but they did their best to regain their focus and in the 25th minute they scored again with a fine scrum pushover try, finished off by Tom Paulson and converted by Josh Massey, after some great control by the Lichfield pack to push Lichfield into a 14-3 lead.

The Myrtle Greens still looked in control until Whitchurch struck back with two well taken tries in the 36th and 40th minute to bring the half time score to 14-13.

The second half was, understandably, a little frenetic. Lichfield continued to press and made a number of chances to seal the game. Josh Massey, standing in at fly half for brother Luke, settled into the role well. Rich Burton, Dave Bassett, Greg Massey, Tom Adams and Gareth Brear all came close to scoring but a few unforced errors were creeping into the game.

Whitchurch were still in the game and were determined to try and keep their good run going but some determined home defence and a few errors of their own meant Lichfield held them at bay.

The final whistle blew with the hosts pressing for a final score but it was not to be, however the 14-13 victory pushed them up to fifth in the table and looking forward to a real test on Saturday (February 5) against league leaders Dudley Kingswinford.

Lichfield: Taylor, Gabbitass, Bassett (c), Finnemore, Squire, Burton, Milner, Paulson; W Cotterhill, L Massey, Fielding, Adams, G Massey, Brear, J Massey. Subs: Savage, Perrins and Butler.