Lichfield RUFC turned in their best performance of the season so far as they brushed aside local rivals Walsall at Cooke Fields.

The hosts had to make a number of changes for the game with Turner, W Cotterhill, G Cotterhill, Brear and Rowlands all unavailable for selection, and this was made worse when Paul Finnemore was taken away in an ambulance after an ankle injury picked up in the warm-up.

However, it didn’t take long for the home side to strike. Blindside flanker Paulson – who led from the front all day with an awesome tackling display – collected his own charge down for a second minute try. Unfortunately, the lead didn’t last long. Walsall’s Pete Fitzgerald crossed after a sustained period of goal line pressure for the equalising score. Encouragingly, this was to prove Lichfield’s only defensive blemish.

The first half was as expected, a tight affair. The away side were extremely competent at the breakdown, and thus able to disrupt many promising attacking situations. They also possessed a hard hitting no.8, who kept the home defence on their toes all afternoon.

However, with a strong breeze at their backs, the Myrtle Greens went in at half-time disappointed to only lead 15-5.

Scrum half Jonny Evans was directing the side well on debut, combining well with the powerful Goodwin at 8. Openside Charlie Milner capped an all-action first half showing with a try, while full back Josh Massey was successful with a long range penalty.

Lichfield knew they had to start the second period well to dampen the visitors’ enthusiasm – and they got the flying start they wanted. A re-jigged back line burst into life once more, fullback Massey supplying brother Greg with an inside ball to run unchallenged under the posts. The easy conversion followed.

Deteriorating weather dictated a forward-led last half hour. Indeed, the Lichfield set piece held firm impressively amidst the driving rain, Gabbitass to Thompson proving an effective lineout link. Importantly, Lichfield were able to wrap up the four try bonus point and even go one better with a fifth.

Goodwin was on hand to round off an unstoppable 60th minute push over try, just reward for a much improved front five display. It was then left for Perrins to have the final word. The back row-turned-lock sealed an industrious display with a crowd pleasing 80th minute score. The conversion from Josh Massey completed a well deserved 34-5 victory.

Next week Lichfield travel to the University of Birmingham to face a Bournville side who are currently unbeaten and will be looking to challenge once again this season.

Lichfield: Taylor, Gabbitass, Bassett (c), Perrins, Thompson, Paulson, Milner, Goodwin; Evans, Antcliffe, Brown, Adams, G Massey, Smith, J Massey. Subs: Sowden, Squire, Clark.