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# Lichfield RUFC 27 Nuneaton Old Eds RUFC 12
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/lichfield-rufc-27-nuneaton-old-eds-rufc-12/
- Published: 2011-03-08T13:00:25.000Z
- Updated: 2011-03-07T21:25:53.000Z
- Author: Lichfield RUFC
- Tags: Sport, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 19:32

Lichfield took to the field on a damp and dismal afternoon looking to continue their good run of results against a Nuneaton side that had won two of their last three games and were desperate for points in their battle against relegation.

On a difficult afternoon for running rugby it quickly became apparent that both sides were going to become embroiled in a war of attrition. Nuneaton’s’ game plan of hitting up short and feeding forward drives off the fly half soon became clear but they executed it well and Lichfield had to be disciplined and committed to ensure they didn’t break through.

In spite of going through numerous phases, the home defence stood firm and they were able to turn ball over or force Nuneaton into errors.

The Lichfield team looked threatening ball in hand but it was Nuneaton who struck first through their strong running centre Peacock in the 13th minute and he also converted to give the visitors 7-0 lead.

The Myrtle Greens responded positively and after a number of phases the ball went wide to the elusive Brear who sped over for a well taken try, Josh Massey added the extras to tie the game up at 7-7.

Lichfield continued to press and in the 31st minute Greg Massey spotted a chink of light in the defensive wall to cross for a second Lichfield try and give them the lead for the first time at 12-7.

The home forwards were winning the battle in the tight, pressurising the Nuneaton scrums and causing problems for the opposition line out. Paulson, Burton and Milner had to be ever alert to snuff out some strong running from the opposition forwards, particularly Garnham.

Bassett, Sowden, Thompson, Squires and Gabbitass worked hard around the park in difficult conditions, making hard yards and putting in more than the usual amount of tackles.

In the 37th minute Brear got his second, illustrating the threat that Lichfield’s backs pose with quick ball and Lichfield went into half time 17-7 in front.

Nuneaton were still well in contention, Josh and Greg Massey and also Tom Addams stood firm in the midfield against a robust and direct visiting attack and they made some good decisions, Josh and Greg opting for territory at the right times, backed up by some great kick chase pressure from Cotterhill and Brown to keep Nuneaton in the right areas of the field.

In the 48th minute Greg Massey rounded off some great interplay between the team to score his second and Lichfield’s bonus point try, Josh Massey again converting and the Myrtle Greens were 24-7 to the good.

Two minutes later Tom Paulson went into another of his renowned bone crunching hits and had to leave the field to be checked out in the hospital. Tom returned to the club later, fortunately none the worse for his early exit. He was replaced by the evergreen John Hicks who was almost on the scoresheet within minutes of coming on only to be dragged down just short of the line preventing what would have been a very popular try.

Dave Butler replaced Callum Aspley who again acquitted himself well in only his second full game and continues to gain valuable experience. Savage replaced Sowden who is fast regaining full match fitness and both replacements slotted seamlessly into the set up, an indication of Lichfield’s improving strength in depth.

Nuneaton began to throw the ball about in the bid to get back into the game and in the 63d minute Garnham got a derived try to put them within striking distance at 24-12.

Lichfield remained resolute and after spending an extended period battering the visitors line skipper Bassett opted for the penalty shot at goal in the 77th minute, Josh Massey duly obliged and Lichfield were 27-12 and importantly, three scores in front which was how the game ended.

Not a great spectacle but a good example of how to close out a game against a very committed side whose league position belies their performances in the second half of the season.

Lichfield have a tough encounter next week against a talented Old Halesonians side who have pushed the top teams all the way this season and who lie one place above the Myrtle Greens so it will be a good test of Lichfield’s credentials against one of the more attractive teams in the league.

**Lichfield**: Sowden, Gabbitass, Bassett (c), Thompson, Squire, Burton, Milner, Paulson; Aspley, J Massey, Brown, Adams, G Massey, G Cotterhill, Brear. Subs: Savage, Hicks and Butler.