In perfect conditions for running rugby Lichfield took the field against Old Salts expecting a tough, physical encounter against a side that is always competitive for the full 80 minutes.
Lichfield started brightly and had their opponents under pressure for the first 15 minutes. They eventually got their reward when Neil Antcliffe slotted a penalty to give Lichfield a 3-0 lead.
The set piece was functioning well with Bassett, Sowden and Gabbitass tormenting the opposition front row. However Old Salts were working hard at the break down and were frustrating Lichfield’s attempts to gain control and continuity.
Old Salts then received a penalty for an infringement at the break down which the opposition fly half neatly converted to put them back on level terms.
This put a spring in Old Salts step and after a period of consistent pressure the scrum half darted over for a well taken try converted by the fly half to put Old Salts clear at 10-3.
Lichfield were battling hard to get back into the game but a series of handling errors and dogged opposition defence was frustrating them. However the reliable Antcliffe kept Lichfield in touch with another sweetly taken penalty to reduce the deficit to 10-6.
Just before half time the Old Salts half backs repeated their earlier scoring feat, the scrum half getting the try converted by the fly half and Old Salts were in a strong position at 22-6.
Lichfield were still fighting and Antcliffe again converted a penalty to give Lichfield hope at 22-9.
Just before the interval Lichfield finally got some continuity and after some great handling from Tom Adams and Ngoma, Jack Sporcic rounded the opposition full back to score under the posts, Antcliffe converting, and Lichfield were back in touch at 22-16.
Dan Albutt left the field injured to be replaced by Ciaran Howley and Lichfield began the second half optimistic that they could overturn the deficit.
Menmuir and Hicks were working hard at the set piece and break down and Lichfield looked as though they were beginning to dominate. Chris Adams, who worked hard in support throughout, then took a pass just outside the opposition 22 and stormed through the defence for a fine try, converted by Antcliffe and Lichfield were in front at 23-22.
As has been the case this season Lichfield then relaxed and after a soft penalty, well taken by the opposition 10 they found themselves behind again at 25-23.
This was a real test of character for the Lichfield side and they were beginning to find more space as the game wore on. Matt Smith, having a fine debut at scrum half, was giving Antcliffe reliable and consistent service and Mark Rose, another debutant, was making some telling incursions into the line. Tom Adams was making space and Lichfield were at last getting some continuity.
Lichfield again took the lead, Ngoma cutting a fine line in support to score another well worked try which Antcliffe converted to put Lichfield clear at 30-25.
However Lichfield were again guilty of relaxing and Old Salts needed no second invitation to score another try converted by the fly half to regain the lead at 32-30.
The pressure on the home side was compounded minutes later when Old Salts scored again to put them further in front at 37-30 with time running out.
With Lichfield aware that every point would be crucial in the league this season, they roared back at the away side, Matty Brown going close and Lichfield were camped in the opposition 22.
After a series of scrummages and penalties the pressure told and the opposition second row was sin binned after a number of team infringements.
Lichfield turned down the chance for three points, opting to go for the scrum and after a series of close run things Joe Thompson, who had been prominent all day forced his way over after a great scrum by the home pack, Antcliffe converting and the scores were tied at 37-37.
Lichfield were not finished and kept the pressure on the opposition, Antcliffe again taking advantage of an infringement to give Lichfield the lead at 40-37.
With time running out and the home support hoping for the whistle and some relief from the tension Lichfield rounded it off in style, forwards and backs combining well with Rose releasing Sporcic who went over in the corner, Antcliffe crowning a Man of The Match performance with a touch line conversion to put Lichfield safe, two scores clear at 47-37.
Lichfield showed an enormous amount of character to force their way back into the game twice and can take a lot of confidence for the season to come.
Because they of a bye in the first round of the National Cup, Lichfield’s next game is September 26 at Shrewsbury.
