> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Lichfield RUFC claim local bragging rights after win over Sutton Coldfield
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/lichfield-rufc-claim-local-bragging-rights-after-win-over-sutton-coldfield/
- Published: 2015-03-24T10:49:30.000Z
- Updated: 2015-03-24T10:49:30.000Z
- Author: Lichfield RUFC
- Tags: #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 20:42

Lichfield RUFC claimed the local bragging rights with a triumph over Sutton Coldfield.

This was most definitely a game of two halves. Visitors Sutton started the brightest as the home side lacked consistency and shape.

The errors made were punished and the game was soon camped on the Lichfield 5m line. A solid scrum saw the ball moved and the visitors crossed for the opening score. The conversion was missed and from the kick off the Greens started to find some consistent rhythm. Maintained pressure saw them work up to the 5m and excellent sniping work from Evans saw him dart over for his side’s opening try. Massey converted.

Sutton had the ascendency in the first half as Lichfield turned the ball over in the wrong areas and found themselves having to take tackles and lose ground in doing so.

A 60 metre try from the visiting full back was converted and the stroke of half time, the Greens tried to force a pass which was intercepted and converted to close out the half 7-22.

The second half saw Lichfield fine tune their play and eradicate their first half errors. It took mere minutes for them to find themselves camped on the Sutton line with a scrum. A great set piece saw Burton pick from 8 and power over for a converted try.

The home defence was now making hits and Sutton couldn’t find a way through. Lichfield began to manage the breakdown better and Turner and Taplin were responsible for some excellent turnovers. This saw the Greens play with more confidence as their visitors started to tire.

When a loose pass was gathered on the half way by Wootton, nothing much looked on, until he stepped his defender and accelerated towards the try line to score. The conversion was missed but the score was closely balanced at 19-22.

The visitors had their opportunities to play, but relentless defence again forced errors which Lichfield capitalised on. Rowlands gathered a lose pass and powered past the defence drawing the fullback and feeding Fielding to score in the corner. The conversion was missed but the hosts had regained the lead and secured a four try bonus point.

The game was now evenly balanced at 24-22 with 15 minutes to go and Sutton pressed hard in the Lichfield half, earning penalties and attempting to drive over from line outs.

The home side’s defensive sets were excellent and repelled waves of attacks before turning the visitors over and breaking out through Maxwell-Keys. With Lichfield then playing through the phases, a break from Rowlands saw him again draw the fullback and feed Maxwell-Keys to score. Massey converted to extend his side’s lead to 31-22.

With only minutes to play, Sutton kicked off and as Lichfield controlled the ball, Thompson was found in space on the blind side and he set off on a 60m sprint, beating two backs, then the full back to score his first try of the season. Massey converted to finish the game 38-22.

**Lichfield:** Birt, Gabbitass, Bassett, Thompson, Southern, Turner, Milner, Burton (c); Evans, L Massey, Wootton, Maxwell-Keys, Fielding, Rowlands, J Massey. Subs: Clarke, Cowley, Taplin.