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# Lichfield RUFC come out on top in tough battle at Malvern
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/lichfield-rufc-come-out-on-top-in-tough-battle-at-malvern/
- Published: 2014-04-02T08:31:59.000Z
- Updated: 2014-04-02T08:31:59.000Z
- Author: Lichfield RUFC
- Tags: #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 20:48

Lichfield RUFC secured a 33-12 victory at struggling Malvern despite a strong showing from the home side.

For 55 minutes the two sides who find themselves at opposite ends of the table were neck and neck before the Greens finally pulled away on the scoreboard in the latter stages.

Malvern showed their intent from the off, with strong forward carriers and searching runs. Lichfield never looked at their sharpest, and within minutes the home side found a gap, and a hard line sent the captain over for the opening try. This was converted, but the lead was short lived.

The visitors came straight back as they moved the ball across the pitch, finding a hole that Joe Thompson went through, showing great pace to beat the last defender. Josh Massey converted, and the scores were tied.

Lichfield started to play with some of the tempo and accuracy supporters had become accustomed to over the season, but Malvern were fighting tooth and nail and organised well in defence. A long kick from saw the home side push into the 22\. When the line-out was stolen, the ball was moved wide for the winger to score.

With possession frequently changing hands, neither side made tremendous inroads, the excitement being left until the closing minutes of the half.

As Malvern were penalised for crossing, Lichfield countered and worked their way forward before Burton broke the line and cantered in for a converted try.

The Greens headed in at the break 12-14 leaders, returning with the wind at their backs and used it to their advantage as deep kicks from Massey and Wedgewood saw Malvern pinned back and some excellent defensive work keep them there.

As the hosts seemed to be clawing their way closer to the line, some excellent cover defence forced a turnover, and the huge clearing kick and chase earned Lichfield a scrum five metres out. The pack duly applied the pressure, and Burton was over for his second of the day. Massey converted to give the visitors a 21-12 lead.

It was the final 20 minutes where Malvern ran out of gas and Lichfield’s wide play saw them gain ground. The Greens lived off turnovers, the tired home team being penalised at the breakdown as the visiting back row worked tirelessly.

From a breakaway the backs ate up up the pitch, only for the galloping second row of Nick Southern to find himself in support to score in the corner. Massey used the wind well to convert, and Lichfield took full control.

Malvern continued to press, but the visitors showed their organisation and fitness in again turning over the ball before excellent handling and support saw Jack Fielding race over out wide. The conversion was missed, but Lichfield had showed signs of the season’s earlier form and enjoyed their day at Malvern.

This week sees the team return to Cooke Fields for the final home game of the season against Market Bosworth with a 3pm kick off and a large crowd expected.

Lichfield have also been confirmed as finalists in the Staffordshire Senior Cup and will play local rivals Walsall at Newcastle-Under-Lyme on April 26.

**Lichfield RUFC:** Taylor, Clarke, Bassett (c), Thompson, Squire, Burton, Taplin, Prior; Wedgwood, L Massey, J Fielding, Milner, Maxwell-Keys, D Rowlands, J Massey. Subs: Squire, Gabbitass and Turner.