Lichfield RUFC concluded their first block of fixtures away at Dudley Kingswinford.
The playing surface was perfect, and with a heavy diagonal wind, the game was sure play out in a tactical battle.
It was Lichfield who started the brightest as they gathered the kick off and set off on the attack. A break through the middle and then down the right wing found the Greens metres from the DK line. Poor options found the chance squandered and the hosts were able to clear their lines.
The home team then started to find their rhythm and play some through phases. Lichfield’s defence was solid, repelling and driving each wave back, but they were unable to clear out of their half due to the wind and when they did, discipline at the breakdown saw DK drill deep into the 22.
It took the hosts 15 minutes to score. Seeing their scrum turned over, the Lichfield backs flew up too quickly, and a step back on the inside saw the DK centre scamper to the line. The extras were added for a seven point lead, which was relinquished immediately, as the Greens regathered the kick off and neat play saw space created for Greg Massey to drift through a massive hole and score. Luke Massey added the extras to level things up.
The home side were having all the possession but the Greens’ defence was more than a match as they nullified any attack, although they were having no such luck when they had the ball as they struggled to piece together any phases. When they did, the gaps appeared in the home defence and on the close of the half, Wooton appeared to have scored, only for the assistant to contentiously raise his flag.
Lichfield started the second period with the same intensity and a strong wind kept DK pinned back. A kick return saw the Greens attack from the 22. Dan Rowlands hit the line at speed, bouncing three would-be to defenders to score under the posts. Massey converted to give his side the lead for the first time in the game.
But the lead was short lived as a misfiring attack gifted the ball back to DK in their own half and within five minutes, both wingers had scored to take back the lead.
Luke Taplin was added to the game and his instant energy started to apply more pressure at the breakdown. Lichfield again squeezed DK into their own 22, and they were awarded a penalty which Luke Massey duly converted.
With 20 minutes to go the scores were level and the game was there to be won. The visiting defence never looked like being broken, but their attack was lacklustre and two golden chances went begging.
Lichfield’s confidence from previous games was evident as they patiently probed, knowing all they needed was several good phases to break down the home defence. They only needed one, as the first solid scrum of the game saw a set piece move perfectly executed and Maxwell-Keys powered his way to the line from 20 metres. Massey converted and the referee signalled four minutes to go.
The Greens managed to control the game and almost scored the bonus point, but were ecstatic when the final whistle went.
Four wins was the target and 19 points achieved before heading into this rest weekend. Lichfield are now well placed to tackle the run into Christmas, and with injuries and illnesses returning, the strength in depth on offer will be pleasing to the coaching staff.
Lichfield: Gabbitass, Clarke, Taylor, Thompson, Squire, Burton (capt), Turner, Southern; Wedgwood, L Massey, Wootton, G Massey, Maxwell-Keys, Fielding, Rowlands. Subs: Taplin, J Massey and Clark.
