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# Lichfield RUFC reach final of the Staffs Cup
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/lichfield-rufc-reach-final-of-the-staffs-cup/
- Published: 2013-04-06T07:00:40.000Z
- Updated: 2013-04-09T09:14:42.000Z
- Author: Lichfield RUFC
- Tags: #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 19:24

Lichfield moved into the final of the Staffs Cup on Wednesday night after producing a powerful display to overcome local rivals Walsall 41-21.

The game started with a bang for the visitors, who slipped straight into top gear in their first outing for over three weeks. Richard Burton was on hand to score the opener after a huge lineout drive from the entire pack. Greg Massey slotted the conversion to secure the dream 7-0 lead inside two minutes.

Walsall were not to be put off by this early onslaught, however, and they quickly responded with two simple penalties, albeit with help from a couple of dubious refereeing decisions. With the match well poised at 6-7, Lichfield then produced a 15 minute period of incisive, attacking rugby.

Firstly, Brad Rowlands showed his pace and power in evading two would-be defenders out wide to race over. And despite gifting Walsall a try from a messy scrum situation, Lichfield were intent on taking advantage of this purple patch.

Tom Adams capitalised from some great work by Greg Massey down the right touchline to score, before Derrick Squire emerged with the ball to complete another impressive set piece try. The home crowd was stunned as the visitors opened up an 11-26 lead.

The final ten minutes of the first half were perhaps the most impressive of the evening. Reduced to 14 men after the sin-binning of Ollie Winter and feeling the effects of the strong headwind, Lichfield retained the ball brilliantly, with backs and forwards alike stepping up and taking control to close out the half.

The start of the second period brought an inevitable Walsall response. The home side threw everything at the green wall, but were only able to add three points to their score. This represented a morale boost for the visitors who quickly added their fifth and best try of the night through Paul Maxwell-Keys.

Richard Burton carried hard into the heart of the Walsall defence, Luke Massey swept the ball away from the ruck and the ball moved quickly between Dan Rowlands and Tom Adams, who produced a neat offload for Maxwell-Keys to score in front of a jubilant away crowd.

At 14-31 the game was as good as over but Walsall kept coming, and they finally got over the line again after a series of hold ups over the Lichfield line. Dave Abel, in particular, was at the forefront of a resolute defensive effort. As the game drew to a close, the visitors were determined to finish in the manner in which they started.

Fittingly it was left to Jonny Evans, back after 17 months out injured, to mastermind a try with the final play of the match. His clever grubber kick allowed right wing Dan Rowlands to race through and dot the ball down. Greg Massey nailed the conversion to complete an 11 point haul with the boot.

Lichfield will contest the final of the Staffs Cup against Tamworth on May 18 at Walsall Rugby Club.

**Lichfield:** Taylor, Albutt, Bassett (c), Thompson, Squire, Turner, Abel, Burton, Evans, L Massey, B Rowlands, Maxwell-Keys, Adams, D Rowlands, G Massey. Subs: McDonough, Clarke and Winter.