Lichfield RUFC returned to winning ways in the opening match of 2013, overcoming Barkers Butts 10-31.
The pitch played well, and conditions were favourable for running rugby.
It was Lichfield who started the brightest, playing more conservatively and keeping hold of the ball. They were rewarded for their phase play with a penalty in front of the posts which Greg Massey converted with only minutes gone.
Barkers were having their share of the ball in midfield, but the Lichfield defence was resolute in stopping any threat.
With mistakes from both teams halting any real flow to the game, it was the visitors who made the first breakthrough. Keeping hold of the ball and playing through phases, they were able to create and space and some excellent passing found Dan Rowlands in clear space to score. Greg Massey converted.
Despite the setback, Barkers continued to try and play wide through their wingers and when they were able to keep hold of the ball for periods, they threatened the Lichfield line. Had it not been for unforced errors, they surely would have scored. Instead, they had to settle for a penalty, their fly half converting to take the score to 3-10.
The Greens made good use of the conditions and with Barkers unable to find distance on their kicks, the Lichfield set piece went about its business well. Lovely interplay from the Luke Taplin and Dave Abel, saw several passes strung together before Ollie Winter was the grateful recipient of a well worked try. Another conversion and the visitors extended their lead to 3-17.
An arm wrestle ensued, with the referee starting to penalise both teams. The ball rarely found its way into either 22, but with Barkers again unable to find distance on their kicks, the Lichfield lineout this time released the backs to execute a well worked play, sending Brad Rowlands in for a score just on half time. Another conversion saw the visiting side go in at half-time 3-24 up.
The second period again saw a hotly contested midfield battle with both teams trying to assert territorial dominance.
Barkers played into the Lichfield 22 due to poor discipline, but a confident pack was repelled and penalised by excellent forward work.
The Greens now took their turn to pressurise the Barkers 22 and another set piece try saw Ollie Winter ghost through the defence and score under the posts. Greg Massey converted to make the score 3-31 and this is how it remained for the final 20 minutes.
Barkers pressed hard and tempers started to boil. Charlie Milner saw yellow for persistent team offences, but still the Lichfield defence was strong. Scuffles were starting to break out, and Ollie Winter and his opposite number were next to see yellow. The home lineout took advantage of the field position to close the game out with a rather fortunate score, ending proceedings at 10-31.
Lichfield: McDonough, Gabbitass, Bassett (c), Burton, Squire, Taplin, Abel, Milner; Clark, L Massey, B Rowlands, Winter, G Massey, D Rowlands, Lote. Subs: Albutt, Upton and J Massey.
