Lichfield RUFC took the local bragging rights in a 37-8 triumph against Burton.
With fierce rivalry between the two fireworks were expected, but the team from just up the A38 only brought their sparklers.
It took Lichfield a minute to cross the whitewash, as an excellent restart saw Burton penalised and the ball kicked deep into the 22. A catch and drive was rewarded with a penalty try and prop Tom Murphy sent to the bin for 10 minutes. Luke Massey converted to give his side the perfect start.
The Greens continued to press as their intensity and accuracy forced their opponents into errors, however they were guilty of trying to force passes and allowed Burton to relieve the pressure.
Eventually, the visitors clawed their way into the home half and some strong forward carriers allowed them to gain momentum. Lichfield’s tenacious defence was relentless in repelling Burton, but they were overzealous and penalised for offside. The visitors took the three points on offer and found themselves trailing 7-3 after a quarter of an hour.
The hosts hit back as Burton failed to deal with lofted restart and Cal Turner gathered and made ground. Too many errors in the 22 and a turned over scrum saw the Greens spread play, and a sniping break from Jonny Evans led to the ball reaching Matt Cowley who powerered his way to the try line. Massey again converted to extend his side’s lead to 14-3.
Lichfield spent the following 20 minutes playing in their own half as a strong wind, poor choices and execution saw them pegged back. Mistakes from both teams saw play ebb and flow, but it was Burton who took their chance, as some quick play and strong runs saw second row Will Roach power over. The conversion was missed.
The second period saw the Greens respond to pressure with their direct brand of defence, turning the ball over and spreading play. They soon pinned Burton deep into their own half and set piece errors gifted the ball back to the hosts. It eventually gave Greg Massey the chance to stretch his legs before Maxwell-Keys was stopped short. Burton were penalised and Lichfield found themselves scrumming on the 5m line. The scrum was turned over, but the ball was only cleared to the 22. The Greens maintained their pressure and the hosts were penalised for offside. Massey added the three points.
This seemed to kick Lichfield into gear, as their tempo and accuracy increased. The ball was being moved across the pitch and a neat two versus one was exploited for Wootton to stroll over for his first try for the Greens.
The cushion seemed to loosen the shackles from the Greens as they began to play with more fluidity and confidence. A scrum break by Cotterhill saw him race 70 metres up the pitch before the ball was lost into touch, but Lichfield managed to regather and a powerful forward drive saw Dan Clarke score. Windy conditions were making kicking difficult and the extras were missed.
The home side were 27-8 in front with twenty minutes to go. But they didn’t relent and found themselves scoring again thanks to a break from Cotterhill. The ball was spread across the pitch and several tight drives saw Stephen Gabbitass drive over.
Burton had their chances and worked into the Lichfield 22 only for errors and strong defence to hold their charge. Lichfield regained their field position and a set piece play saw the backs break into the 22. The ball was quickly recycled to find the onrushing Wootton who powered over for his second of the day. The extras were missed but the scoreline was beyond doubt as the Greens pocketed another five points for their efforts.
Lichfield will travel to Dudley Kingswinford at the weekend (November 1) with kick offs now moving to 2.15pm.
Lichfield: Birt, Gabbitass, Taylor, Cowley, Squire, Burton (c), Turner, Southern; Evans, L Massey, Wootton, G Massey, Maxwell-Keys, Rowlands, Cotterhill. Subs: Clarke, Wedgwood, Fielding.
