Lichfield RUFC returned from Berswell & Balsall with a victory after an ill-tempered encounter.
The Greens started quickly, with Chris Upton scoring the first try of the afternoon following a storming break down the blind side. The conversion was missed from out wide, but Lichfield were able to hold a narrow lead for the next 15 minutes.
Berskwell & Balsall, driven on by a partisan home crowd, were starting to exert real pressure on the visiting line. The hosts were playing to a less than expansive game plan, but they were able to keep the Greens pinned back with a powerful display of scrummaging and forward carries.
Nevertheless, Lichfield were happy to get to half time just 8-5 down, knowing they would feel the benefits of both the slope and wind in the second period. They could also be proud of a resilient defensive effort, as the solitary try came from a dubious finish to a grubber kick through.
As the second half began, the change in momentum was there for all to see. Dan Rowlands and Tom Adams were on hand to finish two sweeping backs moves, both converted by Josh Massey, and push the visitors into a healthy 19-8 lead.
But the hosts refused to lie down and they quickly hit back with a try and penalty to move to within three points. Fortunately, the comeback was short lived, and Lichfield were able to cement their lead with another well taken Upton score.
Ten minutes later and the contest was as good as over. Berkswell were committing up to 12 men to each driving maul, knowing that any turnover would be fatal to their chances. The ball eventually slipped out of their grasp, Lichfield moved the back crisply down the line and Brad Rowlands was on hand to apply the finish. Paul Maxwell-Keys followed it up with a sweetly struck conversion from the left side.
With the match and bonus point in the bag, Lichfield were able to close the game out impressively and maintain their position at the top of Midlands 1 West.
Lichfield will be pleased to come away from this difficult away trip with a bonus point victory and now look forward to welcoming Camp Hill to Cooke Fields on Saturday (October 6) where they will look to continue their good early season form.
Lichfield: McDonough, Gabbitass, Bassett (c), Upton, Thompson, Doubleday, Abel, Burton; Clark, L Massey, J Massey, Winter, Adams, D Rowlands, G Massey. Subs: Taylor, Maxwell-Keys and B Rowlands.
