Lichfield returned from a trip to Stoke with only a 47-7 defeat to show for their efforts.
The Greens with the core of the squad that had performed so well the previous week against Worcester. But With the weather and pitch unfavorable to their style, they knew they would have to dig deep and play intelligently.
They did this for the opening 20 minutes with physical defense and phases of attack. Stoke had converted two penalties before Lichfield got themselves on the scoreboard. A counter attack move, allowing the backs to stretch their legs, saw the ball travel the length of the pitch, with Tom Adams being the final acceptor, sprinting in under the posts.
The visitors held a slim 6-7 lead before stand-in flanker Dan Albutt saw yellow in the 29th minute. This turned the game, as the constant guess work at the breakdown played into Stoke’s hands. They went on to score two converted tries in this period, and lead 20-7 at the break.
The Greens started the second half with a full line-up and held onto the ball for longer periods. Lichfield’s lack of accuracy allowed Stoke to play through the phases and their half backs pinned the visitors in their own half with some excellent kicks.
Lichfield were unable to work their way out, with passes going to ground and penalties being conceded. Stoke gladly accepted all of these converting three penalties and scoring three close range tries as the visiting defense started to capitulate in dramatic fashion.
The final score of 47-7 reflected how well Stoke adapted to the conditions and the accuracy Lichfield lacked to trouble them.
The Greens will be hoping to bounce back this weekend when they take on another local team, as Walsall come to Cooke Fields in what will be a tough game for the hosts.
Lichfield: McDonough, Gabbitass, Bassett (c), Thompson, Squire, Taplin, Albutt, Milner; Winter, L Massey, Maxwell-Keys, Adams, G Massey, J Massey, D Rowlands. Subs: Craddock, Haber and B Rowlands.
