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# Match report: Lichfield RUFC 22 Old Halesonians RUFC 22
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/match-report-lichfield-rufc-22-old-halesonians-rufc-22/
- Published: 2012-03-27T07:30:22.000Z
- Updated: 2012-03-27T07:30:42.000Z
- Author: Lichfield RUFC
- Tags: #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 21:41

Lichfield welcomed the high flying Old Halesonians team to Cooke Fields eagerly anticipating a tough contest in the glorious spring sunshine.

The hosts started poorly, and after some sloppy contact skills, the outstanding Halesonian open side turned the ball over and the speedy winger Simon Sabel crossed the line.

Lichfield struggled to impose themselves on the game but finally after some excellent handling by both backs and forwards Greg Massey accelerated over the line, converted by brother Josh.

The Myrtle Greens then appeared to have pressed the self destruct button as they knocked on, spilt or kicked ball away which allowed the visitors to play a dynamic game with some superb off-loading which forced the home side to scramble in defence.

Lichfield conceded 17 unanswered points in 15 minute spell which seemingly spelt the end for the Myrtle Greens chances of upsetting the form book.

Lichfield did finish the half strongly with several reset scrums on the Old Halesonians line before the referee awarded the visitors another penalty after the hosts once again struggled to support the ball carrier quick enough.

Following a constructive half time team talk, the Myrtle Greens emerged in a positive frame of mind, determine to keep hold of the ball and finish the game strongly. After some outstanding mauling play from the pack, a slick backline move released Greg Massey to glide over the line to score within four minutes of the second half.

Six minutes later Josh Massey converted a penalty to bring Lichfield within a converted score of their opponents and this seemed to spur the Myrtle Greens on as they began to play with an intensity and control which was lacking in the first half.

As both teams tired, the game opened up and the play ebbed and flowed as both the spring heat, as well as some inconsistent refereeing allowed both teams to exert pressure on the breakdown area.

With nine minutes left on the clock, Greg Massey looked to have fumbled a pass, however Massey deftly kicked the ball ahead which bounced over the covering defence and was superbly gathered by Massey himself to score under the posts to delight of the large crowd, converted by Josh Massey.

Lichfield were evidently inspired by this score and with some excellent handling skills from Derrick Squire and Charlie Milner, they secured the restart and looked to once again exploit the tired Old Hales defence to score in the dying minutes of a game which had finally sprung into life. However, as Lichfield pressed hard into the Old Halesonians half, the referee strangely blew up for the end of play with at least six minutes left on the clock.

This was a somewhat strange end to what was a hard fought game which highlighted the fact that Lichfield truly belong at the top end of this competitive league.

Lichfield travel to Ludlow on Saturday (March 31) for what will be an extremely competitive fixture as Ludlow attempt to move away from the bottom of the table as we near the end of the season. Lichfield are only one point behind fifth place Walsall and they will hope to close this gap this weekend.