Lichfield RUFC turned in their best performance of the season so far as they brushed aside the challenge of Whitchurch.
Rich Burton returned to the starting line up at six, Ben Sowden packed down at loose head, and Matt Smith shifted to full back to accommodate the fit again Jonny Evans at nine.
The home side started at a ferocious pace. Burton was extremely prominent early on, with a series of deft offloads out of the tackle.
Only a desperate Whitchurch rearguard effort denied Lichfield an early score, as Smith was hauled down close to the line after a sharp burst from outside centre Greg Massey. Surprisingly, a Josh Massey penalty was all they had to show for a dominant first 15 minutes.
Completely against the run of play, it was Whitchurch who scored the game’s opening try, as a sweeping backs move was finished out wide.
It was to prove just a momentary blip for a determined Lichfield outfit, who responded with three tries of their own in the opening half. Brad Rowlands continued his fine form with the first of these, before Greg Massey scored his sixth of the season, combining well with centre partner Adams.
Derrick Squire ensured the greens finished the half in style, crossing out wide after a free flowing move, which saw backs and forwards working beautifully in tandem.
At half time the scoreboard read 18-10, three tries to two and a really good spectacle.
Lichfield were not about to slow down after the break. Spurred on by last week’s disappointment, they piled further misery on the visitors. Tom Paulson and Charlie Milner were on hand with a try apiece, just reward for a back row trio who excelled throughout.
Even when Whitchurch thought they had stemmed the tide, with a 50th minute score, Lichfield hit back immediately.
Josh Massey showed great support to cross under the posts, after Adams had smashed through the gain line.
Just two minutes later, and Whitchurch were regrouping under the posts once more, Rowlands showing electric pace to score his second. Not to be outdone, Greg Massey weighed in with his second, collecting his own clever chip kick before rounding the full back with ease. Josh’s conversion took his points tally to 16.
A serious looking injury to wing George Cotterhill took the sting out of the match, with around 15 minutes to go. Fortunately, the diagnosis is serious concussion and no lasting damage to the neck or spine.
When the game restarted, it was, unsurprisingly, a sombre affair. Tom Paulson did add another try following a powerful home scrum, but Whitchurch were able to add two scores of their own, at least ensuring they gained a point from their Cooke Fields battering.
A much improved all round performance from the Lichfield side. Strong at the set piece and dynamic in the loose.
Lichfield: Sowden, Gabbitass, Bassett (c), Thompson, Squire, Burton, Milner, Paulson; Evans, J Massey, Rowlands, Adams, G Massey, G Cotterhill, Smith. Subs: Machin, Haber and Maxwell-Keys.
