LICHFIELD endured a nail-biting finish as they edged past Drybrook 26-24.
It could have been different for the Myrtle Greens had the home side’s Liam Harris not missed a relatively straightforward penalty with 90 seconds to go.
It was an important win for Lichfield after three defeats on the spin – and will give them a timely boost with just three matches to follow and a tight table meaning promotion and relegation play-offs could still be on the cards.
The home side started well, Harris was just short with a long range penalty and on ten minutes – after conceding three penalties in succession – Lichfield were undone by left wing Cal Rogers scoring with a pick and go try.
This perked the city side up and for the majority of the half they were in control. Seven of the game’s tries came from short range driving play and Ditch Burton proved unstoppable to open the away team’s account.
More forward barrage followed – and by spreading the ball wide continued to be the Lichfield formula for keeping the excellent Drybrook scrambling defence fully occupied. They could not, however, keep Tyler Moseley out for his side’s second try, converted by the returning Charlie Milner to head in 12-5 up at half-time.
Within three minutes of the restart, the hosts had scored through second row Will May. Harris missed the conversion.
More of the same followed for the home side and this time it was scrum half Harry Appleton who dived over from quick ruck ball near the line. Harris added the extras this time.
Lichfield did work their way back into the game, but the machinery was not as smooth as in the first period. Milner scored by the posts and converted to reclaim the lead.
Drybrook were mixing their game up well though and fancied their chances of another home win. Finnley Watkins was next on the scoresheet for the Gloucester side. Harris made his side’s lead five points.
The Myrtle Greens had enough time and confidence to swing the momentum one more time though. After a series of goal line escapes, Drybrook were flattened by yet another Rory Davis surge. Milner’s conversion was spot on.
With time running out, Lichfield conceded an offside penalty which looked set to hand Drybook the result, but Harris miscued his kick.
