Lichfield RUFC went into this fixture knowing that it would be a real test against the team one place above them and with the reputation for playing attractive, attacking rugby.
Both teams showed their intent from the start and defences had to be on their mettle to combat some positive attacking play.
Brear came close after Dave Butler made a break and put in a delightful chip for Brear to race onto. It seemed a certain try but the ball bobbled away at the last minute and he failed to ground the ball.
After 20 minutes Josh Massey took a switch pass from Charlie Milner and raced over from just inside the opposition half to score a fine try which he also converted to give Lichfield a 7-0 lead.
In the 28th minute Derrick Squire brushed off a number of defenders to power over for another score after some great interplay between the forwards. Massey again converted and the visitors were now 14-0 in front.
Hales have a proud home record and were not about to throw in the towel. In the 38th minute their efforts were rewarded with a fine try after some neat interplay of their own. The conversion brought the half to a close with Lichfield holding a 14-7 advantage.
The second half couldn’t have stared better for the visitors, a strong scrum saw the ball fed quickly to Greg Massey who rounded his opposite number and then outpaced the cover defence for a fine individual effort and stretch the lead to 19-7 after 42 minutes.
Hales struck back in the 52nd minute with another well taken try which was converted to reduce the deficit to 19-14 and just one score.
Lichfield continued to press, Thompson carried strongly ably supported by his back row partners, Burton and Milner. The tight five of Bassett, Gabbitass, Sowden, Hicks and Squire had a productive day at the set piece and worked tirelessly in support and defence. Dave Butler was at his best prompting and directing his pack and distributing quality ball for the backs.
Cotterhill ran powerfully throughout the afternoon and Brear and Brown were keen to support and counter attack whenever the opportunity arose. Josh and Greg Massey along with their midfield partner, Tom Adams were incisive in attack and strong in defence, choosing the right time to attack or consolidate by taking territory.
In the 55th minute Adams pounced on a lose ball to surge over the try line, Massey adding the extras and Lichfield were 26-14 to the good.
Hales upped their efforts and after an infringement at the breakdown they opted to go for goal and narrowed the deficit to 26-17, importantly for the visitors still two scores behind.
With 20 minutes to go Lichfield introduced colts Laxton and Aspley. Both players added a fresh impetus and were prominent throughout the remainder of the game.
Hales were now desperate to get back on terms and in the 70th minute they scored with a determined driving lineout which was converted and Lichfield now led by the narrowest of margins 26-24.
The last ten minutes saw Hales throw everything at their visitors. Roared on by a sizeable crowd they attacked from everywhere but a magnificent defensive effort from the Myrtle Greens saw all their efforts frustrated. Lichfield had to show tremendous discipline as one penalty could have given Hales the lead but instead it was the hosts who became frustrated and in the 83rd minute an infringement in front of the posts gave Lichfield the opportunity to seal the game. Greg Massey, deputising for injured brother Josh in the kicking duties, slotted the penalty to put his side 29-24 in front and secure a fine victory to climb to fourth in the league.
Both sides deserve credit for an entertaining and hugely competitive game and Lichfield now need to maintain this level of performance for the remainder of the season to finish as high as possible in what is a very competitive league.
The Myrtle Greens are not in action again until they face Old Laurentians on March 26. Meanwhile, Lichfield’s Staffordshire Cup Final clash against Burton will take place at Walsall on April 20.
Lichfield: Sowden, Gabbitass, Bassett (c), Hicks, Squire, Burton, Milner, Thompson; Butler, J Massey, Brown, Adams, G Massey, G Cotterhill, Brear. Subs: Savage, Laxton and Aspley.
