Lichfield travelled to Worcester with a number of personnel changes following the Walsall game – following the pattern of recent weeks as the long, hard season catches up with them.
The first half was a torrid affair and te visitors struggled to achieve any continuity. This enabled Worcester to gain the advantage and they scored two tries in the fifth and 14th minute to take a 10-0 lead.
In the 35th minute Greg Massey scored a fine individual try converted by Neil Antcliffe and Lichfield were back in touch at 10-7.
The second half saw Lichfield battle manfully to get back into the game. Will Cotterhill and Greg Massey probed for openings and Neil Antcliffe gave his usual dependable performance having not played for the first team since September.
Paul Finnemore worked hard carrying a lot of go forward ball and Lichfield defended well in broken play. However, battling against a strong breeze they were unable to gain any time in the opposition half and the pressure told when they conceded two further tries in the 45th and 64th minutes, both converted and the home side had a 24-7 advantage going into the last quarter.
Greg Massey struck again in the 77th minute, Brother Josh converting and the deficit was narrowed to 24-14.
Lichfield continued to battle and they came close through Josh Massey, only desperate defence denying him a try in a sweeping Myrtle Greens attack.
This was the last opportunity and the whistle blew with the home side victorious 24-14 in what was a niggly, bad tempered affair overall.
Lichfield play their last home game of the season this Saturday (April 16) against Stratford, finishing the league campaign with Camp Hill away on April 30. The Myrtle Greens will be looking to build up a head of steam before their Staffs Cup Final against Burton on April 20.
The final is being played at Walsall RFC (7.30pm kick off) and all support will be greatly appreciated as Lichfield try and lift the cup for the first time since the 90s.
Lichfield: Taylor, Bassett (c), Sowden, Thompson, Squire, Laxton, Milner, Finnemore; W Cotterhill, G Massey, Brown, Antcliffe, G Cotterhill, Brear, J Massey. Subs: Schingler, Burton and Butler.
