Lichfield RUFC’s best efforts weren’t enough as they came unstuck against a well-organised Worcester team.
The hosts kicked off into a strong breeze and rain at Cooke Fields and immediately showed their intent, pinning Worcester back close to their line with some solid set piece work. An error, the first of many from the Greens, allowed the visitors to clear their lines, and the opening 15 minutes revolved around the halfway with neither team able to get a hold of the game.
It was Worcester, with their first visit to the 22, who were awarded the first of several controversial penalties.
Another home error saw the visitors kick deep from the resulting penalty. From the following lineout, Worcester played tight phases before burrowing over near the posts to make it 10-0 with 20 minutes gone.
Lichfield tried to force the pace to find a way back into the game and a quick tap took them over halfway. As the ball was passed out of the ruck, a visiting player was there to pick up the pass and sprint through to score unchallenged under the posts.
With the game 25 minutes old the Greens found themselves 17 points adrift and had yet to keep hold of the ball for any length. When they finally did it became Worcester’s turn to make errors as they allowed Greg Massey put two penalties over.
The second half saw the home side attempt to use the wind to their benefit to make up a 17-6 half-time deficit. But they found Worcester resolute in defence with only a Massey penalty making a mark on the scoreline.
It was the visitors who notched up the first try of the second half when they drove almost 25 metres to go over.
Lichfield again took the game to Worcester, but passes went down under the wet conditions and they couldn’t gain any tactical advantage. When they eventually did keep hold of the ball, they were able to peg their opponents back on their line and Jonny Evans was able to dart over from close range.
But despite a bold push in the last ten minutes, Lichfield could not reduce the deficit and the game finished 25-16.
