Back
!!!...WEEKEND ROUND UP…!!!
Stuart Perry9 Sep - 17:34
Share via
ROUND FOR WEEKEND 6-8TH SEPTEMBER
MEN’S FIRST TEAM REPORT AND OTHER CLUB NEWS
OLD SALTLEIANS 1ST XV 0 LICHFIELD 1ST XV 36 PTS
This was a really good and positive start to the 24/5 league programme for the Myrtle Greens, who were too sharp when in possession and had a mean streak to their defensive duties throughout. Six tries were scored – three in each half – and the hosts never looked as though they could, or would, cross the Lichfield try line, which resulted in the first ‘’nil’’ since March 2022.
Old Salts have had a testing time in recent years, as they lost their long time home due to HS2 (or is it HS1 around Water Orton), but have come out of it with some impressive facilities at a new ground two years ago and have managed two promotions in three years. They lacked a cutting edge to their attacking play and needed more variety, however, they will improve as they adapt to playing at this higher level after being in a very uncompetitive league last season.
There were no stars in the Lichfield outfit, it was a consistently sound effort from all 18 players in the match day squad, which was not at full strength by any means. The scrum and line out were solid and the backs looked threatening every time they had ball in hand. Having edged out to 21-0 within 30 minutes, play did become looser with players trying the less simple option, but it was the first outing, so maybe inevitable. It was an enjoyable game to watch.
The opening try of the season was scored by Charlie Milner, who was the second support runner to a Josh Butler break and, soon after, more smart play by the forwards and backs led to a penalty five metres out. Freddie Wilson reacted the fastest and his tap and dash brought try number two and a 14 point lead, with Kai Lucas-Dumolo adding the second of three conversions. The third try was not far behind this, as a set move ripped the Old Salts defence apart and Lucas-Dumolo was the eventual beneficiary, as he added the final seven points of the half.
Old Salts closed the first period with some better possession and territorial advantage, however, they failed to keep possession well enough and Lichfield contained them – important psychologically.
The weather took a turn for the worse after half time, yet the handling from both sides remained good. Much of the play was in midfield and the home side hardly reached the Lichfield ‘22’ throughout the final 40 minutes. With decent possession, the city side continued to be sharper with support always on hand and all the second half tries reflected this. The bonus point try was scored by Harry Hitchen, who was always industrious and a handful at the breakdown, as he supported a multi phase attack and there were two further for ‘’Lich’’ with the result a foregone conclusion.
Firstly, Milner chipped through to score himself – a pass to the right would have been easier, Charlie – and, with a few minutes to go, Kieran Higgins dodged the last defender to grab the final score to make it a 36-0 victory on day one. Old Salts did not give in but their defence was tired and stretched on a difficult day.
For the other new boys to the league a better day, Dronfield beat Tamworth 66-0 away and Ilkeston overcame Mellish 55-5, whilst Melbourne defeated Paviors 20-17 and it is Melbourne, who are visitors to Cooke Fields this Saturday with KO at 3pm.
Other news:-
OLD SALTLEIANS 2ND XV 10 LICHFIELD 2ND XV 31 PTS
This was the 2s first ever game in the main RFU league structure and it ended with a hard earned bonus point win for the team, with lots of character and dogged defence shown. The Lichfield side was young and hence inexperienced, with Chad Southam, at 10, directing his ‘’junior’’ charges through to a five try success. Old Salts had plenty of poundage up front to test the leaner Lichfield eight, but once the ball went wide ‘’Lich’’ had too much skill for the hosts.
Lichfield were soon ten points up with Mikey Turner and Cam Williams contributing tries on the edges, however, the Old Salts pack started to gain better possession and typically were able to rumble over from a line out five metres out. Importantly, Harry McDonough grabbed a well worked try right on half time to make the score line 17-5.
Old Salts exploited a few early 2nd half mistakes for their second try, but better fitness was always going to be crucial. As a result, Southam and Tom Sexon contributed further quality tries with Henry Nevitt converting the last three scores. The 2s move onto Veseyans this coming Saturday for round 2.
MELBOURNE COLTS 12 LICHFIELD 29 PTS
OLD HALESONIANS COLTS 7 LICHFIELD 34 PTS
The colts coaching staff were able to give their massive squad two more outings before the league games start this next Sunday, the first under the lights at Melbourne on Friday night. Lichfield started well and scored some early points, but then hit a bit of a buffer, as penalties against them hindered their progress. They were not able to fix some of the problems they encountered, yet they came through successfully for a decent win.
A virtually totally different 23 players went to Old Halesonians on Sunday and had a more comfortable victory than expected, although their performance was marred by a late sending off.
The Red team are away at Luctonians at 2pm on Sunday in round 1 of the league, whilst the Green team are at home to Telford at 2pm on the same day.
LICHFIELD LADIES 27 CANNOCK 17 PTS
Lichfield used this game to give more game time to members of the Red and Green squads and considered it another valuable outing. Five tries were scored in the first half, the first was from Ali Gale, who made her 225th club appearance at Twickenham in May, and there were then three tries for Draycott (plus a conversion) from full back and another from Grimley. Cannock scored three tries in the 2nd period.
Finally, and a lot of the sides have not started yet and hence there is playing news, the boys U14s defeated Melbourne 50-0 and the girls U14s had a useful training game at Tamworth.
Report c/o Dave Lewis | President
Please Like & Share...
@lichfieldrugby @lichladiesrugby @lichfield_touch @followers
Club Website | Lichfield RUFC www.lichfieldrufc.com
#weareichfield #lichfieldrugby #getinvolved #lichladiesrugby #lichfieldtouch #lichfield150 #FrielHomes #downesanddaughters #brickability #masonrysolutions #tonksbrothers #cotonhousefarm #jukesfuneralservices #BistroNumber19 #canterburyrugby #1874 https://www.friels.co.uk
#mnda #4ed #4edfundraising #libertyjamboree #prostatecanceruk #stgileshospice #jm3 #looseheadz #macmillian
99% of the Club is run by Volunteers....could you help...?
DM us or go to our contacts page on the website https://www.lichfieldrufc.com/contact every little helps
OLD SALTLEIANS 1ST XV 0 LICHFIELD 1ST XV 36 PTS
This was a really good and positive start to the 24/5 league programme for the Myrtle Greens, who were too sharp when in possession and had a mean streak to their defensive duties throughout. Six tries were scored – three in each half – and the hosts never looked as though they could, or would, cross the Lichfield try line, which resulted in the first ‘’nil’’ since March 2022.
Old Salts have had a testing time in recent years, as they lost their long time home due to HS2 (or is it HS1 around Water Orton), but have come out of it with some impressive facilities at a new ground two years ago and have managed two promotions in three years. They lacked a cutting edge to their attacking play and needed more variety, however, they will improve as they adapt to playing at this higher level after being in a very uncompetitive league last season.
There were no stars in the Lichfield outfit, it was a consistently sound effort from all 18 players in the match day squad, which was not at full strength by any means. The scrum and line out were solid and the backs looked threatening every time they had ball in hand. Having edged out to 21-0 within 30 minutes, play did become looser with players trying the less simple option, but it was the first outing, so maybe inevitable. It was an enjoyable game to watch.
The opening try of the season was scored by Charlie Milner, who was the second support runner to a Josh Butler break and, soon after, more smart play by the forwards and backs led to a penalty five metres out. Freddie Wilson reacted the fastest and his tap and dash brought try number two and a 14 point lead, with Kai Lucas-Dumolo adding the second of three conversions. The third try was not far behind this, as a set move ripped the Old Salts defence apart and Lucas-Dumolo was the eventual beneficiary, as he added the final seven points of the half.
Old Salts closed the first period with some better possession and territorial advantage, however, they failed to keep possession well enough and Lichfield contained them – important psychologically.
The weather took a turn for the worse after half time, yet the handling from both sides remained good. Much of the play was in midfield and the home side hardly reached the Lichfield ‘22’ throughout the final 40 minutes. With decent possession, the city side continued to be sharper with support always on hand and all the second half tries reflected this. The bonus point try was scored by Harry Hitchen, who was always industrious and a handful at the breakdown, as he supported a multi phase attack and there were two further for ‘’Lich’’ with the result a foregone conclusion.
Firstly, Milner chipped through to score himself – a pass to the right would have been easier, Charlie – and, with a few minutes to go, Kieran Higgins dodged the last defender to grab the final score to make it a 36-0 victory on day one. Old Salts did not give in but their defence was tired and stretched on a difficult day.
For the other new boys to the league a better day, Dronfield beat Tamworth 66-0 away and Ilkeston overcame Mellish 55-5, whilst Melbourne defeated Paviors 20-17 and it is Melbourne, who are visitors to Cooke Fields this Saturday with KO at 3pm.
Other news:-
OLD SALTLEIANS 2ND XV 10 LICHFIELD 2ND XV 31 PTS
This was the 2s first ever game in the main RFU league structure and it ended with a hard earned bonus point win for the team, with lots of character and dogged defence shown. The Lichfield side was young and hence inexperienced, with Chad Southam, at 10, directing his ‘’junior’’ charges through to a five try success. Old Salts had plenty of poundage up front to test the leaner Lichfield eight, but once the ball went wide ‘’Lich’’ had too much skill for the hosts.
Lichfield were soon ten points up with Mikey Turner and Cam Williams contributing tries on the edges, however, the Old Salts pack started to gain better possession and typically were able to rumble over from a line out five metres out. Importantly, Harry McDonough grabbed a well worked try right on half time to make the score line 17-5.
Old Salts exploited a few early 2nd half mistakes for their second try, but better fitness was always going to be crucial. As a result, Southam and Tom Sexon contributed further quality tries with Henry Nevitt converting the last three scores. The 2s move onto Veseyans this coming Saturday for round 2.
MELBOURNE COLTS 12 LICHFIELD 29 PTS
OLD HALESONIANS COLTS 7 LICHFIELD 34 PTS
The colts coaching staff were able to give their massive squad two more outings before the league games start this next Sunday, the first under the lights at Melbourne on Friday night. Lichfield started well and scored some early points, but then hit a bit of a buffer, as penalties against them hindered their progress. They were not able to fix some of the problems they encountered, yet they came through successfully for a decent win.
A virtually totally different 23 players went to Old Halesonians on Sunday and had a more comfortable victory than expected, although their performance was marred by a late sending off.
The Red team are away at Luctonians at 2pm on Sunday in round 1 of the league, whilst the Green team are at home to Telford at 2pm on the same day.
LICHFIELD LADIES 27 CANNOCK 17 PTS
Lichfield used this game to give more game time to members of the Red and Green squads and considered it another valuable outing. Five tries were scored in the first half, the first was from Ali Gale, who made her 225th club appearance at Twickenham in May, and there were then three tries for Draycott (plus a conversion) from full back and another from Grimley. Cannock scored three tries in the 2nd period.
Finally, and a lot of the sides have not started yet and hence there is playing news, the boys U14s defeated Melbourne 50-0 and the girls U14s had a useful training game at Tamworth.
Report c/o Dave Lewis | President
Please Like & Share...
@lichfieldrugby @lichladiesrugby @lichfield_touch @followers
Club Website | Lichfield RUFC www.lichfieldrufc.com
#weareichfield #lichfieldrugby #getinvolved #lichladiesrugby #lichfieldtouch #lichfield150 #FrielHomes #downesanddaughters #brickability #masonrysolutions #tonksbrothers #cotonhousefarm #jukesfuneralservices #BistroNumber19 #canterburyrugby #1874 https://www.friels.co.uk
#mnda #4ed #4edfundraising #libertyjamboree #prostatecanceruk #stgileshospice #jm3 #looseheadz #macmillian
99% of the Club is run by Volunteers....could you help...?
DM us or go to our contacts page on the website https://www.lichfieldrufc.com/contact every little helps
Further reading