Northampton Old Scouts 26 | 24 Lichfield

MATCH REPORT

Northampton Old Scouts 26 | 24 Lichfield

PAPA JOHN’S COMMUNITY CUP

Lichfield travelled to Northampton for their final pool match of the Papa John’s cup competition off the back of two narrow defeats to face a Northampton Old Scouts team that was full of confidence after two convincing wins, including away at Long Eaton. Pride was at stake and Lichfield did not disappoint, producing one of their best all round performances of the season, only to lose with the final (penalty) kick of the game.

Selection included Ben Crawford making his debut at scrum half; he was hungry for work throughout and should be pleased with his contribution.

Lichfield kicked off and were soon under pressure, but defended strongly, winning key turnovers at the ruck – a feature all game. Old Scouts’ pitch is shorter than Cooke Fields and relieving kicks took Lichfield up to their opponent’s 22. Forcing an error from Old Scouts led to a Lichfield scrum. Good ball led to a planned move with Tom Day picking an excellent angle off his right wing, breaking the tackle and then skipping past several covering defenders before touching down under the posts. Kai Lucas-Dumolo added the extras.

The intensity of the opening exchanges continued with the penalty count against Lichfield rising. This led to a yellow card for Freddie Wilson on 16 minutes. Old Scouts converted the resultant penalty.

However, despite losing one of their influential back row forwards, Lichfield scored an impressive try whilst down to 14 men. Repeated phases winning quick ball and punching holes in Old Scouts’ defence eventually led to captain Charlie Milner crossing unopposed near the posts; Lucas-Dumolo ulo again converting successfully .

Wilson returned on 27 minutes. It was then Old Scouts’ turn to lose a player to the sin bin on 29 minutes, their loose head prop preventing quick ball from the ruck.

Lichfield continued to press, the whole team showing a hunger for work and on 30 minutes added to their lead. Playing ‘vintage’ Lichfield rugby – keeping the ball alive, Old Scouts’ eventually conceded a penalty close to their try line. Clever thinking by Lucas-Dumolo led to the referee awarding a penalty try when their opponents did not retreat behind the try line and prevented Lichfield’s leading points scorer from scoring following a quick ‘tap and go’.

After 31 minutes Lichfield were leading 21 – 3 and as first halves go it was up there with the best they could have hoped for.

Down to 14 men, Old Scouts hit back with two tries in the space of 5 minutes before half time to put a completely different complexion on the game. Firstly, a deft kick by their fly half to the corner was gathered by Old Scouts’ right wing, who touched down unopposed, the attempted conversion hitting the post. From Lichfield’s kick off, Old Scouts kicked long that led to a knock on by Lichfield. Lichfield were then penalised for offside. Old Scouts declined the penalty goal attempt and following a passage of loose play, their No. 8 bulldozed through Lichfield’s defence for an unexpected score, somewhat against the run of play.

Half time 21 – 15 to Lichfield.

Old Scouts were back to 15 men shortly after the start of the second half. However, it was Lichfield who applied the early pressure, camping on their opponent’s 22. Old Scouts then produced what can only be described as a ‘champagne’ moment. From their scrum deep in their own 22, they decided to run the ball. A long missed pass to their left winger opened up Lichfield’s defence. Showing blistering pace, Old Scouts’ No. 11 ran the length of the pitch to score out wide. The conversion was missed but Lichfield’s lead was now cut to one point.

The game was now entering a key phase. Lichfield defended robustly, competing well at the breakdown, but not all turnovers met with success. The line out functioned well, disrupting their opponent’s ball. However, after parity at the scrums, Old Scouts increased the pressure, leading to a penalty which was missed and then a try disallowed for a forward pass.

Unfortunately, Jack Dace was injured during this period and with Sam Craddock already off the field, scrums went to uncontested for the final quarter of the match.

Both teams looked for the decisive score. Old Scouts edged ahead when Cal Turner was penalised for offside, having intercepted a pass and run clear of the defence. However, the balance was restored when Old Scouts were similarly penalised for offside. Lucas-Dumolo made no mistake to put Lichfield by one point with 9 minutes left to play.

Lichfield defended superbly as Old Scouts looked for the winning score. Another turnover gave Charlie Milner the chance for a 50 – 22 which he duly took. Lichfield could not sustain this attack and at the resultant scrum Old Scouts were awarded a free kick as Lichfield were ostensibly penalised for not forming the scrum quickly enough. Old Scouts moved play up the pitch close to Lichfield’s 22. Unfortunately, given their efforts throughout the game, Lichfield conceded a penalty for not rolling away at the ruck. The kick was wide left, but Old Scouts’ kicker (their No.9) put the ball firmly between the posts to win them the game, 24 – 26.

Lichfield can take many positives from the scoreline, given the comprehensive victories Old Scouts had enjoyed in their earlier pool games. One moment of brilliance turned the game, with two evenly matched teams playing out a closely contested and entertaining game of rugby.

Report c/o Martyn Gabbitass