MATCH REPORT

MATCH REPORT
LEEK 27 | 26 LICHFIELD
MEN’S 1st XV – STAFFS CUP SEMI FINAL – FRIDAY 29TH MARCH 2024
Leek won their way to a county cup final for the first time since the 1980s with a last minute straightforward penalty kicked by Will Midwinter, who was perfect off the tee, and who made the crucial break for Leek’s third try when the game was seemingly in deadlock at 14-12 early in the second half. Whilst Lichfield fought back twice to lead after this try finished by Kin Critchlow, it seemed from the side lines like an avoidable score in what was an extremely tight and hard fought battle. It was a battle. The pitch was very heavy and sapping on the energy levels with players increasingly finding it impossible to break through rigid defences, with any meaningful acceleration from a standing start equally rare – no need for any speed cameras then.
Yet it was a compelling and exciting cup tie to which every single player contributed fully and the officiating team allowed the players space and avoided letting the breakdown become a (muddy) mess. It literally could have gone either way with the lead changing on six occasions, right down to the 79th minute.
In the opening stages, Lichfield seemed comfortable defending, with possession monopolised by the home side. In the 8th minute, however, they were suddenly too narrow on their left flank and when they closed that threat down, they were then too narrow on the other edge and left wing, Sam Brereton, scored easily.
In a game of fine margins, Lichfield did not miss many opportunities to score. In the early period, Ben Ashmore made a big break from half way, but support was too slow and the chance went and Kai Lucas-Dumolo hit the post with a 40 metre penalty shot. The visitors opened their account on 20 minutes when Jack Fielding broke off the back of a maul and beat the Leek defence with his quick feet, but suffered bad ankle damage and departed on a stretcher. Lucas-Dumolo converted to make the game all square, but could not add to Owen Boxall’s well taken try, which included a typical Cal Turner break and a neat dummy from the scorer.
Leek retook the lead ten minutes before the break when Joe Byrne, a lively scrum half, sniped around a maul after some concerted pressure in the red zone, but the game remained very even, if still as open as the conditions would allow. Lichfield even saw off Boxall’s yellow card without conceding.
It was all the more disappointing when Critchlow scored after 50 minutes, although this did provide an energy boost to the city side. Lucas-Dumolo opted to kick for goal from the muddy centre pitch and generated enough power with a steady standing foot to bring it back to less than one score. This was quickly added to by a Turner try from a neatly delayed pass from Ditch Burton, the missed conversion left Leek in front – but not for long. Lucas-Dumolo, with his confidence rising, kicked another penalty from the ‘’bog’’ for the lead.
It was really becoming tit for tat now, as both sides huffed and puffed to take control. Midwinter kicked a penalty to get the Moorsiders back in front, but that did not last long as Lucas-Dumolo managed another penalty from even further and wider out. Ten minutes to go. Leek threw everything into attack, Lichfield defended stoutly. In the last minute, Byrne found a good touch five metres out and it was he, who tested the Lichfield fringe defences once more and the home side were given a penalty, which Midwinter was not going to miss, given his impressive kicking form.
So, Leek took home the Easter eggs and will now meet Burton in the final, it is presumed at this stage it will be in May after the Papa Johns’ matches and fitted around county championship commitments.
This coming Saturday, Lichfield complete their league programme with a home match against Matlock, KO 3pm, and on Sunday both of the women’s teams are in league action at Cooke Fields at 2:30pm. The 1s (Red team) meet Bury Foxes and can properly celebrate their league success, whilst the Green team (2s) face Rugby Lionesses with the winner taking the league title. More excitement and we hope another trophy for the cabinet.

Report c/o Dave Lewis