MATCH REPORT

MATCH REPORT | MEN’S 1st XV | SATURDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2023
REGIONAL 2 MIDLANDS NORTH (ROUND 12)
LICHFIELD 24 | 15 SUTTON COLDFIELD
Lichfield returned to winning ways at Cooke Fields, but their ever changing (recent) line ups only hinder the team’s ability to produce a meaningful performance, especially in the particularly challenging conditions on Saturday. The reverse fixture in September was played in 30 degree heat, the players this time had to battle with winds gusting to 50 mph, mainly across the pitch. It certainly did not help the flow of the rugby, which became painfully slow at times – like a queue for ice creams on a sunny day !
Sutton Coldfield appeared a better side than the September version, although they, like the home side, struggled to mount any serious prolonged pressure. They had second use of the wind and for a while used it cleverly, but they too ignored the simple tactic of booting it downfield to exert territorial force, just as Lichfield had (not) done in the opening period.
The away side on their first foray into the Lichfield ‘22’ came away with points. Spreading the ball to midfield, Sutton breached the Lichfield defence and with quick ball from the ensuing ruck, fly half Matt Smith scored in the corner, the conversion attempt had no chance of success into the teeth of the gale.
Much of the ensuing play for the next 20 minutes took place in the middle section of the pitch and the chances of further scores were consequently few. However, Lichfield then had a better patch, which resulted in two tries. After pounding the line with a mixture of forward drives and width from the backs, a successful off load close to the line resulted in Dylan Whittington flopping over the whitewash for his first senior try. The second try also came from short range and Ditch Burton, later to go off with a bad back again, was an unstoppable force from his side’s advancing scrum. Adam Spinner converted both.
Unfortunately, Lichfield did not build on this momentum and Sutton finished the half with a second try for Smith, who was in perfect position to accept an inside pass from Nathan Burchell, after he had escaped down the right flank. Henry Nevitt’s beautifully judged conversion brought the half time score to 14-12.
The omens did not look too good for Lichfield as Sutton started the second half even more brightly, but they too did not look like scoring. Nevitt missed a straight penalty – not necessarily easy - from less than 30 metres. Was this crucial ? Perhaps. It would have given them momentum during a positive period for them.
It was he, who added the next score, a penalty from further out ironically with around 15 minutes to go. By this stage, the game was riddled with stoppages, which just frustrated any hopes of any decent rugby. Going behind did spark a response from Spinner (now captain) and his cohorts. Sutton started to fall off a few tackles and gave away some cheap penalties as they possibly started to fade fitness wise. Lichfield were given a penalty 30 metres out straight in front and Spinner, bravely and boldly, opted for the kick at goal and succeeded in a very testing moment of the match.
Soon after, Lichfield were awarded a further penalty for another illegal tackle in similar territory and this time his judgement took his side to the corner. More pressure on the Sutton line and eventually Kieran Higgins powered over by the posts for his first senior try, his captain converted and Lichfield had rescued a win on a difficult afternoon. As one spectator pointed out, there was unfortunately no try bonus point, but from where the side was after 50 minutes, they earned themselves four valuable ‘’bonus’’ points for the victory. They dogged it out, which is no bad mindset. Matt Key made his debut for the side as a 2nd half substitute and certainly did not let the side down with some forceful runs.
Elsewhere in this league, Long Eaton were beset with an unplayable pitch, Walsall won at Paviors (no mean feat) and Tamworth had a good win at Matlock. It is off to Tamworth that we go this Saturday, their ground is at Wiggington Park, B79 8ED, 14:15 start.
The 3s won at home against Ashbourne in the Staffordshire league, but the colts lost to top side, Newport, in the colts competition. There was no club women’s rugby, they are back in league action this Sunday with the Red (1s) team at home at 14:15 against Long Eaton.
Report c/o David Lewis
WEEKEND RESULTS
SATURDAY 9th DECEMBER
LICHFIELD 1XV V SUTTON COLDFIELD 1XV (ROUND 12) 24 | 15
LICHFIELD 3XV v ASHBOURNE 3XV 31 | 26

SUNDAY 10TH DECEMBER
COLTS LICHFIELD V NEWPORT (SALOP) 12 | 31

U16 LICHFIELD V SUTTON COLDFIELD 24 | 15
U14 SUTTON COLDFIELD V LICHFIELD 10 | 12
U13 BURNTWOOD V LICHFIELD 05 | 55
U13 LICHFIELD V SUTTON COLDFIELD 05 | 50
U16 GIRLS LICHFIELD HOST PITCH UP AND PLAY 65 | 18

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