Lichfield left Delves Road at the weekend with another bonus point win and showing signs that their attacking game is on the mend, also after putting in an above par defensive effort. Lichfield’s five points brings them back to within four points of Long Eaton, who lost at home to Paviors, and Walsall gained nothing for their afternoon’s efforts.
The opening 15 minutes were fiercely contested, but there was a lot of midfield stalemate as neither side could wrest control. Walsall then – especially in the forwards – upped their game and after a series of drives from forwards and backs alike, they engineered their opening try. The Lichfield ‘D’ was holding well, but fly half, Ben Pitt, opted for going wide and full back, Hansen Christoffersen scored easily on the overlap. Mitch Carless added the first of his three conversions. The Walsall effort continued and they looked the likely next scorers.
However, in a three minute spell leading up to the half hour mark, Lichfield kicked them in the unmentionables twice. Walsall’s centres coughed up possession on the attack but under defensive pressure and Kieran Higgins and Paul Maxwell-Keys instinctively and without delay headed towards half way and Tom Day was in support to speed away from the cover and chasers to the posts. This was soon followed by more good play, which took the visitors to the opposition ‘22’’. Quick phase ball, a feature of Lichfield’s efforts, caught Walsall unawares, Maxwell-Keys made a telling break and Cal Hagyard was on hand to score – so appropriate for Cal. Kai Lucas-Dumolo converted both and Lichfield headed into half time 14-7 ahead.
The opening ten minutes of the second period were further confirmation of this momentum change. From a 5m line out the forwards took the ball into midfield and, with the Walsall defenders sucked in, the ball went blind smartly and David Mott scored in the corner on 50 minutes.
Captain Charlie Milner returned to the fold shortly afterwards and with Rich Burton, Freddie Wilson and the excellent Cal Turner in the back five together, there were further encouraging and confident signs. There were slightly unnecessary risks as well and this granted the hosts territorial advantage with just fifteen minutes to go. More forward driving proved successful for Walsall and eventually Callum Hoy was unstoppable, as he smashed his way over from short range.
So, the home side were now back to within five points. Crucially, they were then penalised at the resultant kick off and Josh Butler coolly slotted the three points with his first ever kick at goal in this side. That made a difference and with ten minutes to go another well directed grubber kick bounced its way on the unforgiving 4G surface to the Walsall left hand corner. Lichfield gained possession following the line out and this time it was the Lichfield forwards, who proved their ability to drive forcefully and Cal Turner scored under the posts, with Butler converting.
There was time for one last try for the Walsall backs, the ball was moved wide with skill and Max Brown dived over in the corner – maybe they should have gone to the wings more often. So, Lichfield’s first visit to Delves Road in a number of years provided a more than satisfying performance and victory for the Myrtle Greens in year 150.
Anyone predicting six away wins ‘’on the pools’’ in this league on Saturday will be frustrated, as a late fight back by Wolverhampton against Matlock (for their first win of the season) prevented this from happening. The two form teams, Tamworth and West Bridgford had away day successes again, and it is the latter, who visit Cooke Fields this Saturday for the round 12 game previously postponed in December, KO 14:15hrs. Melbourne were the other success story at Sutton.
The men’s 2s did not play and the 3s, still with a very mixed age team, defeated Tamworth 3s 81-17, whilst the colts lost to Stourbridge by 20 pts to 12.
The women’s Red team continue unchecked with another victory on the road at Old Albanians (2s) by 29-7. They remain unbeaten and this win helps them to a 13 point lead over the same team with just four rounds to go, all at home – without counting our chickens, this could become our first title in this 150th year. Remarkably, the side are averaging over 30 points per game and are conceding less than the equivalent of a converted try each match. Leilah Mills, Lucrezia Lavarone (once again) and Hannah Johnston made telling contributions. The Red team’s next game is at home on 4th February against Cheltenham 2s in the quarter final of the national Intermediate cup. The Green team have an important match up with Old Silhillians this coming Sunday, away at 14:15hrs. They are third now, but have games in hand.

Match details

Match date

Sat 13 Jan 2024

Kickoff

14:15

Competition

Regional 2 Midlands North

League position

Lichfield

Walsall

Team overview

MATCH REPORT

WALSALL 21 | 29 LICHFIELD MEN’S 1st XV – REGIONAL 2 MIDLANDS NORTH (ROUND 15)

Match details

Match date

Kickoff

Competition

League position

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