MATCH REPORT

MATCH REPORT
MELBOURNE 14 | 14 LICHFIELD
MEN’S 1st XV – REGIONAL 2 MIDLANDS NORTH (ROUND 19) SATURDAY 2ND MARCH 2024
This was definitely not a game for the purists. It was an attritional ‘’slogathon’’ played on a gluepot surface, where any sort of running acceleration was well nigh impossible and on a pitch, which was claustrophobic given its size. Given the efforts of both sides to play rugby and to be positive, it was just about the right result. Matt Derbyshire, head coach of the home side, conceded that they were not keen on the conditions either and his club is both extending the pitch size and trying to further improve the drainage.
Both sides scored two converted tries – all four were from close range, which confirms the comments above – with Melbourne adding theirs late in the first half at the really muddy end, whilst Lichfield had to fight back in the second period to gain a draw and earn themselves two points. With Long Eaton, at last, playing a ‘’home’’ game on a borrowed 4G pitch and defeating Tamworth 41-23, they go back to the top of the table by one point and they are due to play Newark on Thursday this week, as they catch up on one of their fixtures. No decision has been made on when Lichfield visit Long Eaton to play that twice postponed game from February.
The visitors started very brightly with more than an equal share of possession – playing in the same mode as at Newark a month ago – however, they could not convert this authority into points of any kind. Melbourne defended sternly and with discipline. Lichfield sought a plan B, which was not too successful and their kicking was none too accurate. Consequently, Melbourne got a foothold into the game.
On 35 minutes, after a multiple phase attack amongst the forwards, the home side eventually broke the deadlock with centre, Euan North sniping through for the try; Andy Brown converted. Moments later, they added a second with Ethan Benstead (a lively number 7) scavenging a loose ball after a clever dink from Ben Phelps became mud bound. So, after absorbing a lot of pressure, Melbourne were 14 points to the good at half time.
The Lichfield pack needed to dig deep to alter the momentum of the game and this they did with good effect. They started to monopolise possession again, along with territory, which was crucial as no one was going to race long distance on their own. Melbourne’s discipline started to wane as well. From a five metre scrum, the classic 8 to 9 to 14 move worked a treat and Kai Lucas-Dumolo scored his ninth of the campaign in the corner, which he also converted. With 15 minutes to play, try number 2 came as the Lichfield forwards again showed their muscle and a line out was driven over with Charlie Milner under the pile of bodies, Lucas-Dumolo brought the scores level.
At that stage, the expectation was that the ‘’myrtle greens’’ would find enough energy to go on and win. They decided against a kickable penalty shot at goal and the hosts hung on gamely and even finished the game with a late rally, but they too could not find any gaps to creep through, such was lack of speed in the game by now.
This week’s county cup game at Leek has been postponed again, as they need to play a league game this Saturday against Stockport, which was abandoned last weekend with the referee being injured after 15 minutes. When this cup tie will be played is far from clear. So, Lichfield’s next league game is at home on 16 March against Paviors at 3pm.
The men’s 2s defeated Nuneaton 19-12 at Cooke Fields on Saturday and the 16s continued their strong form, in advance of their county cup final this coming Sunday at Stoke against Telford, by winning a friendly at Hinckley. The home minis tournament was, as usual, a success on and off the pitch.
The women’s 2s (Green team) won at Burton for an 8th successive league win (49-0), which leaves them two points behind Rugby with a game in hand, at home to Tamworth on 17 March. The crunch will come on 7 April – we host Rugby in the winner takes all final game. The Red team (1s) are at home to Old Albanians 2s on the same day and victory would guarantee them the league title.

Report c/o Dave Lewis

Weekend Results
Melbourne 1st XV 14 Lichfield 1st XV 14
Lichfield 2nd XV 19 Nuneaton 12.
Burton Ladies 0 Lichfield Ladies 2nd XV 49
Hinckley U16's 22 Lichfield 31
Longton Under 15's 10 Lichfield 31
Rugeley Under 14's 0 Lichfield 50.
Barkers Butts Under 14 girls 50 Lichfield 5.