LICHFIELD FINISH SEASON ON A HIGH

Lichfield 40 Dudley Kingswinford 19

Battling the elements also a dogged and youthful Dudley Kingswinford (DK) side, Lichfield enjoyed a comfortable win to consolidate their return to Level 5. With other results going their way, Lichfield finished the Season a very creditable 6th and can look forward positively to the 2026/2027 campaign.
Regional 1 Midlands | League Standings
DK kicked off into a stiff breeze and towards the clubhouse, the crowd being swelled by the ‘traditional’ end of Season Ladies Day, with 200 attending and contributing not only to the atmosphere, but also generously to the event’s Charitable Partner, The British Heart Foundation.

Lichfield started brightly, winning a penalty at the first scrum, following a knock on by the visitors. From the resultant lineout inside the DK 22, the Lichfield forwards drove hard at their opponents, who held up the initial phases before Ditch Burton was on hand to force his way over from close range under the posts. Charlie Milner added the conversion as the hosts established an early lead.

Lichfield used the wind to gain territorial advantage, but were unable to add to their score due to a combination of handling errors and resolute defence by their opponents. However, Lichfield were bossing the scrums, winning a number of penalties to maintain pressure and on 15 minutes increased their lead. A well worked opening saw left wing Tyler Moseley come into the line and cross at pace near to the posts. Milner added the extras.

The game continued in similar vein with the Myrtle Greens enjoying the lion’s share of possession, but not firing on all cylinders. The scrum was working well and from this solid foundation Lichfield scored their third try of the afternoon. Quick ball and crisp handling freed Tyler Moseley who crossed with ease for his second try. With Charlie Milner making light of the windy conditions Lichfield extended their lead to 21 points.

DK showed their resilience and opened their account on 29 minutes. Lichfield were penalised for a high tackle, allowing DK a foothold in their 22. Lichfield were penalised at the lineout and the visitors put together a series of well worked pick and goes that stretched Lichfield’s defence, creating an overlap and DK’s right wing scoring unopposed. The difficult conversion was missed.

DK were coming more into the game and it took a brilliant individual try by Jack Hurst to knock them back. Winning a turnover just inside Lichfield’s half, Hurst shrugged off a challenge, outmuscled the covering defence and then outpaced the chasing defenders to score an outstanding try; up there with the best of the Season. Lichfield led 26-5 on 35 minutes.

Both sides pressed in the period before half-time, but defences held firm and Lichfield went into the break with a buffer of over three scores to the good.

Lichfield kicked off into the elements and enjoyed early advantage, winning several penalties. DK held firm and winning a turnover forced Lichfield back. Each side sought an opening with defences on top. It took another piece of individual skill to add to the score and it went to the hosts. Play broke down in midfield and Charlie Milner was first to react, picking up the loose ball and punching a hole in DK’s defence. He surged forward to the visitor’s 22 and Tyler Moseley was on hand to accept a scoring pass and race over to complete his hat-trick. Milner added the extras to extend the lead 33-5.

Lichfield rang the changes with the bench emptying. DK refused to lie down and the pressure told as Lichfield conceded a string of penalties . It came as no surprise when DK were next to score. From a penalty awarded for a high tackle, DK worked the blindside, their full back broke free and a clever short pass saw DK’s hooker run in from 10m. The conversion was successful, reducing the deficit to 21 points.

Lichfield continued to cede penalties and struggled to gain a foothold in their opponent’s half. It took another break by Milner to relieve the pressure, followed by a series of well worked close play phases to gain a foothold in the visitor’s 22. Lichfield were awarded a penalty and opted for a scrum. The experienced duo of Burton and Milner combined to increase the lead. Burton picked up from the back of a solid scrum, broke into midfield and fed Milner on the angle at pace. Lichfield’s centre crashed over from short range to seal the game, also adding the extras.

However, it was DK who had the final word, deserved reward for their commitment throughout. Again Lichfield coughed up a penalty, allowing DK a foothold inside the Myrtle Green’s 22. Lichfield were caught napping as a well worked move to the front of the line saw DK’s hooker set free to score his second try of the game. The conversion was successful and Lichfield led 40-19 with two minutes to play.

There were no further scores before the referee blew for no side to bring the curtain down on an impressive return to Level 5 rugby. The experience gained by the squad augers well for next Season with expectancy high amongst both players and supporters alike.

Report by Martyn Gabbitass