The first item to mention is our gratitude to Ashby in taking this fixtrure at late notice after our planned opponents dropped out mid-week. It was their first fixture of the season and they had a handful of key players missing. The score does not reflect how close the game was - everyone competed upto the final whistle. Discussions have already started about a return fixture.

Second item is to note the commitmemt of Charlie Sayle, Twiggy, Kyran Wiles and Luke White who joined the Ashby squad for the day - ensuring sub-rotations was possible and playing time was equal for all. Without them the game would not have been held -&35+ lads would have missed out.

No 8 Charlie Semple captained the squad and led from the front with his two tries - working had on his link play and communicating with his team mates on the set pieces. We welcomed Lucas Laing for his debut at No 10 and returnee Fin Freeman in the front row.

Lichfield picked up their rucking performace levels from last week and were much more consistent in each quarter. This provided a platform to release the backs from who made a number of fast breaks - Lenni Payne, CJ & Fynn Ward each got over the line with a try a piece. Matt Allen looked at home at full back with some secure catches and raking runs. Finally with the score secure & following significant pressure Teddy Roberts drove over for a try.

Special mentions to Josh Burton with his outragous double dummy to break the gain line creating a try and to Freddie Clarkson who just about came out on top in the tackle of the match with an equally committed Ashby prop. I'm advised that it was heard on the U13 pitch over 100m away. Both lads knew they had met a good match.

Next week we are away at Stafford in R1 of the County Cup.

JP