Stafford U15’s v Lichfield U15’s – County Cup Competition 1st Round – 20th September 2021

KO 10:00am – Conditions fine, had been raining but very sunny at KO time on a 4G pitch
Lichfield played 1st half attacking the Club House end with Stafford kicking off to start the game

10 mins – penalty to Stafford for a high tackle on the Lichfield 22, shot at goal selected which was unsuccessful

17 mins - Lichfield try by Charlie Semple, ball moved well along the back line and from the resultant ruck the ball was cut back against the flow for Charlie to go in under the posts

Conversion successful from Freddy Clarkson

30 mins - Lichfield try by Fynn Ward in far left hand corner after ball moved again along the backline, with great support play and clean rucking

Conversion unsuccessful

Half Time – Stafford 0 – 12 Lichfield

40 mins – penalty to Stafford for a high tackle again, seatbelt type with no malice but Freddy Clarkson shown a yellow card

48 mins – Lichfield try by Charlie Semple, after securing possession at a ruck the ball again moved through the hands to Charlie who handed off several would be tacklers before again cutting back against the grain to score under the posts

Conversion successful from Freddy Clarkson

50 mins – Stafford on the attack pressing Lichfield goaline who conceded another penalty for a high tackle, with a second player Akim Njie also being shown a yellow card, but again the tackle was clumsy and without malice

52 mins – Lichfield penalised on stand side of the pitch and then marched back a further 10m for dissent, Stafford moved the ball quickly through the hands before putting up a high ball, the ball wasn’t fully secured by Lichfield and bobbled free for the Stafford player to collect and score in the corner

Conversion unsuccessful

58 mins – Lichfield took a quick tap penalty just outside the Stafford 22, the ball was moved through the hands again to Zach Parker who handed off 4 players before being wrested to the ground setting up the ruck, the ball was moved quickly out of the ruck again for Charlie Semple to score his hat trick

Conversion unsuccessful

The conversion attempt was the last play of the game

Final Score – Stafford 5 – 24 Lichfield

A thoroughly entertaining game played at a high tempo by both sides, competitive to the last with the scoreline potentially flattering Lichfield a little – on the plus side however, Lichfield took their chances when they were presented and were really physically committed to tackles, rucks and scrums but particular credit must be made for their support play and continuity which was really pleasing to see, a real 23 man effort so well done Boys!

Will Parker