Lichfield 44 Bridgnorth 11
LICHFIELD RFC had only lost one game this season and scored an average of 45 points against every team they played at Cooke Fields.
Bridgnorth have won three out of the last four games, moving into the top half of the league – but Saturday’s game was always going to be a very tough and testing challenge for the All Blacks.
There were a number of changes to the Bridgnorth side due to injury, illness and work commitments. Notably Matt Farrington was moved to fly half for the first time along with Dan Markevics playing at full back and the much awaited return of Ricky Wilde provided a boost for Bridgnorth’s back line. This was a match, however, where the final score does not represent the game which was fought between these two very talented and young teams.
The match started off with Bridgnorth putting the pressure on Lichfield with some ferocious tackling and physicality at the breakdown. This enabled Bridgnorth to turn over possession and string a number of phases together.
With the All Blacks dominant pack making an impact, Rob Rollings managed to pump his legs and drive through the home defence to crash over the line for a well worked opening try. Matt Farrington was unlucky with his conversion which hit the crossbar.
The home team managed to score the next points from a penalty. Their young backs continued to push and were always threatening, but good defensive work from Gore and Preece frustrated their attacking line. Unfortunately, pressure at the other end enabled Lichfield’s centre to cut through to score but the conversion was missed, keeping the score at 8-5. Bridgnorth were then struck with injuries to the try scoring Rollings and hard working Pitcher who both fell victim to ankle injuries. This did not however disrupt the away team as Parkes and Arnel came on and both worked hard all over the pitch.
Matt Farrington pulled a penalty back but Lichfield scored two unconverted tries which took them into half time with the score at 18-8. There was another forced substitution and head coach Richard Woods replaced Ken Milkins with the dynamic Craig Thomas.
The second half began like the first half with Bridgnorth building pressure straight away with strong runs by the powerful Ricky Wilde, knocking everyone over in his path. Bridgnorth then closed the gap with a cleanly struck penalty from Farrington.
With 15 minutes to go and the scores at 18-11, Bridgnorth were pressurising their opponents and had most of the possession and were pushing for a huge upset at Cooke Fields but Lichfield got a break away try against the run of play. Dan Kirby – Bridgnorth’s England College’s hooker –then got injured with ligament damage to his shoulder which took him off the field and left the All Blacks with only 14 on the pitch, with all replacements used.
Lichfield then moved up a gear and used the one-man advantage and their fitness to great effect and the gaps began to appear, with the home team scoring three more unanswered tries and two conversions which made the score look very flattering.
Tanners man of the match goes to Dan Kirby who played with great determination and passion until his unfortunate injury – we wish ‘Hollywood’ a speedy recovery! Bridgnorth travel up to Ashbourne tomorrow (February 27), who have only won two games this season but looking at their previous home results, it shows that it could be a difficult fixture for the All Blacks.
