Stafford Colts v Lichfield Colts - 24.9.23

Stafford fell agonisingly close to pulling off a national cup upset as they went down in an incident packed clash.
For the second week running the Colts came up against another old foe - with a score to settle after a cup defeat by Lichfield last season. And tries from the home side’s very own SAS - half-backs Sam and Seb - put them in touching distance of going through to the next round.
It couldn’t have started better when fly half Seb Conaghan waltzed through the back line to score after five minutes - and then converted his own try.
Lichfield looked to hit straight back and were only denied by a huge tackle by Henry Perks with their big forward looking certain to score. The visitors pressure did pay off on 16 minutes when Stafford struggled to defend their own line out and the opposition scrum half found a gap to go through for an unconverted try.
Lichfield were down to 14 men after 20 minutes after a nasty looking head-on head challenge on Aidan Barker by his opposite winger - who was shown the red card. Barker was unable to continue although it was good to see him up and about later.
The score was to remain 7-5 into the break with Stafford coming close on several occasions but unable to make their man advantage count.
To be fair Stafford were the better side for most of the match but without converting their dominance into points. Captain DJ Clements was superb with several strong carries and turning over possession ably backed up by number 8 Charlie Kirby. And junior colt Ethan Hollins was outstanding as open side flanker.
The whole pack held their own against a strong Lichfield forward line - despite the props having to play the full match with no replacements on the bench.
With the wind behind them Lichfield put their hosts under immediate pressure and Stafford’s cause wasn’t helped when numbers were evened up after Perks was shown yellow for a late tackle. The visitors slotted over the resulting penalty moving them a point ahead.
Stafford hit back immediately with a nice counter attack as they threw the ball around the backs pulling their opponents across the pitch. Then a pick and go from quick thinking scrum half Sam Edwards put the home side in front again. Conaghan made a difficult conversion against a tricky wind.
Stafford were playing the better rugby and had plenty of possession and territorial advantage and twice Colt’s debutant Ellis Millard went close with powerful runs on the wing only to be stopped short by strong tackles. Ultimately it was their game management that prevented them putting further points on the board.
It was from a lengthy spell of Stafford pressure that Lichfield again pegged their opponents back when a brilliant 50-22 eluded the home back line. The visitors were able to work their lineout into a good attacking position and scored in the corner - although it appeared an opponent’s foot was in touch just before he off-loaded for the try.
The game was on a knife edge with a point between the teams. But Stafford’s job was made tougher when vice-captain, Will Smith, was sent off for the game’s second head-on-head collision from the restart.
Stafford were then under the cosh and a period of sustained pressure saw another Lichfield score in the corner.
Stafford were not going to give up easily and yet again they found themselves camped in the opposing 22. With the clock running down the Colts created further chances and may feel aggrieved not to have been awarded a penalty try when Matt Turner was tackled high resulting in another yellow. It was the last real opportunity before the referee’s whistle brought an end to proceedings.

Coaches Comments:
We were playing the better rugby with some great worked plays, getting good support at the breakdown, and correcting the errors of previous weeks. The main thing we need to improve on is game management - for example we were taking tap and go penalties in the final ten metres when a scrum would be a better option.
Some lads were having their first taste of a Sunday Colt’s match against a team who are very experienced in the top division - and they did well especially with some playing positions they are not familiar with. Dylan Shrehorn having to take the place of Sam Edwards at 9 is a big ask - but one he proved he was up to.
For the second week we came out firing from the start and it is obvious that both hugely experienced top division teams, Newport last week, and Lichfield, know they have been in a tough battle and had to raise their game to come away with anything.