It was cold windy day for the first cup match so it was nice to start with the wind on our backs. Stafford started strongly and settled in with some good early exchanges. However, it was Lichfield that struck first with a good move through the backs. Lichfield clearly possessed some good pace in backs and this was a concern for Stafford. Stafford stuck to their task and worked through some good phases but on a few occasions the final pass went astray or an unforced error was made, had the feeling it might be one of those days. Their efforts through were finally rewarded with try scored from close range from scrum half Katy, with Niamh following up with the conversion putting the match evenly balanced at 7-5 to Stafford.
The error count for Stafford continued to frustrate and the pace of a few Lichfield players told as they scored two more tries to move to 17-7 at half-time.
The second half started with an early try for Lichfield which they converted to move to 24-7. The Stafford girls showed though they are a committed team and they kept it tighter with shorter passing and more direct play with Izzy being rewarded for continual driving runs and scoring Stafford's second try, which Niamh converted 24-14 - Game on. Stafford continued a good team approach mixing direct pick and goes around the edges of the rucks as well as spreading the ball through the backs, keeping the width. This full team approach paid off with Esme at outside centre powering through to crossing for another Stafford try. The conversion from Niamh whilst on target sadly fell short, which left the score even poised at 24-19.
Exchanges became tight and the game felt evenly balanced. Lichfield number 9 scored a solo effort from deep in their own half to show real pace to score against the run of play to make it 29-19.
Stafford continued with their full team approach and Summer scored a lovely try from running an intelligent line from full back, after numerous Stafford phases had worn them down. 29-24, feeling tight now. A penalty in front of the posts to Lichfield showed how they were feeling, they opted to kick for the 3 points, clearly points were hard to come by and this was now a cup arm wrestle. Score 32-24
However ,Lichfield backs showed their class and skill and with a some great passing and running lines scored a good try to effectively kill off the fight back. It was converted to make the final score 39-24.
Probably fair to say the final score line flattered Lichfield somewhat as the last 5 mins run away from Stafford; but when the game was poised at 29-24 with Stafford on the come back and in the ascendency there was high hopes from the away fans, but sadly wasn't to be Stafford's day. Lichfield just had a little too much pace from a few players and that made the difference. It was a committed team game from Stafford and they can be very proud of their committed approach driven on by their captain Izzy who led by example. Well done all involved.

Forward: Esmee
Back: Katy
Dame Eleanor