Stafford Vs Lichfield

It felt good to be back in Stafford and a rare match on grass for the Panthers.

Looking very sharp in the warm up could we continue into the game?

Stafford Kick off and several good tackles pinned Lichfield in their half. Stafford scrum and good carries ended with Tink being held up over the line.

The Stafford pressure continues though and more great attacking lines as several players make up ground ending with Freya driving over Niamh converted 7-0

Stafford are relentlessly driving forward at every chance with Summer smashing a few players out the way and the ball was worked along the line but Eleanor falls just short of the line.

Lichfield have 2 forays into the Stafford half but Freya cleans up nicely both time’s. No escape for Tori so far. It’s then back into Lichfield half and Ava drives on for 15m and recycled to Izzy who goes over far left missed con 12-0

Stafford go straight back on the attack from the restart with more of the same aggressive running and the post stopped a try. However, a penalty to Stafford moves right and Izzy pops up this side now for her 2nd try missed con 17-0

Lichfield get some momentum off the restart and despite some valiant tackles it’s moved around until Tori finally breaks away down the left and over for a try. Missed con 17-5

Stafford wrestle control of the game again and push forward every phase. Esmee T is held up over the line this time. And the very next attack she is held up again. Unbelievable, unlucky Esmee! We still keep going and some nice hands gets the ball to Lily K who scores. Missed con Straight 22-5

Lichfield attack from the restart but Hannah Jackels to steal the ball and it goes to Niamh who goes for a gap, running in from 70m. Her hair was flowing at full speed! Missed con Lichfield 27-5

Half time

Straight off the restart it goes to Freya who jogs for 5m (which confuses everyone as she has never run so slow) but then turns on the speed for a full 90m to go over in the corner for her 2nd of the day. Missed con 32 -5

More pressure Stafford and held up again for the 4th time! It’s straight back on the attack and Izzy gets the hat trick. Missed con 37-5

Lichfield get some ball and Tori just slips past the defence for her 2nd try. And converted 37 - 12

Its end to end as Stafford retain some ball and who would believe it, Izzy held up over the line for the 5th time today.

The game continues with a period of even play with both teams probing defences which hold firm. An injury break and Lichfield attack on the restart and finally break through with Tori going in for her 3rd. 37-17

And Lichfield go again and score to get back to 37-22, do they have time to come back??? Surely not.

More even play follows and it’s all about defence again with some big tackles preventing Lichfield breaking away. Huge double tackle on Lichfield’s biggest player by Lily and Ava drives Lichfield back.

Lichfield break again but Niamh does a fantastic cover tackle to stop a certain try. Pretty sure the hair would’ve been like a salon advert again!

Unfortunately Izzy pays the price for multiple Stafford offsides and goes in the bin. And the ref gets in the way as Lichfield score 37-27

Full time

Easily the best 1st half performance of the season and a close 2nd half but a good hold for the win. Maybe some grounding training Tuesday night?lol. It was a game of great carries and hard tackling throughout the squad. Well played all!

Forward and opposition player - Summer
Back - Esme N
Dame - Tink