Storm Eowyn may have passed, but the Saxons were battered by another storm from a talented and determined visiting team.
Straight from the kick off, Lichfield were into their running game; deftly orchestrated by a quality 9, 10, 12 combination. The visitors would undoubtedly have secured an early score but for a fantastic and dominant tackle from Harry S.
Lichfield didn’t get everything their own way early on though, as Ike made a storming run right through the heart of the opposition pack and Stan carried powerfully straight down the middle of the pitch. They were both eventually halted and hauled down by Lichfield’s wolfpack but made impressive ground before being stopped. The rest of Stafford’s pack were also immediately into the fray, meeting Lichfield’s challenge head on, as it quickly became clear they were in for a tough physical battle.
Despite having several top performers missing from the forwards, each one of the starting eight gave their all in defence and attack. Lewis L. repeatedly made impressive carries and smashed into rucks, disrupting Lichfield possession and winning disputed territory. Tom deputised brilliantly for Archie and Isaac was everywhere; hitting rucks and tackles in a furious flurry of limbs and hair. James and Junior worked in brilliant and balletic harmony, forcing turnovers and bulldozing up and down the pitch, despite Lichfield’s extremely effective roadblocks.
Unfortunately for Stafford, regular errors halted their momentum and ultimately proved costly, as Lichfield punished mistakes with lightning quick breaks and slick handling. Before long, Stafford had conceded several tries and were facing an uphill struggle to maintain scoreboard parity. Lichfield’s kicker was also on top form, nailing all his conversions to further extend the lead (massive thanks to the conversion observers who helped keep me (almost) up to speed).
Lichfield’s team was packed with impressive performers, playing aggressively in defence and attack, launching wave after wave, left and right, until Stafford’s defensive numbers just ran out. Even when it looked like the Saxons would strike back, Lichfield’s scramble defence worked tirelessly to push them back; including a phenomenal crunching tackle from the number 10 on Harry S., who had already blasted past three or four defenders and looked certain to score.
Although Lichfield kept the scoreboard ticking regularly, Stafford stuck stubbornly to the task. Keiran made multiple try saving tackles, including one impossible grab when it looked like Lichfield’s player had escaped to score under the posts. Time and again, Jonah picked up bravely and carried hard into a solid wall of Lichfield defenders. The battering rams, Stan, James, Junior and Ike flung themselves forward, bowling over opponents like tenpins and smashing through rucks like Jack Nicholson through your bathroom door.
Stafford’s backline maintained their composure and moved the ball quickly whenever an opportunity arose. Harry, Henry B. and Max S. showed their quality handling skills against Lichfield’s unyielding defensive press, which devoured time and space like a teenage singularity. They also stood up strongly against the relentless pace and precision of Lichfield’s 9, 10 and 12.
Lewis (sporting a shiny new pair of bright red boots to match the flash in Stafford’s new kit) played like a wildfire, springing up everywhere, making important tackles and carrying powerfully into heavy traffic.
Across the team, Stafford met Lichfield’s tests time and again, and even though they fell short of their very best levels, they were never overwhelmed and ensured the game was a genuine contest throughout. On a different day, with more competitive rugby in their legs and everyone available for selection, things might have been different, but, at times, Lichfield played to a different level and thoroughly deserved their lead.
The teams changed ends at half time with the Saxons 35 points behind. Stafford brought on their reinforcements, unleashing Bens in the backs and pack. With renewed vigour and energy, Stafford attacked the second half from the restart and were rewarded with their first score, after another blazing run from the one-man wrecking ball, Harry S.
Stafford followed up their early score, by applying more pressure to Lichfield. Sam worked the ball quickly out to his backs, fizzing passes to try and create extra space for the willing runners. Keiran fashioned himself a small opening and chipped a perfectly placed kick behind the Lichfield lines, which bounced wickedly and almost led to another home try. Lichfield responded with several accurate phases, until James singlehandedly annihilated their ruck and was desperately unlucky to catch the ball with his foot as he drove through. Ben combined well with Stan and Issac, who both gave everything to try and reduce the points deficit. As both teams rotated and the fast pace and awful weather (which also destroyed the pretty pink match report notepad) began to take its toll, errors crept increasingly into the game. Two more trys and a conversion from Lichfield brought the scoring and match to a close.
Even though the home team came up short, Stafford’s team stuck together impressively until the final whistle and will no doubt learn valuable lessons from their defeat. Massive congratulations to Lichfield, who were fantastic opponents, played great rugby and more than deserved the win.
After a tough day at the coalface, everyone involved with the Saxons can, as always, be incredibly proud of the commitment, camaraderie and sportsmanship of their team.