Walsall RFC Ltd

Yet another fine day for the local derby with Lichfield to be played.  Being a local derby and always being well attended required early attendance.

Sitting in the stand it was entertaining to watch a well choreographed warm up by the Lichfield players.  On calls from their coach they moved in unison, screaming like Dervishes in wild ritual, creating a scene so entertaining it couild be part of a stage show.

Having been beaten in the away fixture I mused what were Walsall about to be subjected to by a squad seemingly so well controlled, reacting immediately to a call.

From the start Walsall generated a flying start and produced some fine rugby.  For long periods of time we were winning the skirmishes for fine margins of possession and space.  Lichfield were put on the back foot and it was difficult to understand why it took twenty minutes before we put points on the board with a passage of strong play and passing giving Hansen Christoffersen the opportunity to score a fine try.

Any feelings of elation were to be dampened by instances of indiscipline, poor ball handling and wrong options giving Lichfield the opportunity to hit back quite quickly, not once but twice with interceptions and saw them lead 14 points to 7 at the end of the first half.

Soon after the start of the second half we handed Lichfield the opportunity to score two more tries, one unconverted and a penalty to push their score to 29 points.  We had our moments in the second half, that mirrored our early efforts and during a good phase of play we managed to score two more tries.  However, again, a moment of indiscipline lead to us having a decision in our favour reversed, costing us an opportunity to score a further try and at least earn a losing bonus point.  Although we didn't come away with the spoils the score of Walsall 21 Lichfield 29 flattered the Lichfield players.

On reflection it can be said we were more than a match for Lichfield, they were given the game rather than them winning.  Our pack were solid, the Front row were awesome considering the little time they have played together and when inspired our backs were magnificent in open play - but we lost!

We made mistakes, indiscipline cost us points, poor handling gave away possession and failure to keep up with the fleet of foot cost us possession at the breakdown.  Hopefully we will learn from the mistakes and soon return to the exciting rugby that we know is there.