Sat 25 Oct 2025
MATCH REPORT: BRFC vs LICHFIELD RUFC
25/10/25
Bridgnorth were welcomed back to Lichfield like the old friends we are – having not played each other for 2 seasons. A bright but breezy day was on offer, and the excellent (and wide) playing surface suggested ideal conditions for fast-flowing rugby.
Bridgnorth had the better of early exchanges, with 2 penalties conceded by Lichfield putting the visitors in a great position to use their effective rolling maul. Loti Molitika subsequently scored and Reece Broughton converted for a 7 point lead.
For the next 15 minutes or so, the ball remained between the two 22 lines with a share of possession but little progress. This all changed when the Lichfield No 8 broke free, outstripped the defence and headed for, seemingly, an undefended line. In what has become characteristic of his approach to the position of full back, Jack Cole had not given up the chase and tackled his man just short of the line. The ball was also stripped and line cleared.
However, this stirred the home side to greater efforts and, over the next 10 minutes they scored 3 tries bringing the score to 17-7. Within 5 minutes Bridgnorth had pulled a score back: George Newman breaking clear of a maul and releasing Adam Ellis who passed to Jack Cole to go over. Another successful conversion by Reece made it 17-12.
With the first half drawing to a close Bridgnorth continued to threaten the Lichfield line. Their task was helped by 2 yellow cards given to the home side. Unfortunately, Bridgnorth could not take advantage and the half ended.
With the second half under way, and the yellow cards still in place, Bridgnorth continued to apply pressure which quickly resulted in a converted try when George Newman intercepted a loose ball at the opposition line out and motored in from the 22 metre line. Score now 17-19. From the kick off Lichfield recovered the ball and, within a minute had scored again: 24-19. A string of penalties hindered the away team as Lichfield returned to full strength.
As both sides brought on substitutes, Bridgnorth returned to the attack with a fine team effort resulting in a try for second row Morgan French, duly converted by Reece: 24-26. With the game entering the last quarter, Lichfield again responded in kind making the score 31-26 as time ebbed away. Bridgnorth had not yet finished – another drive up the pitch, following on for yet another yellow card for Lichfield, presented them with a line out in good attacking position. Would they play the cunning “George Newman off the back of the line” ploy?
They did and, with Reece conversion, the visitors were back in the lead by 2 points. The clock ticked on as Lichfield earned a penalty and kicked for 3 points: 34-33. The clock still ran as Bridgnorth also won a penalty in kicking range. Unfortunately this was not successful and the game came to an end.
80 minutes of almost unrelenting effort by both teams and some fine tries. Bridgnorth came away with 2 bonus points, but will rue not all opportunities taken when they had advantage in player numbers for over 20 minutes of the game.
