Silhillians first home fixture of the season kicked off with a lunch for the clubs new sponsors and visiting dignitaries from the days opponents, Lichfield RUFC.
Sils took to the field, resplendent in their new kit and were joined by the Sils 2nd XV and visiting sides from Lichfield and Newbold on Avon. The ground fell silent as a minutes silence was observed to remember Sils player James Cooper who sadly lost his battle with cancer during the summer.
Sils opening game of the Midlands 1 (West) season last week saw them go down 33-30 at Kenilworth while Lichfiels beat Old Laurentian 31-17
On a squally afternoon Lichfield started the stronger and after 15 mins they opened the scoring when their impressive No.8 Sam Prior crossed from short range. The simple conversion giving the visitors a 0-7 lead.
From the re-start Sils hooker, Christie Maclaurin, out leaped his opposition to reclaim the ball but Sils failed to take advantage much to the frustration of the home support.
Lichfield were starting to look very comfortable on the ball and on 22 minutes after a series of pitch wide phases a deft kick through the Sils defence saw right wing Dan Rowlands touch down to extend the visitors lead. 0-12.
With Sils becoming increasingly frustrated by lack of possession Lichfield crossed for their third try of the afternoon on the half hour. Some poor defending by Sils allowed No.8 Prior to run in from the half way line.
The signs were ominous, Sils were being out played and it wasn’t long before Lichfield picked up their try bonus point. Once again winger Rowlands found himself in space and crossed in the corner. 0-22. Sensing their job was done, Lichfield took their foot off the gas and lost their way somewhat.
A quick penalty from scrum half Tom Lee allowed Steve Hawkins to put a bobbling ball into the Lichfield dead ball area and for centre Ollie Beech to touchdown.
Half Time. Lichfield dominated whilst Sils barely touched the ball.
The second half saw Sils start the stronger. Holding a better line and putting pressure on the Lichfield playmakers.
From a line out 10m out from the Lichfield line, Sils run a nice set piece creating space out wide for Ollie Beach to cross for his second try of the afternoon.
Sils started to gain confidence and some big hits in midfield by Frank Watson began to produce turnover ball. Trailing 10-27 Sils began to play their best rugby of the afternoon. Another big hit from Watson saw the Lichfield No.8 spill the ball. Ollie Beech gathered up and sprinted fully 40m to touch down in the corner to complete his hat trick. Harry Law added the conversion on the final whistle.
Final score Sils 17-27 Lichfield.
After the game Sils captain Peter Nicholls said, ‘We could do better, we had a slow start and need to work on the basics, but we dominated the second half. We need to be patient and work hard and build our confidence’.
Lichfield are veterans in the Midland 1 (West) League and this is the first time Sils have played them, they knew that Lichfield are a good team, and Coach Gaz Taylor said ‘the team need to play their structure, we are technically gifted and have flare, we need to tighten up as we deserve to be in this league, but as a new team, giving away points in the first 15 minutes won’t help us win games’.
Sils travel to Malvern next week looking to improve on this weeks performance.