By Elliott Josypenko
November 15 2004

It was bit warmer than Sharmans Cross on Saturday with cold dry weather and good underfoot conditions which should have made for an entertaining game. While the Bees ran out easy winners, the performance lacked sparkle.

To be honest, the first twenty minutes of the game were dominated by the referee. He had a whistle and he wanted everyone to know. Unfortunately some poor discipline meant that the Bees were on the receiving end of his decisions. Given the amount of time some of the lads have played now, and their level of intellengence (in general) it was disappointing the way they failed to manage the official. We clearly missed Richard Phillips, on North Mids duty, in this department, his genial banter normally has the ref. eating out of hand after the first 15 minutes!

Two first half tries came from scrum-half / backrow pressure with Lawrence Campbell scoring both, the latter involving a trade mark step off the right foot. The other score came from a fine Luke Smith finish in the corner after some good handling by the backs. The best move undoubtedly, was a fine handling move from deep inside Bees half with a lovely take and give under pressure by 2nd row Mike Hall putting Richard Brennan. away to score under the posts, but the balding grey Father Christmas (aka John Coffin) of a linesman spotted a toe on the line........... unlucky lads! The Bees had the ability to dominate, but some poor handling, decision making and everyone wanting to score meant only a 17-0 halftime lead.

The halftime team talk failed to improve things much, but to be fair Lichfield picked up their game and this meant the Bees had to respond. Lichfield scored a well worked try in the corner with their winger who had caused some problems all afternoon. Bees repsonded with another try from Luke Smith after a midfield break, a lovely forwards rolling maul finished by Mike Hall and a BUSTING run by giant tighthead Liam Hinsley who splashed down in the corner. Special mention of Mike Hall who enjoyed a fine all round game, great hands and lines of running for a second row. He did however manage his second yellow card in 2 weeks for a small bout of handbags.

The Bees ran out comfortable winners 34-5. Marks out of ten for performance 5-6 max. Full marks to the lads for their own honest assessment after the game and Luke's input as captain, this bodes well for rest of the season.

Special welcome back to Ryan returning from injury, and for those not aware Matt Bowditch has broken his leg in school game and Tom Burnett is also out for the season with wrist injury, our best wishes go to them both, both made significant contributions last season, unlucky lads!

Mars bar moment:

Liam's try was early contender for Mars Bar moment of the season, a busting run from outside the 22, for all the ex-forwards watching this was a try they must have dreamt of scoring, we all know we should run at space (at least most of the time) but to see the big lad running straight at and through so many people was heart warming! Chris and Dale have something to live up too once they return from county duties.

NEXT WEEK: Burton at home, 10.15am Portway, kickoff 11am SUNDAY

Best of luck on Monday to the lads missing today with North Midlands and Warwickshire: Chris, Dale, Richard and Danny. I think for those interested week Monday North Midlands play Warwicks @ Kings Norton. If interested please go along and support the Bees lads playing!

ONE FOR THE DIARY:

22nd Dec. 2004 Stratford away under floodlights (who beat Worcester and Sils in recent weeks) 7.30pm kickoff to be followed by Colts Christmas party. Thanks to our Entertainments Director Beau Campbell for the organisation. Details will follow over next couple of weeks.

No training this Tuesday

Team:

Steve Goode, Rich Brennan, Luke Smith (cap), Will Mottram, Woodroffe, Andy Williamson, Sam Millichap, James Sprawson, Nigel Burrows, Lawrence Campbell , Ben Millions, Mike Hall, Liam Hinsley, Eathan Coffin, Elliott Josypenko (Ryan)

Final Score

Lichfield 5 Bees 34

Season to date:

Played 6

Won 4

Lost 2

For 167

Against 88