Lichfield came from behind to score 26 unanswered points and seal victory over Kenilworth in the eagerly awaited top of the table clash in Midlands One West.

The biggest Glasshouse Lane crowd since Kenilworth's Intermediate Semi Final enjoyed a pulsating game of rugby in fabulous sunshine, which left the thirsty onlookers queuing at the new outside bar to refresh themselves throughout an entertaining afternoon.

Both sides were unbeaten with full bonus points leading into the match and Lichfield had a game in hand due to an abandoned fixture earlier in the season so this was certainly Kenilworth's biggest test of the season so far.

The home side started strongly with some fierce breakdown play and a strong scrummage putting pressure on the Lichfield pack.

However the home lineout wasn't functioning as slickly as required, compared with the clean ball delivered by the impressive Lichfield lock and flanker.

After a series of penalties Lichfield were able to use their clever threequarters who put the left winger over for an unconverted try after 10 minutes.

This spurred the home side into a period of dominance. Intense pressure in defence saw centre Ed Hannam charge down a clearing kick and pounce on the loose ball to level the scores.

This was followed by some hard running and excellent recycling from Kenilworth to send number 8 Mike Ryan crashing over for a try converted by Tyler Price.

The home side, in front of a fervent crowd, were very much in the ascendancy and after a fabulous driving maul Kens kicked a penalty to the corner and Jake Dodd barrelled over from the lineout. The conversion from Tyler Price was good.

More pressure caused two cross bar drop outs and from a five-metre scrum the ball was cleverly switched to the left wing for Dave Opoku-Fordjour to scorch over for his first try for the first XV to make it 24-5.

The bonus point had already been secured and the visiting supporters were concerned about how Lichfield could hang on to the rampant home side.

However from a rather innocuous scrum in the Kenilworth half the Lichfield scrum half shrugged off a tackle and went over for a try to make the score at half time 24-10.

This proved to be the catalyst for an impressive fightback from the visitors. With their pack winning quick ball and the back line stretching the home defence with accurate passing and strong running it was Kenilworth who looked to be hanging on in the Autumn sun.

Lichfield scored two tries from their quick hooker after multiple phases and along with another two from their backline they sealed the bonus point victory and Kenilworth had to settle for just the one try bonus point.

Whilst the second half was disappointing for the hosts, it was clear to see that Kenilworth are a side that will trouble most teams in the league, a couple of absentees didn't help their cause and keeping the ball away from dangerous sides such as Lichfield is paramount in this league.

They will dust themselves down and get back to business ahead of their away trip to Ludlow on 23 October, whilst keeping an eye on the return fixture in Lichfield later in the season – a match which is certainly winnable.

The second XV went to Spartans and came back with a superb 51-7 victory in their Warwickshire 2XV fixture which saw a number of returning faces make their seasonal bow.