LONGTON progressed through to the final of the Staffordshire Cup after a 34-19 victory over Lichfield.

Lichfield, from two divisions below Longton, made an impressive start in the midweek match and their pressure was rewarded when Luke Massey slotted over an easy penalty.

Longton were then the architects of their own downfall, as poor handling allowed Lichfield's winger to break and score in the corner.

Massey added a difficult conversion to increase the home side's lead to 10-0 inside the opening 10 minutes.

Longton soon found their rhythm and, following a sustained spell of pressure, tries from Gareth Rawlings and Grant Hallam levelled the scores.

The visitors even shrugged off the early and unfortunate departure of the injured Gareth Rawlings, to take the lead for the first time when Ant Edwards crossed over.

Scott Rawlings added the extra points, and continued his form with the boot by slotting over a penalty to make it 20-10.

However, Massey kept Lichfield in the game with another three-pointer of his own.

Massey made further inroads into Longton's lead at the start of the second half.

But Longton gave themselves breathing space when Rich Thompson rounded off a fine move with a converted try.

Another penalty from the hosts reduced the deficit to 27-19 going into the final 10 minutes, but any Longton nerves were eased with four minutes left to play.

Scott Rawlings fed the ball out to replacement winger Tom Tavakece, who rounded his man and ran in for the try, which was converted.