RAVERS R RS
02/11/24 2PM PATON FIELD
President’s welcome
Graham armitage
Today we are privileged to welcome Newcastle Falcons rugby club on their first ever visit to Paton Field in this the first match in the Premiership Cup this season.
Newcastle Falcons were formed in the mid 1990’s as the brainchild of Sir John Hall as part of his Newcastle Sporting Club plans, thus becoming one of, if not the first fully professional rugby union club in the country. The team was based around the former Gosforth rugby club that was originally formed in the late 1870’s and had played senior rugby for many years culminating in success in the John Player Cup Final in 1981. The Newcastle Gosforth club was formed in 1989 having purchased and upgraded an established ground at Kingston Park which the renamed Falcons inherited and remains their home base today. In 1996 Rob Andrew, the former England fly half, was appointed as Director of Rugby and recruitment followed including famous names such as the late Doddie Weir, Gary
Armstrong and Tony Underwood amongst others. Despite this the following year Newcastle were relegated but bounced straight back to the Premiership and around the turn of the century enjoyed their most successful period winning a number of national cup trophies. Players subsequently included Jonny Wilkinson, Alan Tait and more recently Toby Flood and with Dean Richards appointed as DOR/Head Coach in 2011 the club had varying degrees of success in the following years, successfully maintaining their Premiership status to the present day. Newcastle have had a tough start to this season before beating Exeter the other week and will no doubt be looking for an impressive victory today to gain further momentum in their push for premiership survival under the direction of new DOR Steve Diamond, former Sale Sharks supremo. Meanwhile Caldy have had an even tougher start to the season with 5 consecutive losses,
President’s welcome
Continued...
although last week we faced a Coventry team at the top of the Championship table and were unfortunate to lose having pushed the opposition all the way before going down in the last few minutes by 17 points to 15. This was an all round team effort which combined with improving away performances in the last few games against Ampthill and Chinnor gives hope that we may soon break our duck and register our first win of the season. Having said this Premiership opposition will be an extremely tough nut to crack as we found at Kingston Park last season and we will do well to compete this afternoon, so need substantial home support to lift the side to yet another level.
Today we welcome the officials from Newcastle to our traditional form of hospitality and hope they enjoy a different type of experience to that normally encountered in Premiership rugby. Off the pitch our planning application to upgrade the clubhouse is still being processed
but remains at a sensitive stage with the planning authorities for the time being at least. Whilst this will be a lengthier process than originally anticipated our thanks go to those involved in these protracted negotiations in the hope that we can eventually produce a facility worthy of the standard of rugby that the club has achieved in terms of league status. In the interim we are indebted to our sponsors and financial backers whose generosity in the past has not only led to our success but whose continued support in the absence of meaningful funding from the rugby authorities has made this financially possible.
Our thanks must also go to our team of ground staff, the Last of the Summer Wine (LOSW for short), who freely give enormous amounts of their time to produce and maintain the standard of pitches that we all possibly take a little too much for granted. We should all appreciate the wonderful aspect and playing
President’s welcome
facilities that the club now has to offer together which even with our restricted social facilities we can continue to enjoy.
I need to mention the considerable contribution of all those involved in the day to day operation and management of the club including our bar, catering and other members of staff, particularly on match days such as today and without whom the club could not effectively function. Thanks also to all of our members, supporters and spectators for your incredible support again this season, your contribution cannot be underestimated and is an essential part of our effort to maintain our status going forward. Today's game is another opportunity to get fully behind our team and give the players the positive vocal support and encouragement they deserve. We are always in need of further assistance in terms of sponsorship or help in whatever form and if you wish to become a member/purchase a season ticket or assist us in any other way
please contact one of our officials or refer to our website for further details.
Finally, I sincerely hope that you all enjoy your visit to Caldy today, come win lose or draw, and that we can all fully appreciate the fantastic level of rugby now on offer at Paton Field. Let’s celebrate this wonderful game of ours in the spirit intended, make new friends and renew old friendships and hopefully share a few drinks in the traditional way after the game.
Graham Armitage
Today’s Opponents Newcastle Falcons 3 to watch!
Ethan Grayson
Fullback
Age:22
Height: 190cm
Weight: 100KG
Ethan Grayson joined Newcastle Falcons from San Diego Legion in September 2024 on a short-term contract during the Major League Rugby off-season. A former England Under-20s international who came through Northampton Saints’ academy, Grayson made five senior appearances for the Saints and also shone for Championship side Bedford Blues on dual-registration. The son of former England fly-half Paul Grayson, Ethan’s 6 foot 3 frame and physicality have seen him lining up in midfield as well as in the No.10 shirt.
Today’s Opponents Newcastle Falcons 3 to watch! Cameron Hutchison
Centre
Age:26
Height: 182cm
Weight: 102KG
Cameron joined Newcastle Falcons in the summer of 2023 from Edinburgh. Born in Birmingham, he moved to Scotland at the age of two when his family relocated to the coastal town of North Berwick. Representing Scotland at Under-18s, 19s and 20s levels, he spent a season at French club Stade Nicois before returning to Scottish rugby with Edinburgh. Making his senior debut for the capital club in 2021, he made a total of 21 appearances, with the hard-running midfield man scoring a decisive try in the Heineken Champions Cup win at French club Castres in January 2023.
Today’s Opponents Newcastle Falcons 3 to watch! Kiran McDonald
LOCK
Age:30
Height: 202cm
Weight: 116KG
Kiran was 18 when he joined his first club team, Glasgow Hawks, playing the last four months of their season before moving to join Glasgow Accies. Signed up to join Glasgow Warriors’ academy at the age of 20, McDonald spent a brief period in England with Hull before returning to Glasgow, where he spent six seasons, making more than 50 appearances before moving to Wasps in the summer of 2022. McDonald started every Premiership game for Wasps during the early part of the 2022-23 season before the club went into administration, going on tour with the Barbarians in the immediate aftermath.
The caldy Catchup
Plenty of content to catch up on this week on our socials, tune in to hear interviews Head Coach Matt Cairns, DOR Gareth Davies, Nathan Rushton And Joe Murray!
A View From JJ’s Bank
1st xv result - Caldy 15 - 17
Coventry
That’s more like it! In their best performance of the season Caldy took the unbeaten league leaders right to the wire before a last-minute penalty rescued the win for the full-time professionals. Although denied another famous win, the Wirral public left Paton Field in a joyous mood as the Ravers’ performance combined with a beautiful autumn day lifted the spirits.For the previous 4 games Caldy had struggled to find the cohesive tight performance that is required in the Championship, their situation not being helped by the absence of some ten frontline players. With five of these experienced players returning to the starting lineup there was a buzz around an expectant Paton Field. By the end of the eighty minutes the buzz had
become a roar.Caldy’s defence was tested in an even first 15 minutes but despite charging runs from some of Coventry’s explosive ball carriers the visitors couldn’t break through. The home side weren’t just hanging in there, they were matching their full-time opponents in all facets of the game. After 25 minutes another strong carry from the excellent Tristan Woodman was shadowed by Mike Cartmill who scampered over to give Caldy the deserved opening score but cruelly Lewis Barker’s conversion kick rebounded off the post. Although Coventry went ahead ten minutes before the break with a converted try it was still nip and tuck between the sides. Ten minutes after the restart Caldy nudged back in front 12-7 with an Ollie Hearn try after a storming drive by the home pack. There were
A View From JJ’s Bank
contrasting emotions on the Bank; the home supporters were delighted but the unexpectedly anxious Coventry supporters hadn’t prepared for a nailbiter. The visitors piled on the pressure and the nous of their experienced former England international Matt Kvesic was the difference as the number eight shunted debutant Coventry forward Dan Green over for a converted try to retake the lead 12-14. But the Ravers weren’t done. Forward pressure led to a kickable penalty which Lewis Barker slotted to put Caldy ahead 15-14 with only 5 minutes to go.As the visitors chased the game Caldy looked to be in control. Three minutes to go and a Caldy penalty and line out drive set up a promising field position until Kvesic struck again. An inexplicable Kvesic ball rip from
the Caldy maul set up a lastditch Coventry counterattack. Caldy’s defence was penalized by Wirral referee Ian Tempest and Australian fly half Liam Richman kicked the goal to seal the win for the visitors. At this level the margins are ever so slender. A losing bonus point is a poor return for a fine game by the Ravers, but they will be buoyed by a committed and much improved performance from the squad.
That FridayFeelingJohn Lyon
The first round of the Premiership Cup sees Premiership Newcastle Falcons first ever visit to Paton Field …… and they are coming big! Falcons Director of Rugby, Steve Diamond is expected to bring his strongest squad to Paton Field for the tussle with the Ravers. Whilst both sides sit at the foot of their respective leagues the Falcons are a fulltime professional side with all the advantages that brings. Caldy will need as much support as the Wirral can muster if they are to gain a first ever win against a Premiership club. The Ravers have been boosted by the return of the hugely experienced Sam Dickinson to partner Tom Sanders in the second row. There are two changes in the back three, young Charlie Hyde makes his debut at full back for the Ravers after previously
losing out to an injury suffered in the warmup for the preseason fixture against Sale Sharks, and powerful Louis Beer makes his first start this season. Mike Cartmill, law firm Weightmans man of the match against Coventry completes the trio. The starting lineup features the usual rotation in the front row and at scrum half.
Head Coach Matt Cairns acknowledged the difficult start to the season but wants to build on the improved performance against Coventry. “For a variety of reasons we haven’t started this campaign at all well but we were more like ourselves against Coventry and tomorrow is an opportunity to build on that. The support and noise from the Bank does make an enormous difference to the squad. This is a great
That FridayFeelingJohn Lyon
opportunity for the Wirral public to come and see another Premiership side playing at Paton Field.” We need everyone to come along to Paton Field tomorrow to give Newcastle Falcons a typical Caldy welcome and encourage our lads on to a famous win. Please make every effort to come along with all your family, friends to support Caldy & help us raise the roof on this historic occasion! Also a huge thank you to Steve & Bridget Leek, Will Hughes & the Police Cadets, plus our u15s for helping with the gate, car parking & running the raffle with a host of fantastic prizes to be won so please look out for the u15s selling raffle tickets & thank you for your generous support.
Unfortunately the 2nd xv and 3rd xv’s have no game tomorrow but both will be back in action next Saturday 9th
November for respective top of the table clashes - Caldy 2nd xv at home v Fylde Hawks, both unbeaten & joint top of the Premier League, plus Caldy 3rd xv away v Ellesmere Port who are unbeaten & top Div 3 West.
Community Rugby this Sunday 3rd November
Back to matches this Sunday after the half-term break with a few local derbies versus Oxton Parkonians. U12s will be entertaining Lymm on the 2nd team pitch and the Juniors have a mix of fixtures travelling to Parkonians, Wirral, Crosby St Marys and Whitchurch.
Caldy Squad 2024-25
Adam Aigbokhae
Sponsor
ALAN ROBERTS
Andy Darlington
Sponsor
107 DINING ROOM
Ben Jones
Sponsor
Callum Atkinson
Sponsor
BOYS OF THE 80'S
Callum Butler
Sponsor
SPONSOR NOW
Callum Doherty
Sponsor
BBRS
Callum Ridgway
Sponsor
WHITEGATES
Calum Kilpatrick
Sponsor
DTM LEGAL
Cameron Sabouni
sponsor
SPONSOR NOW
Charlie Attis
sponsor
SPONSOR NOW
Charlie Hyde
sponsor
SPONSOR NOW
Connor Wilkinson
Sponsor
DTM LEGAL
Connor Windell
Sponsor
SPONSOR NOW
Dan Rabette
Sponsor
SPONSOR NOW
GARY DEVANEY / MIKE YOUNG
Caldy Squad 2024-25
Dylan Carroll
Sponsor
SPONSOR NOW
Elliot Cotton
Sponsor
SPONSOR NOW
Ewan Dale
Sponsor
SPONSOR NOW
Finn Collins
Sponsor
SPONSOR NOW
Freddie Arista
Sponsor
GRAEME MCGAFFNEY
Freddie Stevenson
Sponsor
MCMURDO CONSULTANTS
Harry Evans
Sponsor
SPONSOR NOW
Hector Owen
Sponsor
SPONSOR NOW
Sponsor
SPONSOR NOW Henry Wild
Sponsor
SPONSOR NOW Isaac Hardisty
Jack Ellam
sponsor
SPONSOR NOW
Jack Wilson
Sponsor
SPONSOR NOW
Sponsor
SPONSOR NOW Jacob Oosthuysen
Jacob Mitchell
Sponsor
LEXUS MITCHELL
Caldy Squad 2024-25
Jacob Tasey
Sponsor
SPONSOR NOW
JJ Dickinson
Sponsor
MARINE TURBO
Joe Murray
Sponsor
GARY DEVANEY
Joe Smith
Sponsor
SPONSOR NOW
Joe Sproston
Sponsor
ANDY BLACKSTOCK
Johnson Chandigere
Sponsor
NEIL CORLETT
Jordan Jones
Sponsor
SPONSOR NOW
Lewis Barker
Sponsor
ALAN ROBERTS
Louis Beer
Sponsor
THE OLD GARDEN
Lucas Wiggins
Sponsor
SPONSOR NOW
Luke Cox
Sponsor
SPONSOR NOW
Marcus Clapp
Sponsor
SPONSOR NOW
Martin Gerrard
Sponsor
LOTSW
Matt Gallagher
Sponsor
JON KEMP
Caldy Squad 2024-25
Matthew Kilcourse
sponsor
WEIGHTMANS
Matt Mountney
Sponsor
SPONSOR NOW
Matthew Rabbette
Sponsor
SPONSOR NOW
Max Fletcher
Sponsor
SPONSOR NOW
Max Hendry
Sponsor
SPONSOR NOW
Max Jones
Sponsor
MICRO EPSILON
Mich Bretherton
Sponsor
SPONSOR NOW
Mike Barlow
Sponsor
BOYS OF THE 80'S
Mike Cartmill
Sponsor
ACFLT
Sponsor
SPONSOR NOW Monty Weatherby
Nathan Rushton
Sponsor
BATHGATE / ANDREW JOHNSTONE
Nick Royle
Sponsor
GRAHAM ARMITAGE
Ollie Hearn
Sponsor
GARETH MOSS
Sponsor
SPONSOR NOW Ollie Wynn
Caldy Squad 2024-25
Paul Lewis
JIM DAVIES
Rob Cooke
Sponsor
Sponsor UREN
Robin Lowndes
AUGER
Ryan Higginson
Sponsor
ACFLT
Sam Dickinson
Sponsor
Sam Olyott
sponsor
Sponsor SAFE ENGINEERING
Sam Rogers
Sponsor
YOUR BUSINESS LTD.
Toby Elkerton
Sponsor
SPONSOR NOW
Tom Marray
Sponsor
SPONSOR NOW
Tom Molloy
Sponsor
SPONSOR NOW
Tom Parry
Sponsor
CO CREATE
Tom Sanders
Sponsor
Sponsor
REYNOLDS GROUP Tomas Williams
Sponsor
LBC Will Robinson
Match Report
A FINAL minute penalty from Coventry's Liam Richman denied Caldy a first win of the season as the league leaders sealed a 15-17 victory. The game started with Caldy making the most of the early play, camped in the Coventry half, taking every opportunity to get close to the try line. As the game neared the half hour mark, Caldy got their reward as a quickly taken penalty saw the maul surge across the line when Tristan Woodman offloaded to Michael Cartmill to score to the delight of the Bank. Coventry hit back almost immediately with a try of their own straight from the kick off when Caldy took their eye off the ball and it allowed Tom Hitchcock to score in the corner. The conversion gave Coventry the edge and even with Caldy down to 14 men after Matt Gallagher was sent to the sin bin, the early season pace setters were unable to extend the advantage before the break. The second half started well for the home side with them looking more in the ascendancy and they were rewarded on 55 minutes when substitute Ollie Hearn
Match Report
John Mallon
before the break. The second half started well for the home side with them looking more in the ascendancy and they were rewarded on 55 minutes when substitute Ollie Hearn found the space to score and a successful conversion from Lewis Barker gave the Ravers a 12-7 lead.Coventry kept the pressure on going into the final quarter and camped in the Caldy final third they were rewarded with a try from Dan Green on the 19-year-old's debut for the Blue and Whites. Back came Caldy with a procession of penalties which came and went until Lewis Barker slotted the ball away and with only seven minutes remaining it looked as though Coventry were going back to the Midlands with their tail between their legs. However, Coventry showed why they have started so well and brought the mistake from the maul allowing a kick from the nerveless Rickman to slot away and stell the four points at the last.
24/25 season
Caldy ReportCoaches
Matt Cairns
Welcome back to Paton Field for our for this match against Newcastle. It’s been a tough start to our 3rd year in the championship and while results haven’t been going our way, we feel we are improving week on week and have no doubt that with your support the first win will be on the board soon!
Premiership opposition is always tough, As always you’re the 16th man on a home matchday so lets get behind the boys and i hope you enjoy todays game! Come on you Ravers!
Gareth Davies Matt Cairns Andrew soutar Richard Vasey
Today’s Squads
Newcastle Falcons Today’s Squads
Thank you for coming We hope you enjoy the game