Caldy Rugby Club v Bishop’s Stortford - 9/4/2022

Caldy v

Bishop’s Stortford 9 April 2022 - 3:00pm

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President’s Welcome

Graham Armitage

A

very warm welcome again to all of our members, supporters, guests and visitors today as we edge ever closer towards the end of another potentially momentous season for Caldy Rugby Club.

Last Saturday our trip to Rosslyn Park in London produced nothing less than the classic encounter we all anticipated. First versus second in the league was bound to be close, but on another sunny afternoon Caldy produced the goods with a hard fought 17-18 victory to go 7 points clear at the top of the league. Whilst all of our rivals for the title have a game in hand, our destiny is now in our hands and may well come down to our last game of the season against our local rivals Sale.

Caldy came roaring out of the blocks on Saturday with a spectacular try from Nick Royle early on courtesy of a great chip by Elliot Gourlay, following a fantastic initial break by Ollie Hearn who was awarded man of the match by the Rugby Paper. A 50/20 kick later in the game by the same player did much to subdue the opposition as the match progressed. This however was not a one man performance with all of the team contributing to a concerted effort in order to secure victory. The celebrations after the final whistle were exuberant to say the least and reflected the fantastic travelling support that Caldy were able to muster on the day. It would be ideal if we could raise a similar level of support in our last 3 games, particularly our one remaining away game at Rams in Reading next weekend. www.caldyrugbyclub.com

Today we extend a very warm welcome to Bishop Stortford RFC, their President Mick Coleman and colleagues who gave us such a welcome reception when we visited Hertfordshire last autumn.

Stortford are currently mid table in the league after a tricky start to the season but have recently been making real progress in the league with a winning sequence including victory over Rosslyn Park, which as we are well aware is no mean feat.

The away fixture between the teams ended in a 31-20 win for Caldy, although Caldy, having held a substantial early lead, had to produce a trademark second half performance late on to win the game.

Bishop Stortford have not lost at Paton Field in our previous two encounters and cannot therefore be underestimated on the day. On the basis of form to date today’s game will start with the home team as favourites, but, with such dangerous opponents, Caldy will need to be on their mettle in order to maintain their push for promotion. Another great game of rugby is likely to unfold whatever happens at Paton Field today.

Bishop Stortford can trace their history back to 1920, playing rugby initially at Dunmow Road before moving to their current ground at Silver Leys in 1928. They played most of their rugby at local level until 1985 when they built their current clubhouse, and 2 years later won promotion to London NW2 at the inception of the league structure. They remained in this league for a further 13 years, which must be some sort of record, before gaining promotion to London One in 1

Caldy Rugby Business Club Caldy Rugby Club, Paton Field, Telegraph Road, Wirral, CH48 1NX

What is the Business Club?

Benefits:

Caldy Rugby Business Club has built a membership of 25+ businesses; a number that is always growing as we have new members join. This has provided a solid foundation for commercial activities at the club.

n Pitchside advertising board at Caldy RFC for your business

We have had some fantastic speakers join us – Ian Ayre, Simon Halliday, Kenny Logan, Lawrence Dallagio, and most recently, former England and International Rugby Player Charlie Hodgson.

Members will have access to a programme of quarterly breakfast events, with speakers from a wide range of commercial, business and sporting backgrounds.

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Annual membership fee of £500 +VAT plus £250 joining fee.

n Two Caldy RFC season tickets – enabling you and a guest to attend Caldy RFC home games at Paton Field n Two breakfast invites for the guest speaker events per quarter n Company logo in the Caldy RFC matchday programme – 15 per season n Entry into the International ticket ballot n Logo and write up on the Caldy RFC website n Priority booking for the hire of the Club house for events, parties, meetings n Free entry to Caldy 7’s

If you are interested in joining Caldy Rugby Business Club, please contact Jonathan Kemp at Jonathan@aev.co.uk

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www.caldyrugbyclub.com

President’s Welcome - Continued 2003. Following a further period of consolidation for the next decade a further promotion was achieved in 2013 to level 4, National 2 South, followed by promotion to National One in the 2017/18 season. Their path through the league structure is remarkable given that they have never been relegated and have now maintained their status in National One for the last 4 years, an incredible achievement and one for which they are to be commended.

We also extend a warm welcome today to Sedgley Park 2nd. XV whose first team are having a very successful season in National 2 North. Our 2nd team played Chester last week winning by 19 – 12 against their nearest rivals for the league title in a close run game. This was obviously one of their toughest games of the season, but with yet another win Caldy remain unbeaten this season and are still top of the league with games in hand over their nearest rivals. They will obviously be looking to extend their winning record later today, so let’s get behind the team with as much support as possible. Congratulations again to the squad and their coaches, Sooty and Chris Jones on their perfect season to date, with an unbeaten record that now trails back to the season before last, quite an achievement.

I hope that as many of us as possible will turn out this weekend to support our teams, and provide the vocal support that gives our players a real lift in terms of their performance on the field. We now have more extensive spectating facilities on the bank so let’s get out there, get behind our teams and hopefully, given reasonable weather, enjoy the spectacle that matchday brings.

I need to give a brief reminder that we are still not through the Covid epidemic and that infections are currently running at some of the highest

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levels recorded. It is now everyone’s personal responsibility with regard to protective measures, but please enjoy your experience at Caldy Rugby Club today both responsibly and safely.

You will no doubt be aware that our planning application for a much needed new clubhouse facility is still being considered by the Local Authority, details of which are shown on our website.

Negotiations with regard to our application are ongoing, and will take some time to complete.

Approaching our centenary we hope that our bid to upgrade and update our facilities, bringing them into the twenty first century, will not fall on deaf ears, and in the event of a successful result will enable us to leave a suitable legacy for future generations.

I wish to express my thanks again to our ground staff, the Last of the Summer Wine, and other volunteers who give of their time in all conditions to produce the wonderful playing surfaces at Caldy Rugby Club that we can all enjoy and be proud of. I would also like to thank all those involved in managing and operating the club during match days and throughout the week including the gate team, catering and bar staff without whom the club could not function.

Finally I would like to thank once again all our members, season ticket holders and supporters for your continuing support, as well as our sponsors without whom we could not continue to operate.

If you need information on how to join our club, whether as a player or in any other capacity please visit our website for further details.

Whatever you do today, stay safe and most of all, whatever the result, enjoy your rugby, Graham Armitage

3

Caldy Coach Report Matt Cairns

I

t’s great to be back at Caldy with 3 games

the lads executed pretty much perfectly and

to go and still amazingly sitting top of the

we were probably a few points better than the

league. Last weeks game at Rosslyn Park

score suggests.

was a huge game for the Team but we seem to be saying that every week! This league is tough, every week is another challenge and seems to be relentless, we never have much time to prepare and we are at the stage of the season where we are just getting through the weeks

It’s very tight at the top but we cant look past each game. Bishop Stortford are a fantastic team, well coached and play a fast style of Rugby that means they are dangerous from everywhere. We’ve had a very light week just to get the lads ready to play and we know that we

recovering and seeing who is available to play.

have to get to the right place mentally for the

Last weeks performance was one of the best

challenge that faces us today. I hope you enjoy

we’ve put in, we had a plan for the game and

the game.

Gareth Davies - Director of Rugby

4

Matt Cairns - Head Coach

Andrew Soutar - Coach

Richard Vasey - Coach

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Player Profile JJ Dickinson

1. Firstly, London.. talk to me... What a win! For the Ravers that didn’t travel, what was the game like? Yeah… heck of a day. I think it’s easy to lose perspective because of how the season is going, but winning away at rosslyn is probably one of the biggest days in the clubs history regardless of league positions. The game was physical and feisty and everything you would want from a top of the table clash and we were lucky enough to end up on top. A great win. But just another game.

2. How important was the travelling support?

The support was awesome. I’ve said it pre and post game but given how my body felt all week, the supporters definitely had a better day than the players even! It makes such a difference when you’re digging deep, we might not be the biggest club, but we’re definitely the loudest.

3. The result puts us in charge of our own destiny really, what’s the plan for the next 3 weeks?

Win. It’s easy to get carried away after that, but I’d like to think it’s not in our nature and certainly not in our plans. We haven’t got here by dreaming or looking too far ahead.

Just got to take on the next challenge and I’ve no doubt this group have what it takes to do that. www.caldyrugbyclub.com

4. 2 years as captain and you’ve only lost 3 games out of 50.. how pleasing is that?

Yeah, haha. Could say it’s been an easy ride… I would like to point out I’ve had my harder times with the club too. But it ain’t about me. We’ve got a great group and a great vibe and some fantastic leaders within that. Been a pleasure and an honour.

5. Whether we finish, 1st, 2nd or 3rd, how brilliant has the journey this year been?

Great question. I don’t think big picture all that often if I’m honest. I’ve really enjoyed this season as I have all my other seasons at Caldy. It’s my club and I wouldn’t change any of them. What will be will be with the league but we just want to be proud of our performance. 3 more to go.

QUICKFIRE 3 Bus trip or home court session?

Bus trip.

Last minute winner or 50 point win?

Last minute winner.

“Come dine with me”, which 3 lads are you inviting to join you?

The founding members of Thursday club Gez, Hearny and Bones. I wouldn’t have a dinner party without them. And if you’re asking, we’ll have the pie.

7

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Caldy RFC - Season 2021/22 RESULTS / FIXTURES Score

Match

LEAGUE TABLE

Result

29 v 21

Cinderford -vs- Caldy

L

0 v 24

Caldy -vs- Birmingham

L

16 v 18

Blackheath -vs- Caldy

W

27 v 22

Caldy -vs- Darlington

W

27 v 27

Caldy -vs- Chinnor

D

22 v 22

Cambridge -vs- Caldy

D

47 v 40

Caldy -vs- Tonbridge

W

7 v 26

Plymouth -vs- Caldy

W

31 v 28

Caldy -vs- Leeds

W

31 v 36

Taunton -vs- Caldy

W

20 v 26

Caldy -vs- Rosslyn Park

L

20 v 31

Bishop’s Stortford -vs- Caldy

W

20 v 3

Caldy -vs- Rams

W

21 v 26

Sale -vs- Caldy

W

26-24

Caldy -vs- Cinderford

W

11 v 15

Birmingham -vs- Caldy

W

26 - 10

Caldy -vs- Blackheath

W

7 - 40

Darlington -vs- Caldy

W

Chinnor -vs- Caldy

W

9-0

Caldy -vs- Cambridge

W

21 - 40

Tonbridge -vs- Caldy

W

47 - 28

Caldy -vs- Plymouth

W

13 - 28

Leeds -vs- Caldy

W

52 - 31

Caldy -vs- Taunton

W

17 - 18

Rosslyn Park -vs- Caldy

W

12 - 23

9 Apr

Caldy -vs- Bishop’s Stortford

3:00 pm

16 Apr

Rams -vs- Caldy

3:00 pm

23 Apr

Caldy -vs- Sale

3:00 pm

30 Apr

Caldy -vs- Old Elthamians

3:00 pm

www.caldyrugbyclub.com

ENGLISH NATIONAL LEAGUE 1

Team

P

Pts

Caldy

25

97

Sale FC

24

90

Rosslyn Park

24

89

Cambridge

24

88

Cinderford

24

79

Rams

24

78

Chinnor

24

59

Birmingham Moseley

25

58

Taunton

24

58

Bishops Stortford

24

56

Darlington Mowden Park

24

50

Plymouth Albion

24

48

Blackheath

25

48

Leeds Tykes

23

39

Tonbridge Juddians

24

24

13

Match Report Rosslyn Park 17 - Caldy 18

L

ast Saturday was a bright sunny day in London and Caldy with a vociferous band of some 300+ supporters were in the Capital to play 2nd placed promotion favourites Rosslyn Park. It promised to be a big match in the National One season. It was.

The Wirral side had never won at Rosslyn Park’s famous ground ‘The Rock’ and with warm Spring weather on a 4g surface it was going to be a huge challenge. The conditions, the 4g pitch, a home crowd of some 1,200, everything favoured the muscular and athletic Rosslyn Park side, and the Ravers knew it.

The first 5 minutes were all Caldy. The kitchen sink and the kitchen table were thrown at Park. A piece of quick thinking saw the remarkable Ollie Hearn, who later embellished his status with an extraordinary 50:22 touch kick, sprint up the wing. Although the hooker was halted 5 metres from the line, the break had caused panic. Scrum half Joe Murray disregarded the penalty advantage setting up winger Elliot Gourlay who chipped the ball to the National League’s most potent try scorer Nick Royle. 5-0 to Caldy.

Ezra Hinchcliffe put another 3 points on the board for Caldy before a try by Park just before the break brought the score to 7-8 at the interval.

The second half was all consuming. An early penalty by Hinchcliffe marginally stretched Caldy’s lead to 7-11 but it was still as tight

14

as…. On 50 minutes Park speedster Marfo was correctly dismissed for foul play and as often happens Rosslyn Park were galvanised.

A converted try and a penalty pushed them into a 17-11 lead, but under the posts awaiting the penalty everything was calm in the Caldy huddle. They all knew their jobs and there was no reason to alter the game plan.

The decisive moment in the game was delivered by Ryan Higginson halfway through the second period. The burly prop made an incisive 15 metre midfield break before offloading to the Caldy back line, sending powerhouse centre Lucas Titherington in under the posts for what became the winning score.

For the last 20 minutes Caldy pinned the home side in their 22. There was no way through the Caldy defensive cordon and with the clock ticking down Rosslyn Park were clearly fearful of kicking away possession.

The final whistle was well celebrated by the Ravers and their euphoric supporters.

This was a committed team performance from the Ravers. Stonewall defence combined with incisive attacking play won the day against a fine and resilient Rosslyn Park side.

It was a tremendous advert for National 1 rugby and kept the 1,200 spectators at the Rock and the many Caldy fans watching the live stream in the Caldy clubhouse, gripped until the final whistle.

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There were any number of Caldy players who could have received the man of the match award. The Rugby Paper awarded hooker Ollie Hearn their star man accolade for his industry and moments of outrageous ability. National League Rugby gave Caldy centre ‘Irish’ Mike Cartmill, who should be renamed ‘Iron Mike’ for his brick wall defence, the accolade of National League Player of the Week.

to reinforce the togetherness and commitment

The final accolade to the whole Caldy squad came from a Rosslyn Park supporter Nick Lawson who described Caldy on their website as “the best visiting team in a few years I’d say - very strong, well drilled, and aggressive”

behind them. Their dangerous runners were

Caldy’s Director of Rugby Gareth Davies acknowledged the plaudits from his side’s win in the Capital but cautioned that there were still three very tough fixtures to go before the end of the season.

“It just shows how far great teamwork and togetherness can take you. However, we have three very big games to go with the next match at home this Saturday against a resurgent Bishop Stortford. We have never beaten Bishop Stortford at Paton Field and they are a side very much on the up. As with all teams in this league they will present a very stern challenge. We will need the same effort and performance at home against them or the win against Rosslyn Park will count for little.”

Effervescent Caldy scrum half Joe Murray agreed with the Caldy DOR but was also keen

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of the entire Caldy squad.

“Last week’s game against Rosslyn Park was as tight and intense a game as we have played all season. To come away with an 18-17 win was testament to our squad, the coaching staff, and our travelling support.

Rosslyn Park are a very big side, and they had a thousand or so of their own supporters difficult to stop on their 4g surface, but our defence was exceptional. We scored two great tries of our own through Nick Royle and Lucas Titherington, but it truly was a whole squad performance” Joe Murray is hoping for a large home support this week for an exceptionally tough match against Bishop Stortford to maintain Caldy’s momentum.

“Last week in London we had three hundred or so Caldy supporters and it made a huge impact, it gave us that extra 5% which makes all the difference at this level. It is very tight at the top of the league. Bishop Stortford is a very good side; it was a very close game earlier in the season. They are an attacking side and I expect it to be another enthralling close game on Saturday. I hope we can get our home support out in force. It makes a massive difference”

15

Today’s Squad v’s Bishop’s Stortford

CALDY SQUAD 1

Aigbokhae

11

B.Jones

2

Hearn

12

Barlow

3

Rushton

13

Titherington

4

Gerrard

14

Royle

5

S. Dickinson

15

Gourlay

6

Crowe

16

Clarke

7

Ridgway

17

Higginson

8

Jj Dickinson

18

T. sanders

9

Murray

19

Davidson

10

Hinchliffe

20

Robinson

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