Caldy Rugby Club v Sale FC - 23/4/2022

Caldy v Sale FC

23 April 2022 - 3:00pm

Front Cover Image: © Steve Flynn Photography

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President’s Welcome

Graham Armitage

A

very warm welcome to our visitors today from Sale F.C. and to all of our members, supporters and guests for Caldy’s last match of the season which may turn out to be the promotion decider after a momentous season for both clubs.

Should Caldy win or draw they will become champions; however if Sale win they will then have the opportunity to overtake Caldy at the top of the league against Chinnor next Saturday. Today’s game will therefore almost certainly decide each club’s destiny next season with the winner taking on Championship rugby for the first time in their history.

Whatever happens, for two Cheshire teams to end the season at the top of National League One is a fantastic achievement from which both teams can take great pride, and is also a great advert for north west rugby.

The current status quo has arisen as a result of both teams taking maximum points from last week’s games, with Sale defeating Blackheath at home, having been down by 20 points to 7 at one stage; Caldy in the meantime had a tricky away game at Rams, eventually ending up 32 -21 winners following a close well contested encounter, making the game safe with Nick Royle’s try with the last play of the game. Meanwhile Rosslyn Park were doing both sides a big favour in London by beating Cambridge and finally ending any outside chance of promotion for the East Anglian team.

Caldy had faced a tricky journey south last weekend, however first half tries from man of the match, scrum half Nye Thomas, and the irrepressible Ollie www.caldyrugbyclub.com

Hearn steadied the away team’s supporters nerves with Ben Jones spot on with the conversions. The second half was not, however, one way traffic and it took a couple of penalties as well as a try from skipper JJ Dickinson to subdue the opposition, before securing the bonus point with Nick Royle’s final effort.

Today we extend a very warm welcome in particular to Sale FC’s committee, their President James Hourihan and colleagues who gave us such a welcome reception when we visited Heywood Road shortly before Xmas. Sale FC can trace their proud history back to 1861, one of the earliest clubs to be formed even before the advent of the RFU, playing rugby initially on land adjacent to the cricket club, before moving to their current ground at Heywood Road in 1905. The standard of rugby progressed and led to a string of international player representation from the mid 1920’s onwards; with the development of a first class fixture over the intervening years this subsequently produced some famous names in the likes of Fran Cotton, Steve Smith, Dewi Morris, Richard Trickey and Jason Robinson before the advent of professional league rugby. Hopefully one or two of these former players may be here today.

The advent of league rugby resulted in the formation of the separate franchise of Sale Sharks and led to Sale FC playing at a junior league level, rising through the ranks at an even greater pace than Caldy in more recent years. Back in 2017/18 our two teams had a titanic contest effectively for promotion to National One, with Caldy coming out on top on that occasion 1

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

What is the Business Club?

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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.

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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.

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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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President’s Welcome - Continued and Sale achieving promotion the following year.

Subsequent games between the clubs have all been close affairs, the away fixture this season between the teams ending in a 21-26 win for Caldy; the game was evenly contested with both sides holding the lead at various stages, before the away team produced yet another trademark second half performance to take the result. Since then both Sale and Caldy have remained unbeaten, resulting in the blockbuster of a game we have on our hands today.

We can hopefully anticipate a spectacular crowd, two sets of passionate supporters, and, with the help of reasonable weather, some great rugby whatever unfolds at Paton Field later this afternoon.

We also extend a big welcome today to Burnage RFC who provide our opposition in a 2nd team league encounter. Caldy 2’s have remained unbeaten for two seasons now and are top of the league with games in hand over their nearest rivals. They will obviously be looking to extend their winning record today, so let’s get behind the team for their curtain raiser match on the main pitch kicking off at midday.

I need as always to give a brief reminder on safety with Covid infections remaining at stubbornly high levels. It is now everyone’s personal responsibility with regard to protective measures. A reasonably pleasant forecast is on the menu hopefully so let’s all make the most of the fresh air on offer.

Unbelievably it’s virtually the end of our season, and hopefully a well earned rest for the Last of the Summer Wine, and other volunteers who give much 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. Just take a look at what we have on display today in order to fully appreciate all of their efforts. I would also like to thank all those involved in managing and operating the club during match days and throughout the

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season including the gate team, catering and bar staff without whom the club could not function. It takes a lot of hard work behind the scenes which can often go unnoticed and unappreciated. Well done to all concerned.

I would also like to thank once again all of our members, season ticket holders and supporters for your support throughout this season, with many travelling the length and breadth of the country on many occasions to support their team. I know how much this meant to the first team in particular with large numbers at critical games helping to provide the extra impetus to get the team over the line.

Finally I must mention our sponsors without whom we could not continue to operate. Their support has been invaluable over recent years and has undoubtedly contributed to the current success of Caldy RFC from which we have all benefitted in terms of the quality of rugby on offer and enjoyment derived. Well done gentlemen and we hopefully look forward to your continuing support in future.

My report would be incomplete, however, if I did not express my enormous gratitude to our players and to Gareth and Matt and their coaching teams for their recent efforts and achievements and the sheer pleasure given to all of us standing on the touchline.

I have been fortunate to have been President now for 2 seasons and can count on less than one hand the losses incurred at 1st Team level, an unbelievable performance I think you’ll agree at this level of rugby.

We wish our teams every success today in the knowledge that whatever happens they will have given their all for Caldy Rugby Club.

Let’s all get fully behind our teams and give them the support they deserve, but whatever you do, stay safe and most of all, whatever the result, enjoy your rugby, Graham Armitage

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Caldy Coach Report Matt Cairns

W

elcome to the last game of the

them at Christmas with the obvious goal of

season! It has been a great season

getting promoted to the Championship to bring

so far and the players have done

their link to Sale Sharks even closer.

exceptionally well to get the team to this point with the opportunity to win the league and also promotion to The Championship. This would obviously be an incredible achievement for the team and their hard work means its thoroughly

We haven’t been at our best over the last two weeks which is understandable given the huge performance away to Rosslyn Park which has set up this game today. We have prepared

deserved. Before that however, we have to get

each week well and never looked past the

past Sale FC who are also a fantastic tram and

next game and now we have one last game

have strengthened their ranks recently with

to prepare for and the Lads have done really

more dual registered players from Sale Sharks.

well to stay focused. They will give absolutely

They are on a fantastic run and the experience

everything today as they know they will need a

they have in the team has obviously aided that.

Special performance to get the result we want!

They have a few new faces since we played

I hope you enjoy the day!

Gareth Davies - Director of Rugby

4

Matt Cairns - Head Coach

Andrew Soutar - Coach

Richard Vasey - Coach

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Favourite Moments L! IA C E of the Season SP Gareth Davies - Highlight of the season would be Plymouth away I think. Great trip and squad togetherness as well as a win in a tough place traditionally for anyone. Second would be last week when JJ was away. So peaceful!

Nick Royle - I think turning Rosslyn Park over at their place. The travelling support made it really special and got behind the lads and hopefully the fans can turn out in numbers and provide the same support and get behind the lads today.

Matt Cairns - Benidorm Boges!

Tom Sanders - Blackheath Away - lovely little train down to London, playing Houston with the lads. Getting our first win in Nat 1 for the year, getting our first win down in London EVER. BOYB back on the train - more civilised occasion. Lads rock up with some nice IPAs, some lads with Barburrito others with Burger King. Ben Jones rocks up with a full charcuterie board, assorted meats, cheeses, olives the works and a bottle of Pinot noir from M&S. Forgot Karen’s tiffin that day as well; scandalous.

Richard Vasey - Sale away at Christmas and walking back into the changing rooms after the game surrounded by all the Caldy supporters going mental Mike Barlow - Beating RP away. Away fans were class.

Ben Jones - Last weekend was pretty special last away trip of the year, big win, great weather, guitar, bucket hats and beer on the way home Sam Dickinson - Big game against rams last week, came away with the win. Go through the tunnel after the game, set up for them to do the same. Licking their wounds one of them mutters ‘we just lost to a 60 year old’. Must have been talking about Royley.

Lucas Titherington - My favourite part is between sale away, running up to the Caldy ultras after beating park or the bus back from rams away, clubland and pints going everywhere Ollie Hearn - JJ getting turtled in the Mosley game at home and maybe a certain someone’s 50/22.

Adam Aigbokhae - Adopting big red for the season Callum Ridgway - The celebrations at the end of Rosslyn Park (a). So many friends and family travelling to the game, it was an incredible feeling. www.caldyrugbyclub.com

Nathan Rushton - Walking off the field after the sale game was hair raising. Personally think getting my first try of the season is always a relief to avoid the end of season ritual if you don’t score. Also, probably my favourite game was the 9-0 thriller against Cambridge. Finally, being back with my mates at Paton field has been special for me. After 3 years away from the club, friendships have been picked back up like I haven’t been away. It’s been a great year! Let’s hope we can finish the year with a win and drink the night away

Harrison Crowe - Final Whistle – Rosslyn Park Joe Murray - For me the Plymouth trip was a

favourite, big win away, overnight stay, shit shirt night, I was new to the club so felt a lot tighter to the boys after that trip and it just built from there, not to mention my fellow debutant Ezra got found on a roundabout. Every away game/ bus trip is a highlight, getting the job done at Rosslyn another favourite moment.

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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

31 - 18

Caldy -vs- Bishop’s Stortford

W

21 - 32

Rams -vs- Caldy

W

12 - 23

23 Apr

Caldy -vs- Sale

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3:00 pm

ENGLISH NATIONAL LEAGUE 1

Team

P

Pts

Caldy

27

107

Sale FC

26

100

Rosslyn Park

26

94

Cambridge

26

94

Cinderford

25

84

Rams

26

83

Chinnor

26

65

Taunton

26

64

Bishops Stortford

26

61

Birmingham Moseley

26

59

Darlington Mowden Park

26

54

Plymouth Albion

26

52

Blackheath

27

49

Leeds Tykes

25

46

Tonbridge Juddians

26

31

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Match Report Rams RFC 21 - Caldy 32

A

6-hour coach journey is not the best preparation for a game of rugby in National 1. However, with a combination of the Easter traffic and 100,000 Liverpool and Manchester City fans heading to Wembley for the semi final of the FA Cup this was what was required as Caldy’s travel and logistics co-ordinator Graham Armitage explained.

“We had a 6.30 start from Paton Field to try and get ahead of the traffic and by and large it was successful but of course it was not ideal.

Unfortunately, we did get tangled up with some Manchester City fans at the motorway services. Not the ideal preparation for a league game” Despite the prolonged travel it was Caldy that took early control against fifth placed Rams with an opportunistic dart by scrum half Nye Thomas after some heavy carries and drives from the Caldy pack had set up the scoring opportunity. When moments later Ollie Hearn went over after a lineout drive, Caldy looked to be in complete control, but it was illusory.

London Irish loanee Caolan Englefield stepped and dummied his way to the Caldy 22 before putting in another London Irish loanee Michael Dykes in at the corner.7-14 at the break.

yellow card for the giant Tom Sanders was the outcome. 14-17 and a man advantage flooded Rams with the belief they could topple the league leaders.

Caldy responded as they have done for most of this season. A well worked score by JJ Dickinson kept the Wirral side ahead and although Rams brought the score back to 2124, another penalty from Ben Jones and the bonus point try by the evergreen Nick Royle closed out the game in Caldy’s favour.

Even though Caldy were not at their best this was a good win on the road against determined opponents to set up the final game of the season at home against Sale FC. Saturday 23 April at 3 pm, Caldy v Sale at Paton Field.

It is likely to be slightly busier than usual at Paton Field so arriving earlier could be advantageous.

A Ben Jones penalty shortly after the break re-established Caldy’s two score advantage but there was no real distance between the sides and when the home pack were illegally stopped near the Caldy line a penalty try and a

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Today’s Squad v’s Sale FC

CALDY SQUAD 1

Aigbokhae

11

B.Jones

2

Hearn

12

Barlow

3

Rushton

13

Titherington

4

S. Dickinson

14

Royle

5

Sanders

15

Gourlay

6

Crowe

16

Clarke

7

Ridgway

17

Higginson

8

JJ Dickinson

18

Gerrard

9

Murray

19

Davidson

10

Hinchliffe

20

Cartmill

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Phone: 0151 625 8043 Website: www.caldyrugbyclub.com Email: caldyrugbyclub@outlook.com