That Friday Feeling – 13th December

Last week Caldy returned from the 350-mile round trip to Tynedale satisfied with a 47-14 bonus point win away to a good side who made them battle for the victory as Head Coach Matt Cairns acknowledged.

“The score didn’t really reflect how tough a game that was or the strong performance from the home side. Tynedale probably had the lion’s share of possession but we were just a bit more clinical when we got our opportunities. It was an important win because Tynedale is a really tough place to go.”

Apart from the win Cairns was particularly happy at the debut performance at scrum half by 18-year-old Jacob Ainscough. “It was a top effort by Jacob to come into the side in Cam Davies’ absence and match up against Tynedale’s captain and best player Matty Outson. Jacob played with confidence and his assured debut showed that he is already more than capable at playing at this level”

This weekend Caldy face one of the perennial promotion favourites in Stourbridge RFC. This season the Midland’s side have so far struggled somewhat to reach their usual level. Currently they are mid table but last week’s resurgent performance after a poor start at home against Chester showed that they may not be too far away as Cairns recognises.

“Stour are one of the big beasts in National 2 North. They have a top coaching set up and some real quality players. Their current position in the league doesn’t reflect how good a side they are. We are expecting a very tough game which we will need to be at our best to win”

Stourbridge’s side is sure to contain a number of recognisable stars in their line up including brilliant flanker Nigel Mukarati, tough as teak tight head prop Mark George and free scoring speedster Dan Rundle. However, the Caldy supporters will also welcome back to Paton Field two of Stourbridge’s most recognisable faces in the very imposing form of Director of Rugby, Neil Mitchell and Head Coach, Alex Davidson.

In their playing days former 2nd rows Mitchell and Davidson were big personalities in any match they were involved in. Their combative spirit, rugby knowledge and very significant physical presence is now a major factor from the side lines and is sure to boost the performance from the visitors. Caldy will need to be focussed and disciplined if they are to maintain their winning record.

Matt Cairns has selected the following squad for the match against Stourbridge which kicks off at Paton Field at 2.15 p.m.

1. Jack Parker 2. Ollie Hearn, 3. Derek Salisbury, 4. Jack Collister, 5. Tom Sanders, 6. Harrison Crowe, 7. Adam Aigbokhae, 8. JJ Dickinson, 9. Cameron Davies, 10. Lewis Barker, 11. Ben Jones, 12. Mike Barlow, 13. Gavin Roberts, 14. Nick Royle, 15. Rhys Hayes . 16. Dave Jones, 17. Michael Cartmill, 18. Martin Gerrard, 19 Ted Stagg, 20. John Whittaker

For those unable to make tomorrow’s game, you can receive live score updates via the Caldy Twitter Account @CaldyRUFC