Match Report – Caldy 22 v Hartpury 33

A warm still day and a decent crowd of 1,300 to watch Caldy’s first-ever game in the Championship. The home side couldn’t secure an inaugural win, but DOR Gareth Davies was satisfied with this first outing. “We knew this was going to be a big step up from National One but we can use this game as a marker. We learned a lot today and game by game, we will get better.”

A Caldy mistake from the kick-off was penalised, and within a minute Caldy were facing a 5-metre line out. Hartpury prop Aristot Benz Solomon was driven over for the first of the visitors’ 5 tries which was converted by Thomas Mathews. The visitors dominated the first 15 minutes playing a fast wide game with centre Joseph Jenkins the standout player and they could have gone further ahead but for a sensational cover tackle by Caldy’s Dan Bibby.

It was the former England 7s star Bibby, who got Caldy on the board after a quick turnover in midfield the flier scored from a well-executed kick and chase. Caldy were getting into the game, and they took the lead 10-7 after another scintillating midfield break by Nick Royle put winger Ben Jones in at the corner.

Although a try by Jean- Baptiste Bruzulier regained the lead for Hartpury, Caldy’s forwards were gaining momentum. After a period of pressure replacement prop Andrew Darlington was driven over to make it 17-14 to Caldy just before the break. Caldy didn’t hold the lead for long as Hartpury flanker Joe Howard scored to give the visitors a 17-19 half time lead.

The pivotal moment came some 10 minutes after the restart. A potential Caldy turnover in the Hartpury half was snaffled back by the visitors and they raced away for a second try by Bruzulier converted by Mathews to jump 26-17ahead. With a further try by replacement Harry Fry, there was the potential for Hartpury to pull away strongly in the last 15 minutes, but it was Caldy who finished the stronger with a catch and drive score of their own by Ethan Caine giving them a consolation four try bonus score.

Hartpury DOR John Barnes commented “We are pleased with the bonus point win. It was a tough and competitive game in a glorious setting against a resolute well supported Caldy side. We have hugely enjoyed the Paton Field experience.”