That Friday Feeling – 23rd September 2022

An effervescent coach journey back to the Wirral was the team’s reward for a first win on the road last week 34-32 against Richmond FC.

A result which pleased Caldy’s Head Coach Matt Cairns

“It was good to get the win after a particularly strong comeback in the second half. We made three early mistakes which Richmond ruthlessly punished but scores from Harrison and a ‘worldy’ by Nick kept us in touch, and we improved our performance and discipline after the break.”

This Saturday, Caldy’s senior side has a first-ever meeting with Nottingham RFC at Paton Field. The ‘Archers’ have a long history of some 145 years and together with their ‘partner’ club Leicester Tigers they are the rugby powerhouse in the East Midlands. Nottingham’s role call of famous former players reflects their history and status as well as any other marker. Brian Moore, Rob Andrew, Neil Back are just a few of the international players to pull on the green and white jersey.

Cairns knows just how tough an encounter this is going to be.

“The step up in physicality and intensity from National 1 to the Championship is massive and unrelenting. We know every week we will have to scramble for points, and this is another huge test for us. Nottingham are very seasoned performers at this level and after last week’s narrow home loss to Cornish Pirates they will be coming to Paton Field looking for maximum points”

In a week which has shaken topflight rugby with the news of the potential insolvency of both Worcester Warriors and Wasps, yesterday the Daily Telegraph published its view of how topflight rugby in England could be restructured. In an article entitled ‘How to fix Premiership rugby’, sportswriter Ben Cole recommended a 10-team Premiership and a 12-team Championship, listing each team that would comprise these two leagues. Somewhat surprisingly, Caldy were not featured!

Matt Cairns has selected the following 23-man squad for the Championship game against Nottingham RFC which kicks off at Paton Field at 3 pm.

1. Aigbokhae 2. O Hearn 3. A. Darlington 4. S Dickinson 5. T Sanders 6. H Crowe 7. C Ridgway 8. JJ Dickinson 9. C Pilgrim 10. E Hinchcliffe 11. B Jones 12. M Cartmill 13. D Bibby 14. N Royle 15. R Hayes 16. T Clarke 17. N Rushton 18. R Higginson. 19. M Gerrard 20. T Parry 21. J Murray 22. M Barlow 23. W Robinson

Tickets for the game may be bought online at £10 for each adult here https://caldyrugbyclub.com/buy-tickets/

Tickets bought at the gate are £15 per adult

2nd xv away at Blackburn

Andrew Soutar and Christian Jones take a strong 2^nd xv to face an unbeaten Blackburn side at Ramsgreave Drive, Blackburn, BB1 8NB. Kick-off is 3 pm

Community Rugby – a message from Tim Kilpatrick

Calling all Caldy RFC Community members – Minis, Juniors, Girls, Colts, Women & Touch rugby – your club needs YOU! We need your support at Caldy Senior Rugby home games every Saturday this season. Help us raise our ‘stadium’s’ roof on match days!

Please purchase discounted tickets online in advance or use your complimentary season ticket to boost our Caldy 1^st XV Championship Rugby attendances.

A big thank you to our u13 & u15 Juniors for stepping up at the last 1^st xv home game against Hartpury to help with the gate, parking, raffle & litter picking. Our u15 Juniors have volunteered to help again with the gate and parking at this Saturday’s home game against Nottingham and the u13 Juniors are hosting the raffle.

Congratulations to our Caldy Junior & Senior Colts for winning their opening league games – Juniors: Preston Grasshoppers 14 – 26 Caldy; Seniors: Caldy 15 – 0 Chester

Caldy Senior Colts have a huge game this Sunday in the Under 18 National Cup against Leigh with a 2 pm kick off at Paton Field

Good luck to all Caldy Minis & Juniors & age grades this weekend. Have fun everyone!