That Friday Feeling – 2nd September 2022

Tomorrow is the start of the senior rugby season for Caldy RFC with the 2^nd xv taking centre stage at Paton Field in their first league match of the season in the Premier division of the Halbro Northwest league against an always tough and resolute Rossendale side.

Caldy’s 2^nd xv has won the league in each of the last three seasons but defending their title isn’t the main concern of Coach Andrew Soutar. “Winning titles and cups are obviously a big part of the season, but it isn’t our main focus. Our primary focus and responsibility is preparing players to be able to step up into the 1^st xv and even more so now that the club’s 1^st xv is playing in the Championship. There are a number of 2^nd xv players who are already capable of making the step up and our job is to increase that pool of talent”

Caldy’s 2^nd xv is coached by the hugely talented duo of Andrew Soutar “Sooty” and Christian Jones “CJ” and Sooty is looking to add to the 2^nd xv’s management team with the appointment of a Team Manager. “We haven’t had a dedicated 2^nd xv team manager since Dave Adams retired at the beginning of covid and it would be of great assistance to the 2^nd xv squad if we can appoint a dedicated team manager. If there is anyone within the club who feels they can help I would encourage them to contact me on 07764 960410  or by email at andrewsoutar@rfu.com and I can let them know what the role entails ”

Sooty and CJ have selected the following squad for the Premier league fixture against Rossendale, which kicks off at Paton Field at 3 p.m.

1. Will Sanderson, 2. Joe Sanders, 3. Matt Woodward, 4. Adam Kelly, 5. Sam Oay, 6. Robin Lowndes, 7. Nathan Ovien, 8. Ryan Spencer – Wolfe, 9. Alex Vaughn, 10. Liam Issacs, 11. Max Jones, 12. Josh Walters. 13. Tom Fletcher, 14. Rob Cooke, 15. Iwan Phillips, 16. Joe Smith, 17. Tomas Williams, 18. James Holmes, 19. Alex White, 20. Johnson Chandigere, 21 Jorge Lewtas, 22, Jaco Oosthuyzen

“ It has been a good pre-season for the squad and there are a number of players who will be playing to stake a claim for inclusion in next week’s inaugural 1^st xv match against Hartpury” said Sooty “there is a lot of anticipation for tomorrow’s game and I hope that everyone who can come down to support does so, it makes a big, big difference to the team”

Tickets for next week’s 1^st XV Championship game against Hartpury at Paton Field are already on sale on the club website and can be purchased here https://caldyrugbyclub.com/buy-tickets/