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Match Report – Richmond 40 – Caldy 15

The Richmond Athletic Ground was the site of Caldy’s first victory in the Championship and where Nick Royle scored that amazing length of the field try just two short months ago. The Caldy scoring machine must wish that every game could be played in South West London as he ran in a hattrick of scores for the Ravers on the night. However, his 15 points would not be enough to secure victory for the visitors in the Championship cup. The anticipation of a Friday Night Lights game was palpable on arrival at the Athletic Ground but the home advantage would prove to be considerable with a number of familiar faces missing from the Wirral teams ranks. Richmond on the other hand appeared to have a near full strength starting XV. After an initial ‘arm wrestle’ in the opening minutes Richmond made good use of early penalties to kick to the corner. Torpey drove over and Johnson duly added for 7 – 0. Infringements continued to dog the away side and the second try for Torpey came from that same 5 meter line-out source with Johnson again adding the extras. Within 25 minutes the home side stretched the lead to 21-0 with a further try from Alex O’Meara with Johnosn again on target. A further try from Toby Saysell took the score out to 28 – 0 however, the spirits of the considerable travelling Caldy support were not dampened with the memory of Caldy recovering from a 26 – 3 deficit in the previous game. Indeed it was the Ravers who replied next after patient build up play saw Nick Royle cross the white wash. However the home side struck again on 39 minutes through Mike Wakley to leave the score 33 – 5 at the interval.

All hopes of another memorable comeback were extinguished as openside flanker Toby Saysell scored leaving Caldy a mountain to climb at 40 – 5. Both teams rolled the changes and ‘Royley’ added to further tries to leave a final score at 40 – 15 and a moral victory for the Wirral wonders in winning the 2ndhalf. This was merely scant consolation for Caldy who were second best on the night. We can only hope that the 220 mile journey will prove equally taxing for the Londoners on two visits to Paton Field in the New Year. With no 1st XV game next week the Caldy players can concentrate on the all important return to ‘the RAG’ in two weeks time when they take on London Scottish. The winless exiles lie at the foot of the Championship table and they will doubtlessly be keen to down the Caldy colours who sit just one place above them in the league. One things is for sure; Nick Ryle will be looking forward to the trip.

Colin Free

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