That Friday Feeling – 3rd March 2023

There is much to look forward to this weekend as Caldy RFC and their supporters either travel offshore to support the 1st xv in their clash against 2nd placed Jersey Reds in round 15 of the Championship or head for Paton Field for the 2nd xv’s pivotal fixture against the mighty Fylde Hawks.

Games between Caldy and Fylde are always keenly fought. Fylde are one of the big beasts of North West rugby boasting many legendary former players and rugby icons including Bill Beaumont, Brian Ashton, Malcom Phillips, Wade Dooley, Jason Robinson and of course Caldy’s Nick Royle.

After just prevailing earlier in the season in the reverse fixture at the Woodlands by 31-14, Coaches Andrew Soutar and Christian Jones will be prepared for what may turn out to be the toughest home fixture of the season. “This is a crucially important fixture for us. If we can win tomorrow, we will become Champions of the Premier Division of the Halbro League.”

Sooty and CJ hope that all Caldy supporters who haven’t been able to travel to Jersey come to Paton Field to cheer on the 2nd xv on the main pitch. “A vociferous home support is huge for the lads. The game against Fylde Hawks will be kicking off at the earlier time of 1.30 pm to enable spectators to also watch the 1st xv’s Championship match against Jersey Reds which will be streamed live in the clubhouse with a 3 pm kick off. It promises to be a compelling day of rugby at Paton Field.”

Whilst the 2nd xv will be battling for honours at Paton Field the 1st xv will be tussling with theJersey Reds at the Stade Santander International in Round xv of the Championship. Earlier in the season Jersey ran out 19-34 winners at Paton Field with the Ravers giving a good account of themselves against what was reputed to be one of the biggest forward packs in World Rugby.

Despite recent impressive league form the Wirral side will have their work cut out to come away from Jersey with any further league points against one of the best fully professional sides in English rugby. Long time Caldy supporter Phil Wylie who is one of the many Ravers fans who have travelled to the island for this fixture remains decidedly upbeat. “The Championship experience has been a joy so far and we know no matter the result on Saturday everyone is going to remember their Jersey adventure, club rugby doesn’t get much better than this. All the travelling Ravers fans are going to make the most of this weekend whether they are just going to the match, wild swimming with Carol Tilley in St Brelade’s Bay or otherwise enjoying what Jersey has to offer, it will be memorable”

Head Coach Matt Cairns has selected the following squad for the expedition to Jersey.

1.Aigbokhae 2. Hearns 3. Darlington 4. Dickinson S 5. Sanders 6. Crowe 7. Ridgway 8. Dickinson JJ  9. Pilgrim 10. Hayes 11. Cartmill 12. Barlow 13. Bibby 14. Royle 15. Gourlay 16. Sanderson 17. Clarke 18. Higginson 19. Gerrard 20. Davidson 21. Murray 22. Barker 23. Beer