That Friday Feeling – 23rd February 2024

Last Saturday the 2^nd XV took centre stage in a derby match against local rivals Wirral RFC. The young Ravers ran out winners by 59-0 playing some attractive rugby against a doughty and committed Wirral side who were combative and resilient for the full 80 minutes. The match at the Memorial Ground attracted a decent crowd and some high-profile spectators including the President of Cheshire, Denis Mahony. The Cheshire President could not help but be impressed by the young talent on display from both Wirral and Caldy. “That was a great game of rugby for the spectator. The continuity and commitment were exceptional and a joy to watch.”

Unfortunately, there is no game this weekend for the 2^nd XV as the action moves to the capital as the 1^st XV take on London Scottish at the Richmond Athletic Ground. The staccato nature of the Championship season doesn’t help the Ravers generate a winning momentum and with a fallow week behind them after a close 22-26 loss to Bedford Blues in early February Caldy’s Director of Rugby, Gareth Davies, will be hoping that the Ravers can move on positively from the disappointing home result against Bedford. Davies should take encouragement from the views of his counterpart at Bedford, Mike Rayer. Rayer commented to the Rugby Paper how delighted he was to grab the invaluable win at Paton Field. “This season Caldy have already beaten two top four sides in Doncaster and Coventry at Paton Field, and they beat us fair and square there last year. It has become one of the toughest places in the Championship to get a result, so it was pleasing to come away from there with a win.”

London Scottish at the Richmond Athletic Ground is a tough proposition for the Ravers. Last season Caldy left the capital nursing a 19-10 defeat and London Scottish’s canny DOR Bryan Redpath is sure to have targeted this fixture for a home win. The Ravers will need to be at their absolute best if they are to come away with any Championship points.

Head Coach Matt Cairns has selected the following squad for Saturday’s 1^st XV Championship fixture against London Scottish at the Richmond Athletic Ground.
The match kicks off at the early time of 2.30 pm.

1. R. Higginson
2. M Gallagher
3. J Sproston
4. C Atkinson
5. T Sanders
6. S. Dickinson
7. C Booth
8. JJ Dickinson
9. C Pilgrim
10. R. Hayes
11. B. Jones
12. M Barlow
13. C Wilkinson
14. M. Kilcourse
15. S. Rogers
16. O. Hearn
17. N Rushton
18. M Weatherby
19. C Ridgway
20. J Murray
21. M Cartmill
22. M Gerrard
23. L. Barker

Community Rugby
Sunday 25 Feb  – Minis & Juniors home &/or away v Liverpool Collegiate
– u15s home v Oswestry
– u17 Junior Colts home v Trafford MV in Plate ko 12.30pm
– u18 Girls home v Crewe & Nantwich ko 1.00pm
– u18 Senior Colts home v Winnington Park in Cup ko 2.00pm

This weekend’s Guinness Six Nations will be live on TV in the clubhouse
Saturday – Ireland v Wales ko 2.15pm & Scotland v England ko 4.45pm
Sunday – France v Italy ko 3.00pm

Plus tonight – Friday Feeling Quiz Night – bar open 7pm, quiz starts 8pm

Good luck to everyone & enjoy your rugby weekend !