That Friday Feeling – 3rd May 2024

Saturday’s Championship away game against Hartpury is likely to be a testing affair for the Ravers. The Gloucestershire side are the only Championship side Caldy hasn’t recorded a win against in their two seasons at level 2.  After a decent albeit unsuccessful performance two weeks ago against league leaders Ealing, last weekend the Ravers were left kicking their heels as this staccato season had yet another blank weekend.

Director of Rugby Gareth Davies is looking for a strong end to the season from the Ravers “We have three big games coming up to end our second season in the Championship and we want to pick up points in all of them beginning with Hartpury this weekend. They are a powerful attacking side with serious pace and flair. We cannot afford to make unforced errors, that really cost us in the reverse fixture.”

Caldy’s 2nd xv travel to Kendal RFC to take on Chester RFC in the final of the Cotton Traders Cup which is being staged at the Westmorland club. This final will be Caldy’s most difficult fixture of the season. Chester who finished 2nd in the Halbro Premier League have finished their 1st xv season and are almost certain to reinforce their squad with senior players.

Caldy’s coach Andrew Soutar acknowledged the challenge that Chester pose. “Chester are fierce rivals and every game against them is close. This is a cup final and with the completion of their National league season they will have a strong pool of players to draw from. This is going to be a really tough challenge for our young squad. It promises to be a great game of rugby”.

There are a few places available on the team coach to Kendal please so please contact Andrew Soutar on 07764 960410 if interested in travelling with the squad.

The Cotton Traders cup final kicks off at 4.15 pm at Kendal RFC’s Mint Bridge Ground.

Last but very much not least, congratulations to Caldy RFC’s “Off Pitch” choir. Last weekend their ‘experienced squad’ achieved second place in the prestigious Chester Music Festival with an outstanding performance that received a distinction from the panel of judges. Clearly not off pitch at all!

Head Coach Matt Cairns has selected the following squad for Saturday’s 1st XV Championship fixture at Hartpury’s ALPAS Arena against Hartpury with a 2.30 pm kick off.

1. A. Aigbokhae
2. O. Hearn
3. J. Sproston
4. C. Atkinson
5. A. McNamee
6. M. Deehan
7. T. Woodman
8. C Ridgway
9. O. Wynn
10. L. Barker
11. W. Robinson
12. M. Barlow
13. C Wilkinson
14. N. Royle
15. R. Hayes
16. M. Gallagher
17. N. Rushton
18. M. Weatherby
19. S. Olyott
20. C. Booth
21. M. Cartmill
22. C. Pilgrim
23. M. Kilcourse

We are hoping both Caldy senior games will be live-streamed tomorrow in the clubhouse for those to watch who cannot make the away trips.

Community Rugby
Saturday 4 May – u13s Caldy v Ealing on Tour
Sunday 5 May – u6s training
– u7s – u12s away at Hoylake Festival
– u14s Juniors away Bowdon v Caldy – Bowl Final at Anselmians ko 2.30 pm
– u15s Juniors away A H Lions v Caldy – Bowl Final at Wirral ko 2.00 pm

Touch Rugby
This weekend is 2024 ETA Touch Nationals which you can watch on YouTube
Players from Caldy include
Men’s 30s – Mark Rainer, Ed Mawdesley, Connor Windell
Men’s 40s – Shaun Thomas, Men’s 45s – Charles Ryder, Jezz Ellis
Women’s 40s – Caroline Prosser, Christina Clark, Emma McCormick,
Sharon Hay, Hannah Gael

Good luck to all the Caldy teams & enjoy your rugby!