Caldy – That Friday Feeling 29th November ’24

After a challenging set of Premiership Cup fixtures tomorrow the Ravers are on their travels down to Gloucester to play Hartpury in round six of the Championship.

Although losing all three Premiership Cup fixtures, Caldy’s Head Coach Matt Cairns has been able to take some positives from the matches. “One of the big plusses of the Premiership Cup is the ability to test ourselves against Premiership sides. These Cup games also provide the opportunity for some of the younger players to step up and experience the intensity of playing against full-time professionals without the added pressure of league points being at stake. Our younger players acquitted themselves well during these Cup games and it has enabled us to improve the depth and experience within the squad.”

With Caldy’s injury crisis in the boiler room showing little sign of abating any time soon 19-year-old second row Freddie Stevenson is one such player who rose to the challenge and has taken his opportunity to secure a starting slot against Hartpury. The youthful forward will be partnered by the slightly more grizzled Joe Sproston who has been pressed into action further back in the scrum from his usual front row position.

19 year old Freddie Stevenson is launched against Doncaster  
Image – Barry Quatermass

Elsewhere the all-Welsh half back combination of Wynn and Barker start with Cartmill, Wilkinson and Royle returning to the action outside them.

Hartpury, who sit in 4^th place in the league can be considered to be Caldy’s bogey side as they are the only side in the Championship that Caldy has never beaten. All Ravers fans will be hoping that Caldy can somehow stop this unwelcome sequence tomorrow.

Matt Cairns has selected the following squad for tomorrow’s Championship fixture against Hartpury which kicks off at 2.30 pm.

1. N Rushton
2. O Hearn
3. M Weatherby
4. J Sproston
5. F Stevenson
6. S Olyott
7. T Woodman
8. JJ Dickinson
9. O Wynn
10.  L Barker
11.  M Cartmill
12.  M Barlow
13.  C Wilkinson
14.  N Royle
15.  A Wills
16.  M Gallagher
17.  A Aigbokhae
18.  R Higginson
19.  C Ridgway
20.  J Murray
21.  J Bedlow
22.  W Riley
23.  M Kilcourse

There are no games for either the second xv or the third xv this weekend.

For those who can’t make the trip to Hartpury Stadium, Gloucestershire tomorrow the 1st xv Championship game will be live streamed on the TV in the clubhouse. 
Caldy Bar & Kitchen opens from 1.00 pm tomorrow.

Community Rugby this Sunday 1st December
With a dry week forecast ahead we can look forward to another eclectic set of fixtures, with most Mini age groups playing our friends at New Brighton, but we also have fixtures against Hoylake, Wigan, Crewe & Nantwich, Leigh, Shotton and Lymm.
Junior Colts are at home to Lymm at 12:30pm and the Senior Colts have a rest week off after their comprehensive victory over Knutsford last Sunday.

Minis
u6s training at home
u7s, u8s, u9s, u10s & u11s at home v New Brighton
u12s away v Hoylake 
Juniors
u13s home v Wigan
u14s away v New Brighton
u15s home v Crewe & Nantwich, also home v Leigh
u16s away v Shotton
Girls
u14s, u16s, u18s all at home training
Junior Colts
u17s home v Lymm kick off 12:30pm    
Senior Colts
u18s rest week 

Good luck to everyone & enjoy your rugby weekend !

Membership, Season Tickets & Match Tickets
All digital memberships, season tickets & match tickets are available to buy via our club website –
please go to https://caldyrugbyclub.com/buy-tickets-membership/

Congratulations Rod Walker – 60 years at Bathgate ! 
Rod Walker has achieved the incredible milestone of 60 years at Bathgate & the special occasion was marked with unveiling a new commemorative livery upon their fleet of vehicles.

Rod Walker 
Image – Bathgate Group

Bathgate Group have been official main sponsors of Caldy RFC for many years, supporting grass-roots rugby amongst many other community based sports & charities. Rod is Chairman of Bathgate & continues to be an inspirational leader, embodying the spirit of generosity & service in every aspect of his life.

Rod was himself a player for Caldy RFC & is one of our oldest living team Captains. Former Club President & Honorary Secretary, Rod continues to be a devoted & enthusiastic supporter. As well as his roles at Caldy RFC, Rod Walker has held a range of public offices:  

• Commodore, Royal Naval Reserve
• Governor and Vice-chairman, Calday Grammar School 
• Trustee and Chair of the Audit Committee, Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation
• Member of the County Employers Liaison Team 
• Chairman, Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology 
• Honorary Colonel, Royal Marine Reserve 
• High Sheriff of Merseyside  
• Deputy Lieutenant of the County of Merseyside
• CBE – Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire
• Fellow of Liverpool John Moores University

We are immensely proud of Rod for his unwavering commitment to Caldy RFC & it is a privilege to share the news of his well-deserved recognition.

First ever Business Club Christmas Lunch – next Friday 6th December 

As 2024 comes to a close, we’re thrilled to announce our first-ever Business Club Christmas Lunch !

Join us for a memorable day of great food, delicious drinks, networking and holiday spirit to wrap up a fantastic year together.

Event Details:
 Date: Friday, 6th December
 Location: The Marquee, Paton Field
 Time: 10am – 3pm

This Christmas Lunch will be our biggest gathering yet ! Along with a delicious holiday menu and seasonal treats, we’ll enjoy a couple of fun games and a special presentation from our guest speaker, former Olympic medallist and forward-thinking entrepreneur Steve Smith, who’s sure to bring insight and inspiration to the festivities.

Business Club members have two complimentary seats. Additional guests are most welcome, for £30 per person which includes an enhanced holiday menu, activities, and a few special touches that will make this event truly memorable.

Let’s make this a celebration to remember ! Reserve your spot, bring your holiday cheer, and get ready to kick off the festive season in style with fellow members.

To reserve your spot contact MacKenzie Allen at [email protected]