Caldy – That Friday Feeling 7th February ’25

Caldy v Sale Sharks last weekend
Image – Barry Macdonald

After last weekend’s closely fought encounter against a strong Sale Shark’s side the Ravers are on the road this Sunday to Kingston Park to take on Steve Diamond’s Newcastle Falcons in the Premiership Rugby Cup.

Head Coach Matt Cairns knows this will be a challenging fixture. “In some ways Newcastle Falcons’ position in the Premiership mirrors Caldy’s position in the Championship. Both clubs are hugely under resourced compared to the rest of the division and both are very firmly focused on developing and playing local talent. It is all about getting the best out of a local squad of players. Steve Diamond has certainly done that since he stepped into the DOR role for the Falcons 12 months ago. They are a very much improved close-knit team. They will be very prepared, and we will need to work our socks off to match them.”

The Caldy match day squad has a few changes since last week with one surprising name standing out on the team sheet. Former Birkenhead Park and Westoe prop Matt Ibbotson comes into the match day squad for his Caldy 1^st xv debut. The veteran tight head prop was always a fierce competitor in previous encounters between Birkenhead Park and Caldy and Cairns is pleased to bring Ibbo’s strength and rugby experience into the Raver’s squad. “Matt has always been a top performer in the front row whether for Park, Westoe or Cheshire. He is a terrific addition to the squad both as a player and as a top bloke and has fitted in really well since he joined Caldy. I am sure his experience will really help some of the young lads who will also be making Sunday’s trip to Newcastle.”

Jacob Mitchell speeds away from Sale Sharks last weekend
Image – Barry Macdonald

Selection for this Premiership Rugby Cup fixture includes a clutch of promising Caldy youngsters and scrum half Laurie Essenhigh who is on loan from Sandbach RFC.

Caldy’s Matt Cairns has selected the following squad for Sunday’s Premiership Rugby Cup away fixture at Kingston Park against Newcastle Falcons which kicks off at 3.00 pm Sunday 9th February.

1. N Rushton
2. O Hearn
3. J Sproston
4. T Sanders
5. F Stevenson
6. S Olyott
7. C Ridgway
8. JJ Dickinson
9. J Tansey
10.  S Rogers
11.  W Robinson
12.  M Barlow
13.  C Wilkinson
14.  C Hyde
15.  M Kilcourse
16.  J Ellam
17. M Rabbette
18.  O Hearn
19.  C Butler
20.  L Essenhigh
21.  M Ibbotson
22.  J Mitchell
23.  C Attis

Caldy’s 2^nd xv are away at Preston Grasshoppers. There is no scheduled game for the 3^rd xv.

Unfortunately Newcastle Falcons do not permit live streaming of games but Caldy clubhouse Bar & Kitchen will be open on Sunday as usual 

Caldy clubhouse Bar will be open tomorrow Saturday from 1.00pm & Six Nations games will be on TV.  

Caldy 2nd xv away tomorrow Saturday 8th February
Halbro NW Bathtime Premier League  
Preston Grasshoppers v Caldy kick off 12.00 noon 
Top of the table Caldy are away tomorrow against 4th placed Preston Grasshoppers, Lightfoot Green Lane, Fulwood, Preston PR4 0AP
Squad : 1. Bogey 2. Johnno 3. Jaco 4. Tomas Shannahan 5. Jack Wilson
6. Max Fletcher 7. Cam Sabouni 8. Robin Lowndes 9. James P 10. Dan Rabbette
11. Rob Waring 12. Lucas Wiggins 13. Sam Roberts 14. Toby Elkerton
15. Rob C 16. Tomas Williams 17. Issac Hardisty 18. Finn Collins
19. Ben Leek 20. Freddie Arista 21. Felix Clarke 22. Ewan Dale

Community Rugby this Sunday 9th February
This Sunday sees most age group play the return leg of our fixture with Anselmians. Senior Colts are away against Stockport and Junior Colts have a trip to Waterloo, needing a result to keep them in contention for top of Halbro NW Colts League A.
Minis
u6s & u7s training at home
u8s, u9s, u10s, u11s & u12s home &/or away v Anselmians  
Juniors
u13s tbc
u14s, u15s, u16s home &/or away v Anselmians  
Girls
u14s, u16s, u18s all at home training
Junior Colts
u17s away – Firwood Waterloo v Caldy kick off 12.30pm    
Senior Colts
u18s away – Stockport v Caldy kick off 2.00pm

Good luck to everyone & enjoy your rugby weekend !

But please remember “No referees, No games” – disrespect or verbal abuse of rugby match officials is totally unacceptable & has no place in rugby.

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Save the date
Saturday 14th June 2025
Caldy Rugby Club – End of Season Ball
Details to follow in due course

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You’re invited to our next Dicky’s Dinner 
Friday 4th April 2025
7.00pm for 7.30pm until late 
Three course dinner, bar & raffle in the clubhouse

To reserve your dinner place / places please pay by bank transfer
 £30 per head to:
Account name : SM&PP Dickinson
Sort code : 09-01-28
Account no : 48815348
Payment reference : Dicky’s Dinner

To book a table of 10 (with names) please contact Pauline Dickinson :
email : [email protected]
mobile : 07971 827717
If you wish to donate a raffle prize please also contact Pauline



Last month’s Dicky’s Dinner was a fantastic evening with excellent food & wine with everyone helping to raise funds towards grounds, pitches & clubhouse maintenance. The top raffle prize was donated by Caldy 1st xv, a gallon of whisky ! which was won by Steve Hill. Many thanks for all your support. 





Images – Jane Kilpatrick