The halfway mark in this season’s Champ league competition provides a two-week break which may…
A View from JJ’s Bank
| 1st xv result – Caldy 34 – 29 Ampthill |
| Champ Rugby round 12 – Saturday 27th December 2025 The Rugby Paper report by Coilin Duffy Caldy ….……… 34 pts Tries: Ene 2, 59; Robinson 14, Gallagher 23, Logan 46, 50 Conversions: K Wilkinson 24, 52 Ampthill ….…… 29 pts Tries: Vaenuku 9, Jackson-Richards 38, Smith 54, West 65 Conversions: Keylock 9, 55, 66 Penalty: Keylock 31 Caldy brought a seven-match winless run to an end with a hard-earned five-point victory at Paton Field against Ampthill. With both sides level on 24 points before kick-off, the result lifts Caldy above Ampthill in the table and provides a timely confidence boost for Matt Cairns’ squad after a difficult spell since their October victory over Cambridge. Caldy made the brighter start, dominating territory and possession in the opening exchanges. Their early pressure was rewarded when Matt Gallagher punched a hole close to the line and offloaded to Ene, who finished in the corner. Kieran Wilkinson was unable to add the extras, but the early score set the tone.  Obi Ene in the right spot to take it for the Ravers. Image thanks to OneBall Creative Ampthill responded through Sione Vaenuku after a tap-and-go close to the line, with Finn Key-lock converting, before Caldy regained control. Will Robinson crossed in the corner following slick handling across the backline, and Gallagher then produced a decisive moment, intercepting inside his own 22 and racing 50 metres before the hosts recycled possession and extended their lead. Wilkinson’s conversion made it 17-7. Ampthill stayed in touch through a Keylock penalty and a well-worked try from Brandon Jackson-Richards just before the interval, leaving Caldy 17-15 ahead at half-time. The hosts struck early in the second half through Reuben Logan, before Robinson added his second of the afternoon after neat distribution from Connor Wilkinson.    Images thanks to OneBall Creative That stretched the lead to 29-15, but Ampthill refused to fold. Sebastian Smith forced his way over from close range and Keylock converted to narrow the gap, before Ene struck again, finishing a sharp counter-attack to give Caldy breathing space at 34-22. Even then, the visitors mounted a final surge. Charles West crossed late on and Keylock’s conversion made it a five-point game heading into the closing minutes. “I thought they were going to take the game from us at the end,” Ene admitted. “Thankfully, they kicked it, we got it back and held firm in the end.” The result was met with clear relief among the home side. “It’s always tough in this league,” Ene added, “and that win today is really going to help us turn this around.” Ampthill host Nottingham next weekend, while Caldy travel to Doncaster with renewed belief.   Caldy : Hyde, Robinson (Tudor 64), C. Wilkinson, Barlow, Ene, K. Wilkinson, Wynn (Hanson 51) Rushton (Weatherby 48), Gallagher (Hearn 64), Sproston (Higginson 48), Gerrard, Birch, Logan, Owen, Dickinson (c) (Ridgway 69) Not used : Olyott, Rabbette Ampthill : Keylock, Jackson, Va’Enuku, Strachan (c) (Wilson 57), Hall, Grimoldby (Barton 50), Jones (Morgan 64), Courtney (Barrington 61), Smith, Johnston , Auvaa, Sodeke (Parkinson 28), West (Norrie 30), Rylands, Mapapalangi (Mullarkey 28) Not used : IsaccsReferee: Henry Pearson Attendance: 1,945   Image thanks to OneBall Creative Thank you to all of you who made last Saturday a special day. Make no mistake, you were absolutely our 16th man. From the first whistle to the last, the noise, energy and backing pushed the lads over the line when it really mattered. This club, this crowd, this place… special. Thank you to every single person who turned up and got behind us. We felt it. Back at home 31st January against Nottingham; see you there. Match Tickets are available to buy here : https://caldyrugbyclub.com/buy-tickets-membership/ – Rugby coming up Saturday 3rd January – Champ Rugby round 13 Doncaster v Caldy kick off 2.30pm at Castle Park, Armthorpe Road, Doncaster DN2 5QB For those unable to travel to Doncaster next Saturday this game will be live streamed on TV in the clubhouse at Caldy RFC Sunday 4th January – Halbro NW Senior Colts League A Wilmslow u18s v Caldy u18s kick off 2.00pm at Pownall Park, Kings Road, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5PZ Sunday 4th January – Halbro NW Junior Colts League A Caldy u17s v Kirkby Lonsdale u17s kick off 12.30pm at Paton Field – Saturday 10th January – NOWIRUL Premier League Caldy 2nd xv v Lymm 2nd xv kick off 2.00pm at Paton Field Saturday 10th January – NOWIRUL Div 3 West Oxton Parkonians v Caldy Rav3rs kick off 2.00pm at Holme Lane, Oxton CH43 2HU – Champ Rugby coming up at Paton Field Match Tickets are available to buy here : https://caldyrugbyclub.com/buy-tickets-membership/ Hospitality details & bookings please contact Kenzie email : [email protected]  |
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