After a hugely physical top-level performance a fortnight ago against Ealing, last week a bruised and battered Ravers squad were overwhelmed in Coventry. However, the Ravers and their supporters are a resilient bunch as club secretary Tim Kilpatrick attested. “Getting to and from the Coventry match was a bit of a challenge involving 8 trains and a considerable number of very necessary refreshment breaks. Despite the scoreline no Ravers gave up and no Ravers’ supporters were left behind. This Saturday is another opportunity to support the resilient Ravers.”
Caldy Chairman Mark Loughran with Mad Donna at Coventry’s 80’s themed Ladies Day
Image thanks to Colin Free
The full story of Tim’s memorable train odyssey will be the subject of a full expose in a future article. Tomorrow the Ravers take on Hartpury at Paton Field in the Champ’s round of 23. There is a lot at stake for both sides.
Hartpury who currently lie in 6th place in the league table are in a three-way battle with Cornish Pirates and Nottingham to cement their place in the end of season’s top six playoff matches. With only 4 league points separating the Gloucester side from their immediate challengers for the final play-off berth they are sure to come to Paton Field with real intent.
At the other end of the table Caldy are battling to avoid being dragged into the relegation playoff scrap. The Ravers have a 12- and 17-point cushion respectively over Richmond and London Scottish. With four games to go this could be erased by Richmond, who produced a good performance last week in securing a 4 try bonus point against Worcester Warriors.
Tomorrow is Caldy RFC’s inaugural Armed Forces Day to support the men and women who are prepared to sacrifice so much for all of us. Armed Forces Day is a very appropriate backdrop given the battle the Ravers will face against a well drilled and professional Hartpury squad.
“They are a well-coached team of athletes” said Caldy’s Director of Rugby Gareth Davies “we need another good home performance from the squad, and the tremendous backing of our vibrant and partisan home support is crucial to that. Our home support makes a massive difference to us and never more so than in our recent epic home game against table-topping Ealing. With our home supporters behind us we can achieve the same level of performance again. So, whatever the weather tomorrow we need a big and vociferous Wirral crowd to show support for our Armed Forces and to drive us forward.”
Tickets for what promises to be a great occasion and a compelling game can be bought here : https://caldyrugbyclub.com/buy-tickets-membership/
The gates will be open from 12.00 noon.
Matt Cairns has picked the following squad for tomorrow’s crucial home fixture at Paton Field against Hartpury.
The match kicks off at 3.00 pm.
1. Nathan Rushton
2. Matt Gallagher
3. Ryan Higginson ( 100th Caldy appearance )
4. Max Loboda
5. Dylan Hodkinson
6. Sam Olyott
7. Dan Owen
8. JJ Dickinson (c)
9. Ollie Wynn
10. Kieran Wilkinson
11. Will Robinson
12. Michael Barlow
13. Connor Wilkinson
14. Rhys Tudor
15. Charlie Hyde
Replacements
Ollie Hearn, Monty Weatherby, Joe Sproston, Martin Gerrard,
Jack Wilson, Lewis Barker, Tom Akehurst, Cam Brown
Please get down to Paton Field tomorrow to support the lads and enjoy a fantastic match day experience at Caldy RFC’s inaugural Armed Forces Day.
Scan the QR code below for information about the Charity Auction and how to donate to the Walking With The Wounded charity.
Click “AUCTION PRIZES – SUPPORT US HERE” which takes you to the categories where you can choose to bid.
Caldy Clubhouse Bar, ‘President’s Bar’ & Marquee inside bars all open from 11.30 am
Trailer Bar, Poretti Stand & Scoreboard outside bars all open from 2.00pm
Ginger Cat Coffee, Burrito Shack, DoughBros outside catering all open from 2.00pm
Plus after the game live music in the marquee from 5.00pm – 7.00pm “Carlos Grassot”
Entry on gate tomorrow – Adults £20, Juniors 17s -18s £5, Children u16s free
Gates open at 12.00 noon & tickets are available to buy via our club website
go to : https://caldyrugbyclub.com/buy-tickets-membership/
A huge thank you to all our u13s players, parents & coaches for volunteering to help with car parking & running the raffle / auction tomorrow.
Please buy your raffle tickets on the day to win fabulous prizes & support our u13s !
Plus Caldy 2nd xv are back in league action tomorrow away against local rivals Chester in a top of the table clash.
Saturday 11th April – NOWIRUL Premier League
Chester 2nd xv v Caldy 2nd xv kick off 3.00 pm at Hare Lane, Chester
Caldy 2nd xv squad for tomorrow’s game ;
1. Matthew Rabbette (c)
2. Bart Farrier
3. Jaco Oosthuyzen
4. Harry Lightfoot
5. Orson O’Rorke
6. Luke Denn
7. Finn Collins
8. Alex Kerr
9. Jacob Mitchell
10. Dylan Carroll
11. Lucas Wiggins
12. Toby Elkerton
13. Eddie Banks
14. Harry Williams
15. Felix Clarke
16. Mattie Sangare
17. Ewan Dale
18. Efan Edwards
19. Ben Leek
20. Frankie Johnstone
21. Leo Grist-Corf
22. Harry Evans
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Community Rugby – Sunday 12th April
We are now into the Festival season and it is great to see us hosting the 33rd Caldy Junior Rugby Festival across 4 age groups, 32 teams and 6 pitches this Sunday. It’s pretty much one of it’s kind in the North West. Let’s hope the weather gods are shining and good luck to all our Caldy Juniors.
With exquisite planning, the Mini’s are off on manoeuvres with their annual Caldy Mini Tour – looking forward to seeing this year’s colour of hoodie !
u6s – no training
u7s – away at Whitchurch
u8s, u9s, u10s, u11s, u12s – Mini Tour
Girls – no training
u13s, u14s, u15s, u16s – Junior Festival
Junior Colts – no game
Senior Colts – no game
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Good luck to everyone & enjoy your rugby this 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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Rugby coming up
Saturday 18th April – Champ Rugby round 24
Ampthill v Caldy kick off 3.00 pm at Dillingham Park, Ampthill
Saturday 18th April – NOWIRUL Div 3 West
Newton Le Willows v Caldy 3rd xv kick off 3.00 pm at Newton Le Willows Sports Club
Crow Lane East, Newton Le Willows WA12 9XE
Saturday 18th April – Girls Rugby Fun Day
11.00 am – 1.00pm at Paton Field
followed by 2026 Guinness Womens Six Nations Rugby – Scotland v England – on TV 1.30pm
Saturday 2nd May – Champ Rugby round 25
Caldy v Doncaster Knights kick off 3.00 pm at Paton Field
Match tickets available to buy here : https://caldyrugbyclub.com/buy-tickets-membership/
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Events coming up
Caldy RFC End of Season Ball
Caldy RFC End of Season Ball is open for bookings
Whether you’d like a table for family, friends, colleagues, or just a small group. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy a fantastic evening’s entertainment at Thornton Hall Hotel including welcome drinks, 3 course dinner, Senior Rugby Awards, live music plus £1000 prize box !
Don’t miss out – book your places / table today and be part of this special end of season celebration.
Community Rugby section – please contact Mary Campbell 07940 233303 to book
Senior Rugby section & all others – please contact Lynn Ridgway 07714 992685 to book
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Join us on Friday 15th May at Heswall Golf Club for the Caldy RFC Golf Day.
Team stableford competition with a shotgun start, food included and prizes throughout the day.
£595 per team of four ball ( VAT included)
Prizes for nearest the pin, longest drive, beat the pro and team places.
To enter or for more information please contact Kenzie Allen :
email : [email protected]
mobile : 07940 233303
