This weekend showcases the Ravers’ final home game of the 2025/26 Champ season against northern rivals Doncaster Knights. The weather forecast is favourable for a fast-paced game and the 10th placed Knights, one position higher in the Champ table than Caldy, will be looking to reverse the 27-28 loss they suffered in the 3rd of January fixture at Castle Park. That narrow win by the Ravers went a long way to securing Champ rugby for next season by keeping them clear of the bottom three places. A win tomorrow will give the Ravers their 10th Champ win of the season, their best record since they arrived in the 2nd tier.
A top 6 finish is still theoretically possible for Donny. If other results go their way in the last two fixtures and they can record a bonus point win tomorrow and next week against Nottingham they will be in the playoff mix. Next season Doncaster are moving from a full time to a part time rugby model, and they are sure to give this ‘northern derby’ fixture their very best full time commitment.
This great fixture is also the occasion of the past players’ lunch. With some 300 or so well ‘fueled’ past players and guests in attendance Paton Field is sure to have a raucous, partisan and party atmosphere and will be the perfect way to start the May Bank holiday weekend.
Amongst those past players dining in the marquee will be Tom Sanders whose rugby career was cut short this season by a serious neck injury. Tom’s rugby journey began with Caldy’s minis and ended in the Champ. Tom’s phenomenal rugby ability and physicality has been instrumental in Caldy’s rise over the last 15 years. For those who don’t know Tom he should be relatively easy to spot. 6ft 8in and 140kg tends to get noticed. If during or after lunch you get a chance to thank this giant for his fantastic service to Caldy and he speaks to you somewhat incomprehensibly you may either have mistakenly thanked the almost as large Wasp’s legend Pete Scrivener or Tom has imbibed one too many sweet sherries.
The Giant Tom Sanders
On the pitch two other great guys will be playing their last home game and another will record his 200th 1st xv game for the Ravers. During the last eight years ‘Welsh Wizard’ Lewis Barker and ‘Defensive Iron Man’ Mike Barlow have given Paton Field some of its best ever moments. They both deserve to bow out in style.
Welsh Wizard Lewis Barker
Iron Man Mike Barlow
Versatile prop Nathan Rushton will be playing his 200th 1st xv game for Caldy. Bushy’s ability to play both sides of the scrum together with his rugby nous and ability has been the cornerstone of Caldy’s scrum during it’s time in National 1 and at Level 2. A few seasons ago in a massive Nat 1 away game against Rosslyn Park, Bushy’s canny play and influence swung the game in the Ravers’ favour. Bushy will surely put in a performance against Donny that awards him a score of at least 8 out of 10 in The Rugby Paper.
At least 8 out of 10 Nathan Rushton
Tomorrow Lewis, Mike, Nathan and the rest of the Caldy squad deserve the backing and appreciation of a large and vibrant Paton Field crowd. Please do come down to support the Ravers. Tickets for tomorrow’s game against Doncaster Knights can be purchased here :
https://caldyrugbyclub.com/buy-tickets-membership/
Caldy’s head Coach Matt Cairns has selected the following squad for tomorrow’s game at Paton Field against Doncaster Knights.
The match kicks off at 3.00 pm and the gates will be open from 12 noon.
1. Monty Weatherby
2. Ollie Hearn
3. Nathan Rushton ( 200th appearance )
4. Max Loboda
5. Sam Olyott
6. Reuben Logan
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
Matt Gallagher, Martin Gerrard, Matt Rabbette, Joe Sproston
Lewis Barker, Tom Akehurst. Cam Brown, Callum Ridgway
Caldy’s 2nd xv will play their last game of the season against Chester in the Barry Allen Memorial Cup final. With a perfect season record of 20 bonus point wins out of 20 league fixtures Andrew Soutar and Christian Jones’ side will head to Ormskirk RFC where the cup final is being played with the recognition that this could be the toughest match of all. Chester 1st xv’s season finished last week and they are sure to have strengthened their match day squad to take down Caldy and bring their 7-year unbeaten streak to an end.
Sooty’s personal best time of 2 hrs in 52 minutes and 12 seconds in last week’s Boston Marathon should act as a motivator for Caldy’s 2nd xv squad. If someone as venerable as Sooty ‘The Running Man’ can still reach new heights, Caldy’s young 2nd xv can do the same particularly with the uplifting vocal encouragement from the charismatic Christian Jones. Whatever the cup final result it is certain that Caldy’s 2nd xv will have delivered the grit, determination and ability that they have shown all season.
It is expected that the Cup Final at Ormskirk will kick off at or around 3.30 pm.
The Running Man Andrew Soutar
The Charismatic Christian Jones
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Saturday 2nd May – Champ Rugby round 25
Caldy v Doncaster Knights kick off 3.00 pm
Please get yourself down to Paton Field tomorrow afternoon to support the Ravers
We need to pack JJ’s Bank and the Ravers party stand – we need every fan to raise the roof for the last home game !
Entry on gate tomorrow – Adults £20, Juniors 17s-18s £5, Children u16s free
Gates open at 12 noon & tickets are available to buy via our club website
go to : https://caldyrugbyclub.com/buy-tickets-membership/
Caldy Clubhouse Bar, ‘President’s Bar’ & Marquee inside bars all open from 11.00 am
Trailer Bar, Poretti Stand & Scoreboard outside bars all open from 2.00 pm
Ginger Cat Coffee, Burrito Shack, DoughBros, Piadina Pronto, Real Dairy Ice Cream all open from 2.00 pm
Caldy’s “The Hatch” catering & outside BBQ available from 3.00 pm
Plus after the game live music in the marquee from 5.00 pm – 7.00 pm “Carlos Grassot”
A huge thank you to all our u12s players, parents & coaches for volunteering to help with car parking & running the raffle tomorrow. Please buy your raffle tickets on the day to win fabulous prizes & support our u12s !
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Saturday 2nd May – Barry Allen Memorial Cup Final
Caldy 2nd xv v Chester 2nd xv kick off 3.30 pm at Ormskirk RUFC,
Green Lane, Ormskirk, Lancashire L39 1ND
Programme notes thanks to Andrew Soutar”As this will be the final game of the 2025–26 season for both teams tomorrow, I hope that all players, coaches, volunteers and referees get to enjoy the occasion — and perhaps share a drink afterwards.
Caldy, known as the “little shack upon the hill”, have enjoyed another strong season in the Championship, both on and off the field. Planning permission has been granted to transform the clubhouse and changing rooms, which is fantastic news for the club. The 1st xv have surprised many across the country with their results in the Championship over the past couple of seasons. However, this comes as no surprise to me, as I know how hard the key people within the club – Gareth Davies ( DOR ), Matt Cairns ( Head Coach ), Richard Vasey ( Backs Coach ) and Christian Jones ( 2nd xv Coach ) – have worked to make the club attractive to players both on and off the pitch. As with most rugby clubs today, none of this would be possible without the support of our sponsors, and I thank them for the continued investment they make in the senior squad.
We have played our opponents today twice this season, with both fixtures being highly competitive.
Recognition must also be given to Rhys Hayes, Gavin Woods and Phil Turnbull for the journey they have taken Chester on over the past couple of years – a job very well done.
The 1st xv have used 50 players so far this season, and it has been great to see some of the 2nd xv lads step up when required. As always, some have had to be patient, but those who have trained hard and performed well for the 2nd xv have been rewarded. Players such as brothers Matty and Dan Rabbette, Jack Wilson, Dylan Carroll, Harry Lightfoot and Jacob Mitchell have all made multiple appearances for the 1st xv. A massive congratulations goes to Charlie Hyde, who has played 2nd xv rugby for the last two seasons and earned his opportunity following Matty Kilcourse’s injury – an opportunity he has taken and retained ever since.
The club continues to work hard, as most clubs do, to transition players from colts rugby into the senior game. The formation of the 3rd xv last season has helped this year’s junior and senior colts gain valuable senior rugby experience. This season, 10 senior colts have played 3rd xv rugby and three have represented the 2nd xv. A thank you must go to all mini and junior coaches who have played a part in these players’ journeys. Today’s squad includes 15 players who have progressed through the Mini & Junior section.
There are many people to thank for the support provided to the 2nd xv throughout the season. Barry McDonald and Barry Quatermass have travelled up and down Lancashire and Cheshire taking photos for the lads; Phil Wylie and the “Last of the Summer Wine” team continue to do fantastic work on the pitches. But most of all, thanks must go to the players – they have been excellent all season ( even if CJ doesn’t always tell them that ! ). Gary Sanders deserves credit for sorting the lads out each week, biscuits included. And finally, a special mention for CJ, who plays a vital role in how we operate. He has a great relationship with the players and is a key presence on the sideline. Without the players, we don’t have a game, so let’s continue to do everything possible to support and retain them.”
Caldy 2nd xv squad for tomorrow’s Cup Final at Ormskirk
1. Jaco Oosthuyzen
2. Toby Bywater
3. Harry Evans
4. Adam Boodhun
5. Harry Lightfoot
6. Jack Wilson
7. Ewan Dale
8. Alex Kerr
9. Jacob Mitchell
10. Dan Rabbette ( c )
11. Efan Edwards
12. Toby Elkerton
13. Eddie Banks
14. Lucas Wiggins
15. Dylan Carroll
Replacements
Mattie Sangare, Isaac Hardisty, Paul Lewis, Finn Davies, Matt Kilcourse
For those unable to travel to Ormskirk for the Cup Final, the game will be live streamed in the clubhouse tomorrow.
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It’s time to have your say !
Cast your votes for your standout players from across the club:
1st XV Supporters’ Player of the Season
2nd XV Supporters’ Player of the Season
3rd XV Supporters’ Player of the Season
Choose the players who’ve impressed you the most this season and deserve recognition
Voting closes after the final game on 9th May so don’t miss your chance to make it count !
To vote please follow the link below :
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdtVsx0w8772MKEpNgl0FBrgHItV_B6hSKtyZPEi6s6f1zG0Q/viewform?pli=1
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Community Rugby
Mini’s end of season celebration
Saturday 2nd May – 12.45 pm
Congratulations to all the Minis players, coaches, managers, parents & supporters – you are the future of rugby at Caldy RFC
Enjoy your end of season celebration & afterwards please bring the noise to the last home Champ Rugby game !
Sunday 3rd May
As we bring the curtain down on another successful season for Minis and Juniors at Caldy, we have a final Sunday to look forward to.
Very best of luck to our u15s in the Cheshire Cup Final being held at Wirral on Sunday.
Good luck to all our Mini teams who are at the Hoylake Festival on Sunday as well.
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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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Community Rugby – Touch Rugby
Northwest Junior Touch trials
As one season finishes, another starts. Touch is ideal to keep up skills and fitness through the summer. There is also an opportunity to represent the NW region and possibly even England. Last season we had 11 representatives for NW and since then 5 players have been selected for England. NW Junior Touch trials have begun and dates for training have now been confirmed as below:
9 May – Caldy RFC, Paton Field – 10.00 am – 12:30 pm
14 June – Chester RFC – 10.00 am – 12:30 pm
25 July – venue tbc
8 August – venue tbc
22 August – venue tbc
29 / 30 August – Junior Touch Nationals in Nottingham
We are looking to enter all divisions this year boys and girls 12’s, 14’s, and 17’s please invite / bring along new players / friends.
We look forward to seeing you all soon for another fantastic Junior touch rugby season.
If you are interested in attending, please contact :
NW Junior Coach David Sharpe – 07306815177
or Caldy Touch Rugby Shaun Thomas – 07976280115
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Touch Rugby this Summer at Caldy RFC, Paton Field
Training Groups :
Cobras – mixed touch rugby competitive team aged 13+
Cougars ladies touch rugby only team for beginners and social players age 13+
Juniors – mixed touch rugby for age u9 to u13 players.
Sessions :
Cobras, Cougars and Juniors touch rugby training sessions on Monday evenings at 7.00 pm.
Mixed touch rugby social games on Wednesdays at 7.00 pm, all players 13+ welcome.
Competitions :
Touch rugby also enter teams in local, regional and national competitions organised by the England Touch Association (ETA).
App :
Available to confirm attendance for each session, post notifications, and advise other issues.
All new members to enrol the App to join our community.
Kit requirements :
Moulded studded boots / trail running shoes required.
Caldy shirt required for playing in competitions.
No jewellery worn during training or competitions for health & safety, prevent loss or damage.
Contact :
If you are interested please contact :
Shaun Thomas – 07976280115
or email – [email protected]
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Rugby coming up
Saturday 9th May – Champ Rugby round 26
London Scottish v Caldy kick off 3.00 pm at The RAG, Twickenham Road, London TW9 2SF
Saturday 9th May – Northwest Junior Touch trials
Caldy RFC 10.00 am – 12:30 pm at Paton Field
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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
