Last week the Ravers picked up a 4 try bonus point in the game against Worcester Warriors at the fabulous Sixways Stadium which must be just about the largest and most well-resourced stadium that Caldy have played at in a league fixture.
The Worcester supporters were interested to hear about the minor but crucial differences between Sixways and Paton Field. They acknowledged that Paton Field’s natural grass was a more suitable rugby surface than their plastic pitch and were impressed that although Caldy’s Party Stand had a somewhat lower capacity than the Cecil Duckworth stand, it was more hi-tech by design and operation being able to be wheeled in and out of Paton Field. The rationale that this was necessary so as to ensure that the supporters on JJ’s Bank have the best view in all of English rugby across to Snowdonia and the beauty of North Wales, was met with bemused incomprehension.
The Ravers huddle in the vastness of Sixways Stadium
The Warriors’ impressive Cecil Duckworth isn’t as hi-tech as Caldy’s Party Stand
Caldy’s celebrated hi-tech Party Stand
Images thanks to John Lyon & Barry MacDonald
One Caldy Grandee who missed the game was 90-year-old John Butler who was feted at last Friday’s dinner in his honour in Caldy’s quaint centenary lounge. Johnny Butler’s evening included the cutting of a birthday cake baked and decorated by Elaine and Alex Wylie for JB to remember how Paton Field used to be before the RFU’s Minimum Operating Standards changed the landscape.
Elaine Wylie elegantly displays John Butler’s 90th birthday cake
Image thanks to Johns Lyon
Tomorrow 3rd placed Bedford Blues come to Paton Field. The Blues are one of the most attacking teams in the Championship playing a most exhilarating brand of rugby. The Ravers have won only once before against Bedford back in January 2023 when the introduction of Welsh maestro Lewis Barker prompted perhaps the best ever 40 minutes of 15 a side rugby at Paton Field which ended with a Ravers win 36-28. In May 2025 a penalty by Bedford’s goal kicker Will Maisey with the last play of the game sealed a 26-29 win for the Blues. Tomorrow the Ravers will be hoping that Maisey, who has so often been the Ravers’ tormentor in chief, has left his kicking boots at home.
Lewis Barker is presently in South Africa on business and is absent from the Caldy squad which sees three changes from last week with the return of Martin Gerrard and Matt Kilcourse from injury and a promotion from the 2nd xv for Dan Rabbette.
The match kicks off at 2.00 pm with the gates open from 11.00 am.
Tickets can be bought here : https://caldyrugbyclub.com/buy-tickets-membership/
A big crowd is expected for what is likely to one of the highlight games of Caldy’s Champ season so please arrive in plenty of time to get parked, get a pint or two and get ready to make as much noise as possible to cheer on the Ravers !
Caldy’s Head Coach Matt Cairns has picked the following squad for tomorrow’s home fixture at Paton Field against Bedford Blues.
The match against the Blues kicks off at 2.00 pm.
1. Nathan Rushton
2. Matt Gallagher
3. Joe Sproston
4. Max Loboda
5. Sam Olyott
6. Callum Ridgway
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 : Monty Weatherby, Ryan Higginson, Ollie Hearn, Jordan Jones,
Martin Gerrard, Dan Rabbette, Tom Akehurst, Matt Kilcourse
Also tomorrow Caldy’s 2nd xv take on an always competitive Sedgley Park 2nd xv with a 2.00 pm kick off at the University of Liverpool’s Wyncote Sports Ground L18 6HF
Charlie Hyde with a superlative finish against Worcester Warriors at Sixways
Image thanks to Kieran Free
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 !
Entry on gate tomorrow – Adults £20, Juniors 17s-18s £5, Children u16s free
Gates open at 11.00 am & Match 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 11.00am
Trailer Bar, Poretti Stand & Scoreboard outside bars all open from 1.00pm
Ginger Cat Coffee, Burrito Shack, DoughBros outside catering all open from 1.00pm
Plus after the game live music in the marquee from 4.00pm – 6.00pm “Harry James”
A huge thank you to all our u15s 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 u15s !
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Saturday 28th February – NOWIRUL Premier League
Caldy 2nd xv v Sedgley park 2nd xv kick off 2.00pm
at University of Liverpool Wyncote Sports Ground, Mather Avenue, Liverpool L18 6HF
Many thanks to University of Liverpool for allowing the game to be played on their 3G rugby pitch tomorrow.
Caldy 2nd xv squad for tomorrow’s game ;
1. Matt Rabbette (c)
2. Isaac Hardisty
3. Rory O’Connor
4. Paul Lewis
5. Jaco Oosthuyzen
6. Ewan Dale
7. Luke Denn
8. Jack Wilson
9. James Pickering
10. Gabe Mault
11. Lucas Wiggins
12. Toby Elkerton
13. Jacob Mitchell
14. Cam Brown
15. Dylan Carroll
16. Harry Evans
17. Fin McGrath
18. James Manuel
19. Felix Clarke
20. Eddie Banks
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Glynn Rankin
It is with deep regret that we have to announce the passing of Glynn Rankin.
Glynn first joined the club in the 1970’s and played Colts and Senior rugby until the end of the 80’s. He captained the Caldy 3rd xv for the 1984-85 season.
In recent years Glynn has been a solid member of the “Boys of the 80’s” who sponsor Caldy players and matches as ways of supporting the club that has been a significant part of their lives.
The funeral is being held at noon on Tuesday 24th March at Blacon crematorium, CH1 5BB.
The venue for the wake is to be confirmed and we will advise members when we know the details.
Our sincere condolences go to all his family and friends, in respect a minutes silence will be held before kick off tomorrow.
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Community Rugby – Sunday 1st March
This Sunday sees the Minis and Juniors renew old rivalries with our friends from Chester, with evens at home and odds away.
Both Colts teams are travelling away to Stockport – the Juniors with a 12.30 kick off and the Seniors at 2.00pm.
u6s training at home
u8s, u10s, u12s, u14s, u16s at home v Chester
u7s, u9s, u11s, u13s, u15s away at Chester
u14s, u16s, u18s Girls training at home
u17s Junior Colts away at Stockport kick off 12.30 pm
u18s Senior Colts away at Stockport kick off 2.00 pm
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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.-
Rugby coming up
Saturday 7th March – NOWIRUL Div 3 West
Caldy 3rd xv v Port Sunlight kick off 2.00 pm at Paton Field
Saturday 14th March – NOWIRUL Premier League
Caldy 2nd xv v Macclesfield 2nd xv kick off 2.00 pm at Paton Field
Saturday 21st March – Champ Rugby round 20
Chinnor v Caldy kick off 3.00 pm at Kingsey Road
Saturday 21st March – NOWIRUL Premier League
Caldy 2nd xv v Sale FC 2nd xv kick off 3.00 pm at Paton Field
Saturday 21st March – NOWIRUL Div 3 West
Birchfield v Caldy 3rd xv kick off 3.00 pm at Wilmere Lane, Widnes WA8 5UP
Saturday 28th March – Champ Rugby round 21
Caldy v Ealing Trailfinders kick off 3.00 pm 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]
Saturday 28th March – NOWIRUL Div 3 West
Caldy 3rd xv v Sefton 2nd xv kick off 3.00 pm at Paton Field
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Events coming up
Caldy RFC End of Season Ball
Caldy RFC End of Season Ball is now 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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Caldy RFC’s first-ever Armed Forces Day will be taking place on Saturday 11th April at Paton Field. This special day celebrates and supports our Armed Forces community, and we would love for you to be part of it.
There will be Champ Rugby – Caldy v Hartpury, plus Div 3 West – Rav3rs v Crosby St Mary’s.
The day will be a joint fundraiser for Caldy RFC and our charity partner Walking With The Wounded (WWTW), a UK charity that supports veterans living with physical, mental, or social injuries, helping them regain purpose and independence.
We welcome bookings of any size into our ‘Mess Hall’, whether you’d like a table for family, friends, colleagues, or just a small group. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy a fantastic day at the club, support a worthy cause, and connect with the wider Caldy RFC community.
Don’t miss out – book your table today and be part of this special day !
Please contact Kenzie Allen :
email : [email protected]
mobile : 07940 233303
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
