CALDY can perhaps feel a little shell-shocked at losing 31-18 at Leicester Lions having led 18-14 with just 15 minutes remaining on Saturday.

In the last quarter Caldy conceded three tries to provide the home side with a deserved result but a flattering scoreline.

It had been 11-11 at the interval with a try from Ian Murray and two penalties from Simon Mason.

Caldy took the lead through a fine try from winger Craig Ross but it was to prove to be the end of their scoring.

This was to prove a vital victory for the Midlands side that are in second place in National Three North.

Caldy slipped to eleventh and next week face a vital home game against West Park, who are just a single point ahead of Caldy. Kick-off at Paton Field is 2.15pm.

The mood in the Caldy camp did not improve as the second team lost 24-12 against Birkenhead Park and the third team went down 21-11 at Carrington.

Better news did not come on Sunday as the Junior Colts lost 43-15 to Penrith U17s.

The prospect of a senior team whitewash looked likely as the Senior Academy team visited Sedgley Park. With players away on county duty and other injured it was less then ideal preparation – further worsened when Henry Chan dislocated his shoulder early on.

But in a titanic struggle they pulled off a fine 14-14 draw with tries from captain Andrew Barnish and Martin Woods.