WHEN Caldy lost three back-rowers in the same game – and another the week later – many thought their stay at the top of the National Three North table would be over.
Two victories later and those voices have been silenced – thanks to the tremendous efforts of the rest of the squad to make up for their colleagues’ absences.
One of the men leading the way has been back-row forward Matt Lamming, voted man of the match in Saturday’s victory over Harrogate.
But the 20-year-old was quick to play down his personal contribution, saying all the squad and club are committed to the same goal.
“We want to win the league,” he explained. “That is the goal that we share and that we are all working together to accomplish.
“So far it is going well and whereas last season we were losing tight games, this year we are winning them and dominating some teams.
“Games like Saturday show just how much effort everyone is putting in. It was one of the most physical games I have played in but we stood up and did what was necessary.”
In Matt’s case, that included several breaks from the number eight, a position he has not played too often in the past.
“Running with the ball like that is definitely my favourite part of the game,” he said. “We had a very solid scrum against Harrogate and that gave me the platform to try and break.
“All the same I had a chat with Sam Dickinson – our regular number eight – before the match to get a few tips on the tactical and positional side.
“I wasn’t too sure what to expect, but it went well and we played well as a back-row unit I thought.”
One of the key elements to playing number eight is to be vocal around the pitch, and Matt said he was constantly chatting with fellow back-rowers Dave Mercer and Gareth Bansor.
“The opposition probably got fed up hearing us, but we talked all the time to ensure we worked as a unit,” he added.
“Gareth and Dave are both top players, so again that made it easier.
“Hopefully we can keep it going and with our injured players coming back, stay strong.”
Caldy are looking for another victory on Saturday, when Bradford are the visitors to Paton Field (kick-off 2.15pm).
