LAST weekend’s game between Caldy and Hull Ionians saw the arrival of another Caldy youngster into the first XV.
Born and bred in Ormskirk, Alex Martland spent most of his early rugby years at Ormskirk but joined Caldy last summer and has developed his game, capping it off with a try-scoring debut for the first XV last weekend.
Director of rugby Matt Holt said: “Bringing young players through our minis, junior and youth systems to play in the first XV is the ideal scenario and gives me the most pleasure of all. This season we have seen the likes of Olly Cooper and JJ Dickinson as first XV regulars who are all still young players. Olly Cooper looks like he has finally found his position at centre and we all still forget that JJ Dickinson is only 20.
“It was topped off this last weekend with young Alex Martland playing his part. Alex has been knocking on the door for a few weeks now by scoring regular tries in our second XV and I was not afraid to give him his opportunity. All of the young lads have worked hard with our more senior players and coaches to develop their games and as a result have become players capable of playing in the National Leagues.”
Holt added: “Our second XV are second in the Miller Homes Premier League which is a high quality league with the likes of Macclesfield, Sedgeley Park and Preston Grasshoppers all vying for top spot. I am confident that the young lads who are finding their feet in that league are more than capable of stepping up into the first XV and that is exactly what we are aiming for.”
This weekend sees Kendal RUFC visit Paton Field (kick-off 3pm). Kendal proved to be one of Caldy’s toughest opponents this season when they travelled up to Mint Bridge in November. Caldy just won 15-14 after some fine kicking from Richard Vasey.
