NEWLY-INSTALLED first XV captain Nick King led his young Caldy side to a hard earned victory against a very accomplished Sheffield Tigers side by 29-19.
Derek Salisbury was awarded the man of the match award after a fine performance by the entire side, showing both their ability to play free flowing rugby as well as a determination to see out a game with some gritty stuff too.
Caldy could not have started the game any better when they collected the ball from the kick-off and spread it to Gavin Roberts who made a fine break and fed Andrew Soutar, who drew the Sheffield full-back before feeding Mike Roberts on the inside who raced under the posts to score.
Mark Chivers scored for the visitors before Liam Devaney restored the Caldy lead with another well worked try.
Peter Swatkins scored for the Tigers to reduce the deficit on 32 minutes but skipper King stretched the half-time lead to seven again with a score just before half-time.
JJ Dickinson scored the bonus point try for Caldy after half-time before replacement hooker Thomson brought the sides within a score with a good solo try for the Tigers. The Tigers pressurised the Caldy defence but a resolute stand by the visitors kept the constant attacks at bay. Caldy were reduced to 13 men at one stage of the half but held out with some last ditch tackling and good organisation. Caldy did manage to seal the game late on when Soutar kicked a long range penalty kick on 77 minutes to stretch the lead to 10, and Caldy saw out the final minutes for a well deserved and hard earned away win.
