CALDY suffered a disappointing loss away to Stockport in National Two North, with the home side earning a deserved five-point win against the lacklustre visitors.

Caldy failed to match the home side’s enthusiasm and aggression in the second half particularly and failed to make up ground on their closest league rivals.

In the first half, there was little between the sides and Dave Jones, who had a standout performance in the back row, powered over the line after only five minutes to give Caldy an early lead.

Rich Vasey converted to make it 7-0. Stockport back rower Kieran Hibbs, who was one of the players of the match, made the most of some poor tackling as he found some space to touch down. Barlow converted. Barlow kicked a further penalty on 24 minutes to give Stockport a 10-7 lead.

On 30 minutes, an excellent backs move saw Gavin Roberts cut inside and under the posts to score his 14th try of the season. Vasey converted.

Six minutes before the break, Stockport hit back with a try from Elliott after Stockport created an overlap following some good forward play.

Barlow missed the conversion and at half-time the score was 15-14 to Stockport.

Caldy lost Jon Sewell during the half-time break and it seemed to have a dramatic effect on the side as Stockport took control and Caldy failed to get on the scoreboard.

The Stockport forwards were excellent and in particular their back row who dominated the Caldy side.

On 55 minutes, a driving maul saw Hibbs touch down for his brace and Nick Smith scored a further try on 72 minutes, both converted by Barlow.

Despite some late pressure from Caldy, the home side held firm and did not allow any further scores.

This Saturday, Caldy face Leicester Lions at home in National Two North (kick-off 2.15pm)