Rugby Union: Marvellous Mason gives one man show

Oct 17 2007 by Colin Free, Liverpool Daily Post

IN the absence of the injured Ben Macpherson, Simon Mason made a return to the influential fly-half role as Caldy romped to a convincing 42-19 victory over Leicester Lions in the first round of the EDF Energy National Trophy.

Having played all of last season at fly-half Mason moved to his more familiar full-back role however, on Saturday he clearly seemed to relish the opportunity at outside half not only looking composed but also bagging 22 points – a try, four conversions, two penalties and a drop goal.

This was a polished performance from Caldy who led 42-7 before they sat back and conceded late scores.

The National Trophy is competition is contested by 102 clubs drawn from National Division One, National Division Two, National Division Three North & South totalling 58 clubs plus another 44 teams who are nominated by their County Constituency Bodies.

Caldy will be the only side of local interest in the hat for the second round as all other Merseyside teams all crashed out. This was Caldy’s first ever game in the National Trophy but with National One and Three sides not in the initial draw they will not harbour hopes of repeating last year’s cup run that saw Caldy just one step away from a Twickenham final. They are at fellow National Three team Morley on November 17.

Next week Caldy return to National Three League fixtures as they travel away to Darlington Mowden Park.

At seventh place the North East side lie just one place below Caldy and although they had a tricky start losing three of the first four games, they have won the last two against Harrogate and Fylde. Their top points scorer is the former Doncaster fly-half Jon Benson however, on the way to scoring they have also conceded a lot of points and if Caldy remain in last weekend’s mood this should be an interesting match.

Elsewhere the second team enjoyed a good win away at Lymm in the Bateman’s Premier League while the third team where beaten by 20-12 by Old Bedians.

The Caldy Academy teams had a successful day in the North West Colts League with the under-19s beating Preston Grasshoppers by 27- 5.

Caldy scored five tries through James Silcock, Andrew Barnish, Stuart Wellington, JJ Dickinson and Andrew Stenhouse together with one conversion from Andrew Tinsley.

The U17s beat Vale of Lune by 45-10.