Rugby Union: Early start catches Caldy cold at Mowden

Oct 24 2007 by Colin Free, Liverpool Daily Post

THERE is little point in looking for excuses from what was a disappointing performance from Caldy on Saturday as they lost 39-7 to Darlington Mowden Park.

So far this season, despite some reversals, there has been a determined defensive effort which was not in evidence at Yiewsley Drive for this seventh game of the 2007-8 National Three North season.

But one thing Caldy could perhaps point to is the effect on their bio-rhythms in seeking a 2.30pm kick off – it appeared that for the first half hour that Mowden Park were the only side who had been advised of the change.

By the 31st minute, when three home players had gone over to leave the score at 22-0, it was all but over as a contest.

Caldy have suffered numerous injuries and it is a long journey and tough place to win, but there will need to be a significant improvement prior to welcoming Bradford & Bingley to Paton Field on Saturday.

The coaches and players will doubtless be disappointed in being on the end of a 39-7 beating but, after being 29-0 down at half-time and the home side producing a further converted try and penalty, Caldy did at least show some pride to come back with a score from winger Ian Murray converted by Simon Mason.

Saturday’s game against the Bees is at 3pm and perhaps normal service will be resumed on home soil.

The Yorkshire side have had a stop-start season which has proved tough for them, winning only once at Fylde.

Equally, the side that was relegated last season from National Two have done well at home, losing only to the unbeaten league leaders Tynedale.

Caldy will need to be wary of Bradford & Bingley’s Tongan international centre Richard Tafa, who already has six tries to his name and is joined by countryman Sione Onesi.

Their four wins so far this season leave Bees in fourth while Saturday’s defeat for Caldy sees them slip to ninth place.

Meanwhile, Caldy Lions enjoyed a good win at Broughton Park, 20-0, but the Warriors went down 21-5 against Burnley second team.

On Sunday, Caldy U19 academy travelled to Yorkshire to play Selby in the National Colts Knockout Cup. Little was known of the Selby U19 side other than they also played in League A and appeared to be one of the top four sides in Yorkshire.

On the day Caldy played some irresistible rugby, leading 15-3 with tries from captain Andrew Barnish and Nick Lamming together with a penalty and a conversion from Liam Cambridge.

The second period saw the floodgates open with seven further tries from Andrew Tinsley, Sam MacPherson, Greg Jones, Lamming (2), Barnish and Cambridge, who also kicked six conversions. The final score was 62-8.

The U17s travelled to Chester in the Halbro North West Colts League, where they went down 22-10.

The U16s, with many of the team missing, also suffered a 43-3 reversal against Rhyl.