Rugby Union: Caldy are clawed back

Oct 29 2007 by Andrew Stratton, Liverpool Daily Post

CALDY had to settle for a draw point in a hotly-contested National Three North clash at Paton Field.

It could have been worse, with the visitors missing a late conversion which would have brought victory.

Caldy recovered from a slow start to lead 15-3 at the interval. But it then became a backs-to-the-wall task with the Bees having the diagonal wind in their favour.

It still seemed the home side would hold out until a late opportunist try spoiled their day.

The home pack worked tirelessly throughout and there was a busy performance from Matt Bennett at scrum-half. But in Tom Rhodes, Bradford had a more than useful stand-off who kicked well for territorial advantage on numerous occasions.

The Bees landed an eighth-minute penalty by Rhodes but Caldy capitalised on a visiting error for an excellent try on 17 minutes.

Bradford made a hash of a 22 metre drop out and from the scrum which followed, Gavin Roberts burst through and Mason added the goal. Mason landed a penalty on the half hour and then came an excellent second try for the home side. Mason was held up after a good break but the ball was recycled for Craig Ross to cross.

The Bees got a break through on 68 minutes, with the pack driving over from a scrum near the home posts, Rhodes adding the goal.

It still seemed Caldy would hold on but in the 80th minute Bees number eight Sione Onesi snapped up a loose ball and ran 45 metres to touch down. The conversion was wide.