Rugby Union: Morley 16, Caldy 26

Nov 19 2007 by Andrew Stratton, Liverpool Daily Post

WINGER Ian Murray produced a hat-trick of tries as Caldy booked their place in the third round of the EDF Energy National Trophy with an excellent away victory at fellow National Three North League opponents Morley.

The heavy Morley pack posed problems but Caldy competed well and the backs produced some sparkling play, with Marcus Coast making his presence felt in the centre. John Broxson went on in the second half for his Caldy debut and gave a promising display at scrum-half, but it was an all-round team performance which won the day.

An early break by Ben MacPherson paved the way for the first try for Murray, who went in again as Caldy made light of being a man down through a sin-bin offence. Simon Mason converted once but Morley kept in touch with a penalty and a try just before the break from a maul after a line-out.

The West Yorkshire side produced an action replay for their next try after the interval and then a penalty made it 16-12. Caldy upped their game again when reduced in numbers and punished the home side for a poor clearance. Mason gained possession and chipped to the corner for Murray to complete his hat-trick.

Coast had a try disallowed but an excellent counter-attack put Jack Parker in for a fourth touchdown. Both goals by Mason stretched the advantage.

Saturday’s match at Macclesfield will be a double header with league points and a place in the final of the Cheshire Cup at stake.