Caldy look to steal a march on fellow strugglers

Jan 12 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

CALDY journey to Morley for a re-arranged National Three North fixture today as Birkenhead Park and Chester step out in search of a place in the last eight of the countrywide EDF Energy Intermediate Cup.

It is a big match for Caldy who are fourth from bottom in the division, two places above Morley.

They won at Scatcherd Lane in the National Cup in November, but Morley have improved since and surprised second-placed Leicester Lions last Saturday.

Pack power could prove decisive for the Wirral side, who are hoping Richard Bradshaw will be fit to take his place at lock after a hamstring problem.

Birkenhead Park can expect a tough time against Midlands One outfit Luctonians at the Upper Park. The Leominster outfit has put together some excellent results this season but they lost their latest league encounter.

Park will probably keep the side which beat Penrith although Phil Reynolds comes into the reckoning for a front-row start. John Feldman from John Moores University joins the bench.

Chester have Ampthill as visitors and it looks a straight forward opportunity for them. They have been rattling up the points in recent matches and are in very confident mood.

Ampthill are mid-placed in Midlands Two East but did record an excellent win in the last round against Midlands One leaders Loughborough College.

Recent signing Steve Roberts takes the hooking role for Chester, who will be at full strength. Aled Evans, another recent acquisition, is on the bench.

Many clubs have another free weekend.

TODAY (2.15pm): National Three North: Morley v Caldy. North One: Penrith v LSH. South Lancashire/Cheshire One: Hoylake v Aspull, Wirral v Burnage. EDF Energy Intermediate Cup: Birkenhead Park v Luctonians (3pm), Chester v Ampthill. Lancashire Cup: West Park (bye)TOMORROW: Lancashire Cup: Waterloo v Broughton Park