Rugby Union: Morley 18, Caldy 27

Jan 14 2008 by Andrew Stratton, Liverpool Daily Post

THIS WAS an excellent win for Caldy as they gave themselves breathing space over their rivals near the foot of the National Three North League table.

Caldy had won at the same ground in the National Cup a few weeks ago and knew what to expect. They adapted well to the task, although both sides were nervous and made mistakes on the heavy pitch, especially in the opening period.

Craig Ross ran in a fourth-minute try for Caldy but back-row forward Craig Field responded for Morley. Neil Boyd converted and also struck a penalty.

A Simon Mason kick cut the home advantage to two points but ahead of the break Field raced 40 metres for a try after a kick was charged down to make it 15-8.

The visitors went on to dominate the second period and pressure eventually paid off as Richard Bradshaw went in from a rolling maul.

Then skipper Sean Woof burst through the middle to cross before Matt Pennington grabbed the fourth try with Mason converting.

The only home response was another penalty for Boyd and the five points from the match lifted Caldy above Harrogate to fifth bottom.

Matt Holt was an early Caldy casualty with a hamstring problem but Neil Dowridge proved an able deputy.