Rugby Union: Caldy 21, Darlington MP 27

Feb 18 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

DARLINGTON were made to fight hard for this National Three North League success which left Caldy just below midway.

The Wirral club made an excellent start to lead 15-0 after the first quarter but forward power proved decisive for Park in the end with Caldy missing key second-row players.

Darlington cut the home lead to a single point by the interval and went ahead soon after with a penalty.

The see-saw continued as Gareth Roberts landed two kicks for Caldy to make it 21-17 but then Darlington produced their best rugby of the game and were rewarded with a crucial touch down.

The conversion was successful and another penalty followed but Caldy produced a late flourish when the visitors did well to hold up a series of drives before bundling home Ross into touch just short of the line.

Roberts landed an early penalty and excellent tries followed from Wylie and Matt Pennington with one converted.

But then the visitors showed their worth with two tries from rolling mauls.