Caldy minds clearly on play-offs in lacklustre defeat to Nuneaton

May 2 2012 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

CALDY produced a lacklustre performance in their penultimate game of the season with the play offs clearly on everyone’s mind, and paid the price as Nuneaton deservedly ran out winners by 22-8.

Caldy took the opportunity to rest a few players ahead of this coming weekend’s game against Richmond which is undoubtedly the most significant in the history of the club.

Caldy started the game well and after an early penalty from Richard Vasey they appeared to be in control of the game with numerous waves of attacks on the Nuneaton defence, who, to their credit held firm under significant pressure in the early stages of the game.

On 15 minutes, JJ Dickinson increased the Caldy lead when he found space out wide to beat the man and touch down in the corner to give Caldy an 8-0 lead.

Nuneaton then sprang into life and a good period of possession for the home side allowed centre William Cave to find space on the right wing and despite the best efforts of Peter Doolan get Nuneaton back into the game. Huw Thomas converted and three minutes later Nuneaton took the lead when a fine break saw winger Elliott Brown continue his good scoring form with a good solo try. Thomas again converted.

Nuneaton had a man sin binned and Caldy piled on the pressure but couldn’t find a way through and Nuneaton saw out the half 14-8 to the good.

After the break, Nuneaton looked the better side and certainly the more likely to score with Caldy rarely getting into the Nuns half. On 68 minutes, a well taken drop goal by Huw Thomas increased the Nuneaton lead to nine points and on 84 minutes Nuneaton sealed their win with a try from scrum half Roy-Smith after the ball spilled out of a Caldy scrum.

Don’t forget this weekend if you are short of something to do the Caldy first XV are playing Richmond in the National One Play Off at Richmond and all of your support is most welcome (kick off 3pm).

If you cannot make that date then the third XV have the second half of their league and cup double attempt with a very difficult fixture ahead against Sale FC second XV this Saturday at Stockport RUFC in the final of the Raging Bull Trophy.