Nov 21 2012 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News
CALDY failed to maintain their good form from last week as they came unstuck against an excellent Preston Grasshoppers side by 31-22 in National Two North.
Dominic Moon scored a brace for the home side whose physicality was probably the difference between the two sides.
Moon was the first player to put points on the board as he powered over for Preston after 13 minutes, his try converted by full-back Sean Taylor.
Both sides had plenty of opportunity to kick penalties but chose to go for the kick and lineout but did not turn it into points. Caldy took until the 34th minute when Rich Vasey kicked a penalty in front of the posts to leave the half time score 7-3.
The game livened up after the break with both sides looking to run the ball. Mark Rylance put Caldy in front after a blind side move allowed him to score in the corner.
Preston hit back almost immediately when Sean Taylor broke three tackles before running under the posts for another try.
Four minutes later, Harry Broadbent scored in the corner after a break by Gavin Roberts and Vasey converted from out wide to give Caldy the lead again. But on 54 minutes, Moon scored again and a conversion and penalty from Taylor put distance between the teams.
Webster extended the lead for Preston with their fourth try of the day before a late rally from Caldy saw them score though Christian Jones from a rolling maul.
WIRRAL RUFC’s clash with Vale of Lune was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.