Caldy get their second Hull scalp

Nov 11 2009 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

CALDY follow up last weekends win against Hull away with a home victory against their local rivals Hull Ionians.

Hull took the first score when Gordon converted a penalty from the 22, but it was Caldy who scored the first try after some concentrated forwards work saw Craig Smithson break the defensive line and set up Andrew Soutar. Roberts converted.

The Hull defence was strong and Daniel Smith capitalised on a lazy Caldy throw, he intercepted on his own 22 to sprint the length of the pitch to make it 7-10 with Gordon’s conversion.

Arnold claimed his eleventh try of the season when he was driven over by the Caldy forwards for Vasey to convert only to have Hull bring it back to 14-13 with a penalty under the posts.

Caldy kept the pressure on Hull in their 22 with the backs running some great lines, but it was Jake Lyon’s strength that finally got the ball over the line.

A penalty each later and Hull turned it on with some great rugby from their backs. A well-timed offload saw Gary Stephenson under the posts to make it a very close 24-23.

The intensity at the breakdowns was palpable, both teams wanted this win badly and it looked like it was going to be another close call but Caldy dug deep and after an impressive scrum were awarded another penalty that Vasey converted.

The Hull defence kept the pressure on, but Smithson managed to find a gap and after a great run took the final try and the man of the match. Final score 34-23.