Caldy brave weather to put in good display at Manchester

Dec 12 2007 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

CALDY put in a determined display against higher-rated opposition before losing interest in the EDF Energy National Trophy and suffering a 11-0 defeat at Manchester.

Play was never easy in the wet and windy conditions, but Caldy restricted the National Two League leaders to just one try with some excellent defensive work.

Richard Broer made his debut in the Caldy second-row alongside Greg Lyon, who was making his first senior start of the season, and the pair did well.

It was never a day for running rugby and Caldy were well pleased with the efforts of the pack throughout the 80 minutes.

Manchester were not at full strength but fielded a very experienced line-up. They faced the strong wind for the first period and confidently kept their line intact before edging ahead with a penalty.

Their only touchdown followed after the break and there was another penalty in the closing stages.

Caldy came close to opening their account on a couple of occasions. Russ Kelly was held just short. Then Derek Salisbury went clear only to be hauled back for accidental offside.

Skipper Sean Woof made a successful return for Caldy after a lengthy absence. Matt Pennington was entrusted with the fly-half role with Ben MacPherson still out through injury but the backs never really had a chance to shine.

Caldy now turn their attentions to their next league game at Morley on Saturday and will be confident of another victory at a ground where they won in the second stage of the Trophy earlier in the season.

Meanwhile, Wirral put in a brave performance before they went out of the EDF Energy Senior Vase to a 12-7 defeat by Blackburn.

Dan Harvey converted a Dave Doneo try to put Wirral 7-0 ahead, but the home side hit back before the break with two tries and what proved a crucial conversion.

Wirral gained the only score in the second period through a Harvey penalty but higher rated Blackburn hung on to maintain their unbeaten record for the season.

Parkonians and Wallasey completed their first round tie in the Lees Cheshire Plate. Wallasey went through but lower-rated Parkonians gave a good account in a 38-15 outcome.

Simon Kirby, Danny Kilty, Greg McDonald, Keith Mahon and Paul Lewis crossed for Wallasey.

The latter converted twice and also put over a trio of penalties. The losers achieved tries through Barry Owens and Alan Williams, Owens adding a conversion and a penalty.