Caldy’s latest win keeps them at top of the league

Nov 19 2008 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

CALDY maintained their lead at the top of National League Three (North) with their bonus point 15-39 victory across the Pennines at Halifax.

Playing on a pitch that was little better than a mudbath in places, the visitors reinforced their status as pacesetters with a dominant first half display to go in 18 points in front, 33-15.

It was a shame then that they did not make that dominance count after the break, with just two penalties completing the scoring, but defences on both sides were largely on top.

As in previous weeks, Caldy started much the stronger and raced into an early lead when Ian Murray benefited from some great approach work from Shaun Woof and Matt Lamming to cross wide out, Gavin Roberts converting.

Halifax hit back with a penalty before Roberts scored the try of the season so far – brilliantly returning a clearance kick from halfway through what seemed like the entire home team to score under the posts.

After that moment of individual skill, a classic training ground try from a line out saw Gavin Woods and Matt Lamming peel away to allow Shaun Woof to score.

More good play meant Mark Turner then went over after a touchline run, Roberts converting to make it 26-3.

Halifax were battling hard and gained their rewards with a try, but Turner scored his second try on 40 minutes after a series of scrums and although Mendl scored again for Halifax, Caldy enjoyed a commanding lead at half time. After a glut of points in the first half, only six more were scored from the boot of Gavin Roberts after the break, but Caldy were worthy winners.

Caldy take a break from league action next week, when they travel to play Broughton Park in the EDF Energy National Trophy.