A look at the rivalry between Caldy and Hoylake

Feb 17 2010 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

RUGBY is full of tradition and rivalries, and on the Wirral none more keenly followed than the “friendly” rivalry that has always existed between Caldy RUFC and Hoylake RUFC.

Despite there being not much more than a mile between the two grounds, very few players in recent past have moved between the two clubs and played first XV rugby for both sides.

Last summer, Jack Collister decided to take a chance and moved from Hoylake, and has since become an integral part of the Caldy first team squad. After only four starts and two man of the match performances with Caldy, Jack has become a crowd favourite and is already looking ahead to a bright future in the game.

“I started playing at 18 which is quite late compared to most of my team mates but I intend to push myself and develop my game to as high a level as possible.

“It was suggested last summer by an old school friend, Olly Cooper, that I should come down to Caldy and see if I could play at National League level. I was made to feel welcome from the start by all of the lads, and the coaches have been nothing but positive with me since my arrival. I have learnt so much in a short space of time from the likes of Matt Holt and Stu Turner, who have improved my game dramatically.

“On the Wirral, there are numerous clubs to join but I am convinced I made the right choice for the progress of my game. Caldy are playing at a very high standard and their league position is a testament to their set up and the standard of their coaching.”

Collister is a tough and abrasive, no-nonsense player equally happy in any of the positions in the forwards and is just eager to play rugby. Jack was outstanding in his first start for Caldy against league leaders Loughborough Students last month, and he pays great tribute to the players and staff at Hoylake for the experience and coaching he gained during his time with them. “I really enjoyed my time at Hoylake, I have great memories of the time I spent with them and have made some lifelong friendships. I am thankful to everyone at Hoylake for helping me develop and learn my game and I hope they are keeping an eye on my progress as I do with them every week.”

Caldy’s director of rugby, Matt Holt, is glowing in his praise of both Hoylake, and Collister for making the bold move last summer.

He said: “Credit must go to Jacko’s previous club Hoylake, who have brought on an excellent young player, who has only been playing rugby since he was 18. He turned up pre-season off his own back and it was obvious from an early stage that with his raw talent and hard work ethic that he had great potential. He has deserved and taken his opportunity. It’s great to be able to give local lads like Jack the chance to play on a National stage.”

This weekend, Jack and Caldy take their unbeaten away record to The Woodlands to face fourth placed Fylde who have not lost a home game for the past 12 months in what is bound to be a keenly fought battle (kick off 3pm). Caldy second XV also face a tough clash as they travel to Sedgeley Park to face the third placed side.

GARETH DAVIS