Luctonians close win puts Caldy in the shade

Feb 16 2011 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

Caldy 17

Luctonians 20

LUCTONIANS edged a tight game between two well matched sides at Paton Field, with Man of the Match Paul Hulland grabbing two tries.

In direct contrast to last weekend, brilliant sunshine greeted the players in this National Two North encounter.

Caldy were first on the scoreboard after 18 minutes when Dan Rowlands volleyed a low ball expertly over the heads of the on rushing Luctonians defence, caught it and raced in under the posts.

Richard Vasey converted. Almost straight from the kick off, Caldy conceded a penalty which winger Morris converted and the remainder of the half saw both sides threatening the line but neither being able to turn that into points.

After the break Caldy were again first on the scoreboard when Shaun Woof and Gavin Roberts combined for Roberts to scythe between the Luctonians centres and score under the posts. Vasey again converted.

On 52 minutes, Paul Hulland scored his first of the day when he barrelled over the line from five metres out after some constant pressure from the Luctonians pack.

Six minutes later replacement hooker Dale Garner scored Luctonians second try after a number of rucks.

Vasey notched a penalty from distance on 67 minutes to leave the scores 17 points to 13.

Paul Hulland scored what turned out to be the winning try on 71 minutes when the Luctonians pack drove over the line and Hulland touched down.

Morris converted the try and Luctonians held out for a hard earned victory on the road.