Defeats for Caldy and Birkenhead Park

Sep 19 2012 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

CALDY came away from Bromsgrove without a point in a 39-23 defeat but played some very good rugby and were in with a chance of stealing a win until a killer try from Ben Palmer in the 74th minute.

Caldy dominated possession for most of the game but were not as clinical as they have been over the past few weeks and resolute defence from the Bromsgrove side meant that Caldy only managed two tries.

The first-half started badly for Caldy after a penalty kick from Critchlow on six minutes was followed closely by a try from Lloyd Jones who benefited from some indecision after a speculative kick and collected the ball to race under the posts.

Richard Vasey hit back for Caldy with three penalties but Caldy possibly should have come away with more points but for excellent Bromsgrove scrambling.

On 21 minutes, Bromsgrove increased their lead after prop Norris powered over following good work by full back Higgins. JJ Dickinson hit back for Caldy after a good move with a converted try but Bromsgrove finished the half 22-16 to the good when fly-half Critchlow found space to score a try that he then converted.

The second-half was dominated by Caldy but they were unable to convert possession into points; in fact it was Bromsgrove who were first to score and increased their lead with a try by centre Charles Jones after a good offload from Critchlow. Derek Salisbury scored a trademark try, his fourth of the season, but a penalty kept Caldy at bay. Caldy were pressing Bromsgrove before a breakaway saw substitute Palmer gather the ball and touchdown to give Bromsgrove all five points.

This weekend, Caldy face Luctonians at home (3pm kick-off) who have won three from three and will be a tough challenge.

BIRKENHEAD PARK went down to another defeat in National 3 North but the 40-20 scoreline in favour of local rivals Waterloo was no reflection of the contest witnessed by the healthy crowd at Blundellsands on Saturday.

Skipper Dave Hall said: “We were disappointed with the final scoreline as we still had a genuine chance of winning the match with minutes to go.”

Park are at Chester on Saturday afternoon.