Caldy maintained their 100% league record courtesy of a rugby master class against a much-depleted Stourbridge side and eight tries split equally between halves.
Not even former Stourbridge player and referee James O’Brien could mitigate the onslaught, initially through the Caldy forwards but latterly through three tries and two conversions scored in the final 6 minutes of the game. The last of these came from former England 7’s star Nick Royle who notched up his 14th Try of the season. One consolation was that our own Dan Rundle made a 60-metre dash for the line after a clever interception thus keeping his place at the top of the Try Scorers’ League on 15.
It took the hosts just eight minutes to trouble the scorer through a Try by prop, Jack Parker and half an hour later the Bonus Point was secured by Flanker Adam Aigbokhae. Playing his 300th game for Caldy, Gavin Roberts slotted 7/8 conversions.
Stour made a promising start to the second half but, again, Caldy were first to score through Full Back, Rhys Hayes. The visitors managed a promising 10-minute period camped on the Caldy line but a well-drilled side repelled all efforts other than the Rundle intercept on 65 minutes which was converted by Chris Scott.
The tide returned to the favour of Caldy who scored a Try every three minutes to end the second half on a flourish and, with a game in hand, taking them 8 points clear of nearest rivals, Fylde who lost away to Sheffield, 16-10. Although this was a low scoring game, Fylde were leading 10-6 until the 76th minute when a converted Jamie Broadley Try followed by an injury time penalty sealed the game for Tigers.
Next Saturday we entertain local rivals Luctonians who we defeated at their place, 19-45 and the visitors will be intent on revenge. This is bound to be a tough game for both sides with plenty of vocal support expected from the fans travelling from Mortimer Park.