John Mallon reports from Paton Field…
Caldy Rugby Club secured their first league win of the season at the weekend, with a bonus point victory at home against bottom club London Scottish, to move up to mid table in the Championship.
It was a tough opening to the match in the changeable weather conditions and both sides found it hard to break through.
In the 11th minute, new signing Ciaran Booth broke through the defence to race down the wing to score to the delight of those on the bank.
Scottish then came more into the game but were unable to make the advantage count and Caldy were able to capitalise by scoring a second try in the 20th minute through Matt Gallagher as he scrambled the ball over the line.
The players were then taken off for a short time when the referee was treated for an injury and it was decided he couldn’t continue.
The unscheduled break in play inspired the visitors, who burst out of the blocks and from a scrum in the middle of the park the ball went out to the wing and Ashley Challenger was in to score.
With their tails up Scottish were in again three minutes later through a try from Harry Browne to bring the visitors within two points at the break.
The third quarter of the game was incredibly tight with both sides not willing to give an inch.
Caldy were able to break free at the midway point of the half and were given the space to allow Connor Wilkinson in to score.
Back came Scottish almost immediately with a try of their own through Will Talbot-Davies to bring the scores level.
Into the final ten minutes of the match and Caldy were able to break free once more and from a lineout the ball was worked to Ollie Hearn who sneaked the ball over the line for the try bonus point.
A late Lewis Barker penalty denied Scottish a losing bonus point to leave the Richmond based side bottom of the league.
Caldy now have a rest week next Saturday before they make the longest trip of the season down to the Cornish Pirates on 18th November. The South West club have reverted back to semi professional status this season.
