CALDY have appointed Simon Verbickas as Head Coach on a two year contract.

Simon brings with him to Paton Field a wealth of experience.

The former Sale Sharks, Orrell and Manchester player has just completed four years in charge at Sandbach after spells with Chester and Broughton Park.

Director of Rugby, Simon Wright commented: "Having got to know Simon over the last twelve months through our Cheshire connection I am confident he will be a huge asset both to the players and the club".

Said Verbickas: "I am excited about the new and demanding challenge at a higher level of rugby. I am sad to be leaving Sandbach but needed to move to the next stage in the National League structure".

Meanwhile Cheshire put up a bold showing against Lancashire at Sedgley Park on Saturday before losing their last match in the Northern Group of the County Championship 19-25.

The result was enough to give Lancashire a Twickenham date this Sunday against the Southern Group winners Cornwall to decide the Championship and the Bill Beaumont Trophy.

More important for Cheshire was that they retained their place in the top group courtesy of Yorkshire.

The White Rose County inflicted a third successive defeat on Northumberland who finish below Cheshire at the bottom of the North table and are relegated and their place for next season taken by Durham.

Cheshire built up a 13-0 advantage against the old enemy thanks to a penalty try converted by Richard Vasey who added a penalty and a drop goal.

A converted Lancashire try made it 7-13 to Cheshire at the half way stage and it looked good when they stretched away with a brace of Vasey penalties.

It all went pear shaped as Lancashire dominated the last quarter to tip the balance via two penalties, two tries and a conversion.

Very disappointing indeed for Cheshire but good news from Northumberland eased their pain.

The Kati Tuipulotu Testimonial game at New Brighton brings down the curtain on the local season on Saturday.

A Kati Invitational XV takes on a Tongan XV with a 3pm kick-off at Hartsfield and there should be plenty of fireworks as a popular player nears the end of his playing career.