CALDY handed their followers a handsome Christmas bonus as they completed a National Two North League double over their Cheshire rivals Chester.

The Wirral side took charge in the second-half at Hare Lane and it was only a matter of time before they distanced themselves from their rivals.

It finished 30-18 with an extra point for scoring four tries. Caldy stepped over Chester into joint third place in the table with Harrogate although the two clubs are some way behind the leading pair Hull Ionians and Ampthill & District.

There was a big holiday turn out for the latest clash but it was not long the home fans became somewhat muted as they feared the worst.

Caldy were ahead by the seventh minute with Neil Dowridge powering over for a corner try after a line-out played short.

Will Goodwin hit a penalty for Chester but this was cancelled out by a similar effort from Gavin Roberts after a dozen minutes.

Goodwin struck again to make it 6-8 and Chester reached the break 11-8 to the good after a well taken try by Peter East on 27 minutes as the home forwards overturned possession.

The slackening wind favoured Caldy for the second period and Roberts soon levelled out the scores with a simple 43rd minute kick.

Constant pressure brought a Ben Eaves tuch down in the 62nd minute and four minutes later Andy Souter scorched through the home rearguard and sent Nick Royle over with the extras from Roberts.

Chester were shell shocked and it got worse for them in the 70th minute when a quick tap penalty ended in a joyous dive over by Dom Kohler for the bonus try converted by Roberts.

The game was well and truly won but Chester finished strongly and were rewarded with a touch down and drop kick conversion from Goodwin after his own quick tap penalty caught the visitors napping.

But it was celebration time for Caldy as the last whistle sounded and they can look forward with confidence to the new year.

This was a commanding display. The forwards were strong and resolute, the defence remained solid and the backs always looked a threat in possession.

None of the other local clubs had commitments and there is no league programme this coming weekend.

However a Birkenhead Park XV and an Old Birkonian XV are set to meet in the traditional Christmas fixture at the Upper Park on Saturday with a 3pm kick-off.

Caldy on Sunday take on Sandbach at Paton Field in the semi-final of the Cheshire Cup. The kick-off for this one is 2.15pm.

Happy Christmas.

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