CALDY put up a brave fight at a chilly Paton Field but could not prevent Hull Ionians clinching the National Two North League title.

It finished 34-7 to the East Yorkshire outfit and meant they edged out Ampthill and District by just three points for top place assuring automatic promotion to National One.

Caldy finish sixth in the table behind Chester on points difference and can be well pleased with a campaign that brought 16 victories, one draw and 13 defeats.

The home side in front of their biggest crowd of the season camped near the Ionians line for the first ten minutes but could not find a way through.

The visitors against the wind gradually warmed to their task but caldy remained defiant until the 25th when Santiago Socina burst over from a tap penalty with James Ferguson adding the goal.

Ferguson kicked a penalty soon after and on 33 minutes Alex Torkington touched down following a forward drive with the extras from Ferguson.

The game was then virtually decided just before the break s Michael Batemen got in at the corner for Ionians from a counter attack after Caldy failed to find touch with a penelty.

Ferguson's kick made it 0-22 and it threatened to turn into a landslide.

The visitors assured themseves of a bonus point with their fourth touch down via Batemen on 50 minutes following a lively passing move.

Caldy got on the score sheet five minutes later. They kicked through after a Hull error and Nick Royle won the race for the touch down with Gavin Roberts converting from wide out.

The last quarter remained pointless until Ionians rounded off a great season with an interception try by replacement scrum-half Isaac Green.

Ferguson was again on target with the kick and then it was then just a matter of waiting for the final whistle before the Ionians celebrations began.

Caldy cannot yet switch off for the summer. They still have a Cheshire Cup final against Sale which will take place at Birkenhead Park this Saturday with a 3pm kick-off.

Sale will certainly be no pushovers. The beat Sandal in their last match to take the National Three North title and will be in Caldy's league next season.

Most of the locals did not play at the weekend but in re-arranged matches Hoylake edged out Douglas 26-24 in South Lancashire/Cheshire One to be clear of relegation.

Prenton lost 14-50 against Collegiate in Division Two but are also safe with two sides below them in the table.