CALDY'S trip to Bedford-based Ampthill ended in a 30-14 defeat at the hands of the experienced national one high-flyers.

The Caldy players will consider themselves unfortunate not to take any points home after a fairly even contest ran away from them late in the first half, leaving too much of an uphill battle in the second.

Caldy's response to a very early lapse in concentration was catalysed through Jack Parker's acceleration and agile break.

The Caldy prop beating four players on his charge from his own half, finishing deep into opposition territory where a penalty was subsequently won.

Ben Jones had no problems reducing the deficit to four points after the early try from Ampthill hooker James Fish.

While Caldy front row Salisbury, Hearn and Parker spearheaded Caldy's usual dominance in the scrum, it was the trademark Ampthill catch and drive from the lineout which hurt Caldy in the 22nd minute.

The build-up had seen Caldy defend and turnover such situations adding to the frustration of conceding the Syd Blackmore try.

Caldy then enjoyed some territory and the influential Ben Jones made the score 17-6 with four minutes remaining of the half, only for Caldy to fall a victim to impressive individual play from Ampthill's Pritchard.

A pinpoint chip and a fortunate bounce putting the home side 25-6 up at halftime.

Both sides found it difficult to break each other's solid defences down in the second half, and until the 78th minute, the only points went to Caldy's Ben Jones for converting another penalty.

Nick Royle finished off a well-executed handling move after the Caldy pack battled in their fight for yards to score his 14th try this season.

At 25-14, a losing bonus point was in reach but it was all too late for Caldy and a late conceded try ensured a bonus point victory for Ampthill.

Caldy certainly could have had more from this game and their disappointment is testament to their progression.