Caldy edge thriller as Vasey impresses (From Wirral Globe)

Caldy edge thriller as Vasey impresses

9:44am Wednesday 20th February 2013 in Rugby By Andrew Stratton

CALDY chalked up their tenth victory in National Two North League but it was tense at Paton Field as the score against Leicester Lions finished at 12-10.

Fly-half Richard Vasey proved the Caldy match winner. He scored all the home points, kicking a penalty and a drop goal in the opening period and adding two further penalties in the third quarter.

Defences dominated throughout. The Lions managed one first-half kick and were also awarded a penalty try which was converted in the 48th minute. But Caldy dug deep and held the visitors at bay in the last twenty minutes. It was a first defeat in seven outings for Leicester.

Flanker Dave Jones was handed the Caldy Man of the Match award.

Birkenhead Park put up a great fight against Burnage in National Three North at the Upper Park but were edged out 26-29 and relegation is now a real threat. It looked odds on a home success but with just minutes remaining Burnage scored what turned out to be a crucial last try.

Park picked up two bonus points to temper their disappointment. Rob Houliston, Rob Doolan, Dave Ibbotson and Stu Brown touched down for the home side and Danny Rich added three of the conversions and a penalty.

Anselmians enjoyed a welcome success in North One West 20-12 at bottom club Fleetwood and Wirral kept up their winning form as they despatched Carlisle 17-0 at Clatterbridge.

New Brighton registered a 46-11 victory over visiting Tyldesley in South Lancashire/Cheshire One and are currently fourth in the table five points adrift of third placed West Park but with a game in hand.

Hoylake could not aid the Brighton cause at West Park where they registered a trio of kicks in a 9-24 loss.

Wallasey in Division Two found leaders Sefton too strong and lost 5-29. Oldershaw were also beaten 6-16 at home to Moore.

Port Sunlight enhanced promotion prospects in Division Three with a derby success over Prenton 28-18. Prenton are still top but second placed Manchester Medics have games in hand. Sunlight now trail their local rivals by only four points and have played two games less.

Oxton Parkonians were happy with an 18-0 finish against Trentham and there was also success for Ellesmere Port 24-10 at Linley.

There is a reduced programme this International weekend but a number of Wirral clubs will be in action as they catch up on postponed fixtures.

Caldy are up against Hull at Paton Field and Birkenhead Park take the road to Percy Park.

Wirral welcome Widnes and Anselmians have home advantage against Rochdale.

Other games include Hoylake at Winnington Park, Wallasey v Ormskirk and Port Sunlight at Knutsford.