CALDY and Bishop's Stortford rounded off tremendous debut seasons in National One with Stortford coming out 28-18 winners on the final day of the campaign.

An end of season feel was noticeable in this war of attrition with Caldy starting in a sloppy fashion.

Stortford shot out the blocks and inside centre John Neville punctured an early blow to Caldy after a number of missed tackles.

Yet with the score at 15-6 in Stortford’s favour, JJ Dickinson gave Caldy the momentum changing quality shortly after halftime, with Harrison Crowe and Derek Salisbury having a major input before Dickinson sold his man with a dummy to score.

Bishop’s Stortford showed an 8th place quality in the first half which Caldy managed to counter in the second.

James Otutaha, who is normally found either in the centres or the backrow, filled in at scrum half and Caldy began ramping up the pressure on Stortford.

Dickinson squeezed over again courtesy of his in-form forward pack to put Caldy within just two points and sniffing victory. Teg Stagg orchestrated the driving maul which even the staunch Stortford pack could do little to halt.

However it was George Cullen’s execution off the tee, and James Rea finishing a well worked move by the efficient Bishop’s Stortford backs that put the travelling team in a comfortable lead.

Caldy continued to fight in their usual manner, putting the visitors under pressure to the final minute, but Stortford ultimately were the better side on the day winning 28-18.

The result aside, this was a day of celebration for Caldy Rugby Club. The players and coaches have achieved the unexpected and managed to beat bigger and richer clubs to safety.

Credit must also go to captain Tom Sanders who’s leadership of his boyhood club has been first class this season.