THERE was disappointment for Caldy as they failed to retain the Cheshire Cup.

The final at Lymm brought victory for Sale 26-21.

Caldy gave themselves just too much to do in the second period in what turned out to be an excellent, competitive occasion.

Sale dominated the first 40 minutes to build up a 23-7 advantage. Then came the Caldy fight back and there was only one score in it at no side.

Sale, from a division below Caldy in National Three North, started brightly and were soon nine points to the good thanks to a drop goal and a brace of penalties by Liam McGovern.

Forward-power brought Caldy a Derek Salisbury touchdown with Richard Vasey adding the extras but Sale took their try tally to three as Jack Moorhouse and Ian Moriarty crossed the whitewash with McGovern adding the extras.

A Chris Kohler try goaled by Vasey gave Caldy hope but McGovern struck with his third penalty leaving the Wirral side with a mountain to climb in the time remaining.

They did breach the Sale defence on a third occasion through Stuart Cross with Vasey adding the kick but Sale were not to be denied at the end of a season where they just missed out on promotion to National Two North.

There is now the County Championship campaign for Cheshire before all players get a summer break.

They begin against Yorkshire at Sale this Saturday.

Then, on May 17, Caldy host the Cheshire v Northumberland clash at Paton Field, 3pm kick-off.

Finally, Cheshire meet the old enemy Lancashire at Sedgley Park, on May 24, after which hopefully they will have qualified for a Twickenham final date.