Cinderford 27, Caldy 25

CALDY claimed two bonus points in a tense but exciting game against Cinderford, in a game that reminded everyone that the Ravers are certainly up for the relegation fight and are willing to take it right to the wire.

It was the visitors who took the lead on the seventh minute, with a try from Luke Hibberd.

This only seemed to galvanize the home side who made the game level in the 12th minute with a try from Ryan which was quickly followed up with a try from Boulton on the quarter hour mark.

The first-half then became very tight with both sides attacking against two very resolute defences.

In the final five minutes of the half Caldy managed to break through with fly half Ben Jones braking through to score the second try of the afternoon to reignite Caldy’s fight, this was followed up by Hibberd’s second score of the afternoon to see the visitors go in two points down at the break.

A converted try and a penalty in the first 15 minutes of the second half extended Cinderford’s lead. However a Rhys Hayes try on 57 minutes brought Caldy back into the game scoring against the wind and securing the first of the bonus points.

The home side seemed to have no answer to Caldy’s attacking flair and they managed to break through when JJ Dickinson broke down the wing to score in the corner.

The last few minutes were frantic with Cinderford defending for their lives with Caldy unable to break through and the Ravers were unable to get into a position for a drop goal that would have seen them take all the points back to the Wirral.

At full time the players were frustrated but these two points could see the Ravers stay in National 1 for another year.

Next week Caldy face their first home game for a month against relegation rival Bishop’s Stortford who won 24-8 against Cambridge on Saturday.