Caldy 14, Bishop's Stortford 16

CALDY dropped into the bottom three of National 1 after a heartbreaking defeat to Bishop's Stortford who claimed victory with the last kick of the game.

The game started in windy conditions and Bishop’s Stortford camped in the final five metres of the Caldy half with the home side defending for their lives and the visitors unable to break through until the 25th minute when Steve Ball broke from the scrum to score for the first time in the afternoon with the conversion expertly taken by Tommy Banks.

Caldy were still unable to get into any rhythm and continued to defend resolutely until half time with the only other score coming from a penalty from the boot of Banks on the stroke of half-time to give the visitors a 10-0 lead at the break.

The second half started In much of the same vein as the first ended with the visitors peppering the Caldy try line but were unable to find a way through a defence that was only breached through another Banks penalty.

This seemed to inspire Caldy into action and they started to attack the Stortford try line with more regularity and were rewarded on 62 minutes when Rhys Hayes managed to power over the line after great interplay from the scrum.

With their tails up and support from the vocal home crowd Caldy continued to push for a second try and were rewarded with 10 minutes remaining when JJ Dickinson crossed and Ben Jones converted to send the home support into raptures.

Back came Stortford who were looking for the score that would almost make certain their place in National 1 for another year.

A sloppy mistake from the Caldy defence in added time gave Banks the chance to take the points home which he did.

Caldy now have a free weekend before they travel to Rotherham Titans in a fortnight's time when it is expected that a number of the club’s long term injury doubts may make an appearance.

Kick off at Clifton Lane is 2pm next Saturday (March 23).