Caldy maintain lead at top of National 1 after win at Leeds

CALDY maintained their two-point lead at the top of National 1 after a vital bonus point victory over Leeds Tykes on Saturday.

The opening minutes of the game were extremely tight with both teams struggling to break each other down and the home team playing like a team much higher up in the league than the National 1 table would suggest.

The opening score came from a try in the 11th minute after the ball got to Ben Jones who crashed over in the corner although the fly half missed the conversion.

The home side lost four players during the opening half through injury which undoubtedly made the game more difficult for the relegation threatened Yorkshiremen.

Another two penalties for the visitors and a try from Hardwick for the home side finished the scoring for the first half.

One of Caldy's great strengths this season has been the team's fitness levels and it showed as Leeds began to become tired around the hour mark when Joe Murray stole the ball off the ruck to score and extend the league leaders advantage.

With a very loud following from the Wirral cheering them on, including many from the clubs' mini and junior section Caldy added a third try through Adam Aigbokhe with just 9 minutes remaining and with results in from elsewhere Caldy went hunting for a vital bonus point try.

Despite all Leeds' endeavour the fourth try arrived with just minutes left as the ball eventually arrived to Nick Royle who sent the visitors home happy.

A late try for Hardwick was just conciliation for the home side and Leeds will still be concerned about relegation as Caldy lead a three way battle for the title.

Caldy now have a week off before they tackle the final 5 matches that will determine the destination of the National 1 crown.