CALDY secured a second successive victory of 2023 by beating Richmond 27-7 at Paton Field on Saturday, moving above the London side in the Championship table in the process.

Caldy came out of the blocks firing in the first half and with the wind at their backs were able to stop the visitors from getting into any rhythm.

Richmond's defence conceded a penalty in the 11th minute which was expertly slotted away by Elliot Gourlay and this saw Caldy move into top gear - just moments later Ollie Hearn went over for the first try of the afternoon after a well worked line out.

As the first half progressed Caldy kept up the pressure and were rewarded just before the half hour mark after fantastic play from Sam Dickinson saw him find a hole in the Richmond defence and pick out Nick Royle who slid over to score.

The weather conditions changed as the game neared half time and the match turned into a kicking contest with a number of line outs for both sides.

Caldy were able to kick the ball into touch moments before half time, and from the resulting lineout, the pack were able to push the ball to the tryline allowing Hearn to score his second of the afternoon and give the home side a 24-0 lead at the break.

As the weather conditions worsened in the second half the game became a war of attrition with both sides battling each other as well as the strong wind and rain.

The second period saw just a Gourlay penalty and a consolation converted try for the visitors through Toby Saysell. 

Speaking after the match, Caldy head coach, Matt Cairns, said: “The first half today was probably the best we’ve played all season, the lads are disappointed we didn’t take the bonus point but the positive outcome is we executed the game plan well”.

Caldy take their good form to Nottingham on Friday evening. The East Midlands side are currently eighth, one place and two points ahead of Caldy.