Gallagher on hand to put Caldy in the driving seat

■ By JOHN LYON

Caldy ……………… 19pts

Tries: Wynn 40, Aigbokhae 42, Gallagher 60

Conversions: Kilcourse 40,42

Sale FC…………… 17pts

Tries: Parker 17, Roberts 22, Stagg 45

Conversions: Green 22

AN unfamiliar Caldy starting lineup faced visitors Sale FC in this pre – season clash between the Championship and National One. Although the visitors could not grab the win their greater possession and territory deserved, Sale FC’s Director of Rugby Jonathan Keep pronounced himself pleased with the performance. “Coming off the back of a good pre-season there were plenty of positives for us to take from the game. We competed well against a Championship side and in the coming week we will work to narrow down our options ahead of next Saturday’s tough start to the season away at Plymouth Albion.”

The visitors started the better keeping the Ravers pinned down in their own half for most of the first period. Despite a ferocious defensive effort by the home side eventually the pressure told with a driven lineout resulting in a score out wide for Sale prop Kieran Parker. Five minutes later quick hands put the visitors outside Caldy’s defence sending centre Osien Roberts in at the corner with the score converted by former Ampthill scrum half Joe Green.

For 40 minutes Sale FC had been the dominant side but on the stroke of half time Caldy produced the best bit of rugby of the match. A dazzling midfield break by replacement scrum-half Ollie Wynn brought winger Nick Royle into the action. A sublime cross field chip from Caldy’s ‘Peter Pan’ was gathered by the ever-alert Wynn who scampered over to record Caldy’s first score converted by full back Matt Kilcourse.

Caldy freshened up their side for the start of the second half and within minutes the home side had taken the lead 14-12 courtesy of a close-range effort from a line out drive by prop Adam Aigbokhae. The Caldy lead did not last long. Another penalty conceded by the Ravers provided the opportunity for Sale to reciprocate in kind with former Caldy hooker Ted Stagg driving over to retake the lead for the visitors.

Caldy clinched the game on 60 minutes with another forward drive touched down by hooker Matt Gallagher.

In the final quarter Sale had opportunities to win the game but when scores seemed certain to come poor execution let the visitors down. Despite the narrow loss Sale FC will be the happier of the two sides although Caldy has numerous senior players returning to the squad before their first Championship game away at Bedford on September 21.