Latest scores. 12 March.

Leeds 8 - 11 Caldy

FT at Sale

The serenity of the Sycamores was more than a little disturbed with the arrival of 5 coach loads of Caldy minis and their parents who were on their 'Yorkshire Tour' and after a morning of rugby at Huddersfield had arrived to support the Ravers. Naturally the young Ravers were more focussed on having a good time, rolling around inside an old abandoned tractor tyre than watching the game. Some of their 'handlers' decked out in wigs and Hawaian shirts were also intent on having an enjoyable day and had fully embraced the Ravers motto and were .........just rolling around. WOLWAOTB

The match was compelling. The talented and committed young Leeds Tykes side gave everything but in the end Caldy had too much experience for the youngsters. Playing with the benefit of a stiff breeze, which I adjudged to be worth 10-15 points, Caldy turned around at the break only 11-3 ahead. I doubted whether it was enough of a lead. Other than a well taken try and a couple of penalties by winger Ben Jones the Wirral side were well marshalled by Leeds. At the break there seemed no way through the home side's defensive wall.

In the second half Caldy changed tactics. Gone was the width and the miss passes, instead it was all about a brutally effective route one approach through the pack. The Loiners had little answer to the physicality and directness from Caldy which by the final whistle had brought the visitors 3 more tries but unfortunately had also given rise to 5 Leeds injury retirements. A succession of scores from driven lineouts and a final piece of Royle brilliance at the end gave Caldy the bonus point win which at half time looked unlikely.

If the injuries to the 5 Tykes players are not too serious I can see Leeds Tykes having enough to stay up. If they do they will be formidable opponents next season