Caldy power puts Park on back foot

By JOHN LYON

Caldy…………………….27

Darlington MP……..22

CALDY'S power against Darlington Mowden Park's fizz was always going to be a clash of styles – and power prevailed as the rain lashed Paton Field.

Apart from a brief period, Caldy held the lead thanks to their muscular pack and winger Ben Jones' kicking, but they never quite managed to fully subdue a game visiting side.

A brace of early penalties were slotted by Jones to establish a 6-0 lead for the hosts, while Warren Seals countered with three points for Park.

Caldy moved further ahead with a third Jones penalty. Against the run of play, Park secured an attacking scrum and a Caldy infringement turned it into a penalty try to give the visitors a 10-9 lead.

It lasted for all of a minute before Ollie Hearn scored in the corner and Caldy led 14-10 at half-time.

Park had chances at the start of the second half, but Caldy scored first, flanker Nyle Davidson crashing over for a converted try.

A Frankland try from a driven line-out made it 21-15 and a comeback was threatened.

However, another brace of penalties by Jones made the game safe before Park salvaged a losing bonus point courtesy of a try at the death by Appleby.