Caldy up for Sevens showcase
Apr 25 2009 by James Pearce, Liverpool Echo

CALDY complete their National Three North campaign away to Hull Ionians today.

The Paton Field outfit’s form has slipped badly in recent weeks with three defeats and a draw in their last four matc hes.

Last weekend they went down 25-15 in their final home game against Loughborough Students after leading 12-3 at the break thanks to tries from player of the season Andrew Soutar and Gavin Roberts.

After today attention will switch to the Caldy Sevens which is being held at Paton Field on Sunday, May 3.

The event is now in its 66th year and is a wel l established fixture on the end of season calendar.

Organiser Roger Flashman said: “When I first became involved in the organisational side of the event, we had just lost the international sevens tournament, which used to have the likes of Fiji and Western Samoa playing, and were finding it tough to get 12 or 13 teams interested in playing, as well as sponsorship.

“It has taken a great deal of hard work, but now we have local teams competing against sides from across the country, and are having to turn teams away.

“This year we will have tremendous hospitality, as well as the lively atmosphere out around the pitches and on the bank by the clubhouse, as well as a girls’ tournament for the first time. It should be a great weekend.”

Roger is looking forward to the return of the flamboyant Fijians, with an Army team made up entirely of South Sea Islanders.

“They are so unpredictable in their play that anything can happen,” he said. “On top of that Sale will be very strong, while Glasgow Hawks will also bring some good players.

“That's not to rule out the local sides or scratch teams, all of whom will think they are in with a good chance.”

For further details about the Caldy Sevens log on to: caldysevens.net

This article was posted on 25-Apr-2009, 16:05 by Hugh Barrow.