After a 3 match winning streak and some fantastic team rugby, the dismal weather saw lethargy and hesitancy run rampant through the Hoylake ranks - closely followed by the eager Caldy runners and forceful tacklers. But such is the fickleness of sport and undoubtedly the best team on the day prevailed, despite some admirable individual displays from Sam and James in particular and a much improved team effort in the last half.

The first match was a 12-4 result for Caldy, with 2 first half tries to Sam after some straight, hard running by James, Charlie and Reece. The second half saw Lucca dot down after some good runs by Liam and Rudi, James denied what could have been the solo try of the season and Reece slice through the Caldy defence to score with a flourish and Fijian-like dive. Despite some heart-felt words of "encouragement" from the somewhat exasperated coaching staff the second match followed a similar pattern to the first, with Caldy scoring 7 tries in the first half to the one well deserved try by James. Alas the lateral running lines on attack saw the Hoylake boys often either use up their 7 tackles or spill the ball. On defence we continued to lack an appetite to form a wall or apply rings of steel. With all very wet and weary the last half saw them look to put what had gone before behind them and to their credit they finished strongly with a hard fought last half of 4-3 to Caldy. Whilst James, Sam and James scored the tries the whole team tackled better and supported each other well, with Archie awakening from his lack of slumber and Leon, John and George playing their parts in a much improved end to proceedings.

Just like the mighty Black Caps at the MCG this was a game too far for Hoylake and a well needed break of Easter and too much chocolate may be just what is needed.