Jack the lad takes Preston to the cleaners

Caldy .............. 57 Preston G ........ 17

JACK Lavin’s 32-point haul was the standout showing as Caldy motored to a hugely impressive win at Paton Field.

In an open game dominated for 60 minutes by the home side, Caldy played some breathtaking rugby at times, with the point of attack often being switched with bewildering speed.

But even a four-try opening burst in the first 20 minutes – with a couple from Lavin and one each for Nick Royle and JJ Dickinson – could not completely subdue Hoppers who went on to shine for the remainder of the half.

A try for Hoppers hooker Christian Taylor and a penalty and conversion by Lewis Allen kept the visitors in touch as the half ended 24-10.

A more focused Caldy side emerged after the break and after the introduction of Rhys Hayes, Lavin scored his hat-trick try within five minutes of the restart. Although Hoppers hit back with a Robert Bramhall score, Caldy quickly replied after a sumptuous inside ball from Rhys Hayes put Lavin in for his fourth try of the afternoon.

Tries by Hayes, John Broxson and a 60-metre sprint from Royle, who beat three defenders on his way to the line, completed the scoring for Caldy.

They were not at their very best but their intensity and pace was just too much for a game Hoppers side in the end.