CALDY 1st XV's start to the 2003 programme in the South Lancashire/Cheshire One League was frustrated by a waterlogged pitch at Birchfield, on Saturday.

Caldy were not suffering from the Christmas recess, as they had played the long overdue second round Thwaites Cheshire Cup tie against Winnington Park.

The Wirral side put together an assured performance against the higher graded opposition to secure a 30-5 victory with tries from Pennington, Higgins and McLaughlin, a penalty plus two conversions from Marcus Coast and a drop goal from McGaffney. They now meet New Brighton.

On Saturday, top-of-the-table Caldy take on second placed Widnes at Paton Field (kick-off 2.30pm).