THERE was disappointment for Oldershaw and Caldy in the third round of the NPI Intermediate Cup, on Saturday. Oldershaw fell 31-48 at home to Blaydon, while Caldy found no joy in Rutland as they succumbed 8-33 to Oakham.

Oldershaw rallied well in the second period, but the damage was done in the opening half, during which Blaydon established a 29-5 lead.

The visiting forwards were just too strong, but Oldershaw in the end collected five tries, three of them by skipper Willy Gardner, who also goaled three times. Martin Sutton and Paul Morton were the others to cross.

Oakham were stronger than Caldy anticipated and the Wirral side had to settle for a try and a penalty.

Birkenhead Park, Parkonians and Hoylake did not play and Wirral fixed up a home clash with Macclesfield 2nd X1 after Merseyside Police withdrew. They won 28-0 with tries via Jim Shields, Chris Whorton and Mike Beamish plus a penalty and conversion by Simon Hignett.

Wallasey lost 7-16 at Shell Stanlow, where Ian Snelgrove got a converted try. Paul Watkinson and Dave Morris gained the Shell tries and Kevin Mason a couple of penalties.

Port Sunlight were outshone by Southport, managing three kicks in a 9-50 reverse.

Anselmians accounted for Congleton 28-10. Neil Williams, Mark Williams, Scott Tunna and Andy Power went over, the latter also putting in a conversion and a brace of penalties.

Prenton finished 15-14 against New Brighton 'A'. Carl Salisbury and Steve Wallace touched down and Matt Peers kicked a penalty and conversion.

Cheshire begin their County Championship campaign against Leicestershire at Syston, on Saturday.

The Parkonians Homebase Cup for second teams starts on Sunday with Birkenhead Park against Shell and Prenton against Wirral. Both games at Holm Lane (2pm).

On December 7, Chester will play St Edward's and Caldy meet Helsby.

Parkonians, New Brighton, Oldershaw and Anselmians had first round byes.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.