It was another nail-biter, but Vale’s 28-26 home victory over Heaton Moor keeps them on top of the table with two more league games remaining.  At one time Vale looked to be heading for a comfortable win, but again they gave away soft tries and were mightily relieved when the final whistle was blown.

Vale got off to a good start with a well worked try by centre Neil Hull, back after injury.  It was the signal for a period of good play in the Heaton Moor half. A penalty from Neale Foster and then a try by Craig Orrick, playing on the wing, which Foster, improved showed what Vale were capable of.  But Heaton Moor playing with spirit and determination fired back with a converted try and a couple of penalties of their own.

Both team traded penalties early in the second half, before Alistair Richards crossed for a try for Vale which Foster converted.  That stretched Vale’s lead to nine points and they were looking comfortable.  But again Heaton Moor deservedly hit back with a penalty before Foster regained the initiative with another successful kick.  With time running out, the visitors tested Vale’s nerve with another try which was converted, but the home side managed to last out the remaining few minutes.

Before the game all the teams playing at Powderhouse Lane on Saturday and the crowd stood in silence in memory of former president John Winn who died suddenly on Friday.  John was a long time Vale member and a former player.

Vale A team won 24-10 at Rochdale, the Vikings hammered BAE 55-3 at home while the B team’s promotion hopes took a knock with a 33-19 defeat at Blackburn.