In a thirteen try extravaganza, seven scored by the Vale and all converted by Neale Foster, at Widnes, the Vale’s win, 52-41, in this play off game ensured that they will return to North Two West after a season’s absence. But their victory came at a price because hooker Gavin Barton dislocated a knee cap during the second half.
In a fast moving game both sides played attacking running rugby straight from the kick off, and were quite prepared to move the ball at every opportunity despite the importance of the outcome for both clubs. There was nothing reckless or foolhardy about this approach which ensured that an exciting game unfolded, although the respective coaches might not have entirely agreed, but overall it was a highly entertaining, cracking game.
Andy Garnett was named man of the match by his fellow players but there were a number who must have been in the frame including Owen Hughes, Lee Acton, Danny Lin, Ian Bird, Malcolm Fowler and goal kicker Foster.
The scores were level at half time, 24-24, between two evenly matched sides, with tries from Neil Hull, Andy Garnett and Neil Bennetts, full back Neale added a penalty goal to his conversions. Further tries came from Alistair Richards and Ian Bird in the second half but the Vale were unable to stretch away from their opponents until the game moved into its final ten minutes. Props Alex Cowey and Dave Halliwell added tries to extend the Vale’s lead to sixteen points before Widnes rattled in a try in the last move of a memorable fixture.
The final of the Lancashire Trophy will be held at Preston Grasshoppers on Monday May 4. Vale’s opponents will be decided on Wednesday when Rochdale play Rossendale, but whoever wins will mean that the Vale will be facing a club that has gained promotion from North Two West this season.
