Lancashire Junior Colts Final

Sunday 2nd May 2010

Liverpool Collegiate 17   Vale of Lune Junior Colts 7

Looking to bring the season to a fantastic conclusion the Vale Junior Colts travelled to Rochdale on Sunday knowing they were up against a strong and skilful Collegiate team, and that they were just one game away from the ultimate accolade of achieving a Cup and League double.

Conditions were ideal for a good rugby, with the much needed rain that arrived just before the week-end having provided a nice bit of give in the ground.   

Vale kick-off with the light, but influential breeze, behind them, but it was Collegiate who scored first after about 10 minutes when they worked the ball out to the right and stretched the Vale defence for their right wing to go over in the corner. The Vale team however slowly began to get into the game, but their normal strong rucking game was disrupted by a team who were equally as competitive at the breakdown. After some sustained pressure Baines had an opportunity to drive at the heart of the Collegiate defence from a ruck on their 22, and did so brushing aside 3 defenders en-route to score under the posts. Carter converted to make the score 5 – 7.

Vale then had another couple of opportunities, which went begging, and whilst they were beginning to impose themselves on the game their defence had to remain strong because Collegiate constantly showed that they were a combative and skilful side capable of creating scoring opportunities. The first half came to a conclusion with Vale once again pressing deep into the Collegiate half.

The second half initially continued very much in the same way with both teams playing some excellent  rugby.  Collegiate broke the deadlock however and once again scored a try out wide on their left, making the score 10 – 7. 

 Vale immediately responded to this, and for a period of time were camped inside the opposition 22. Collegiate managed to clear their lines on several occasions but it wasn’t long before Vale were back in their half, and thought they had regained the lead when McSporran drove over. The referee however indicated the ball had been held up.  

With time running out caution was thrown to the wind by the Vale team. This allowed Collegiate in for one of their few incursions into Vale territory during the second half to score again when their centre, who was tackled just short of the line, was able to reach over to score their third try.  The Vale team continued to show tremendous spirit until the referee blew for full time, when they were once again deep in the Collegiate half.  

The Vale Junior Colts, although disappointed at the end of the game, slowly began to appreciate at the “end of season party” later that evening, what a superb season they have had winning the NW Raging Bull “A” League, being Lancashire Cup Finalists and reaching the Semi Finals of the North Division of the National Junior Colts Cup.   

Vale Junior Colts:

A. McSporran, D. Thomason, J. Rudland-Thomas,  S. Dixon, S. Thompson, S.Wilson, M. Rogerson,  A. Baines, O. Dobson, O. Carter, E.Bland, J.Lynch, R. Wood, J.Reeve, S. Pedder, Z. Ashton-Hill, M. Field, A. Holroyd, M. Simon, K. Sharples, M. Walling, C. Willmott.  

The Vale Junior Colts enjoyed a fabulous weekend Tour to  Northampton travelling on Friday Evening and returning on Sunday afternoon. On Saturday morning they travelled a short distance to Long Buckby and played a mixture of Junior and Senior Colts and won an enthralling game by 32-22.

 In the Afternoon they watched a  fantastic  Guinness Premier League match between Northampton Saints and Gloucester  with the highlight meeting and being photographed with some of the current  England international players including Mike Tindall and Ben Foden.

Coaches Neil McSporran, Phil Rogerson and Simon Baines were proud of the lads who were dressed smartly in their red Vale polo shirts (see match photo) with the lads now looking forward to their Lancashire Cup Final on May 2^nd.

 Sunday 21st February 2010

Preparing for the game

Vale  arrived at Kendal with a good three inches of snow covering the ground,  and with heavy snow still falling  this game was in considerable doubt, but after a considered pitch inspection and  efforts by both teams to mark out the pitch by sweeping the lines it was decided that the game would go ahead.

Team bonding

Vale initially had Kendal under pressure but the characteristic solid defence of Kendal which would serve them well throughout this game, played in testing conditions, held firm. Vale were eventually awarded a penalty for an infringement at a ruck which Carter converted.  Kendal responded quickly however and defied the conditions with some slick handling scoring a good try wide on the left.

Carter goes for goal

Whilst Vale were dominating the scrums they were also making many elementary mistakes and not adapting to the artic conditions as well as they had adapted to the waterlogged pitch on Monday against Kirkby Lonsdale. Despite winning good ball at the set pieces the ball often squirted out of cold hands when they went into contact. Vale did however manage to put together one good continuous play when Bunn on the left wing stayed on his feet as he drove forward. Rudland Thomas  ripped the ball out, which was quickly moved right through several pairs of hands, including forwards McSporran and Dixon,  before Wood continued his impressive try scoring season skiing over in the corner.

Rogerson soaring at the lineout

It was then Kendal’s turn to put Vale under pressure, which resulted in them crashing over from a penalty 5 metres out. They then extended their lead from a penalty which made the score 13 – 8 at half time.

Competing in the lineouts

Vale really began to put Kendal under more pressure, and despite total dominance in the scrum, the Kendal defence again stood firm. Once again however the Vale team failed to keep possession in contact , which is something they have been so good at in their very successful season. There were no further scores leaving Kendal good winners on the day and in extenuating playing conditions.  Despite losing this last league game of the season the Vale youngsters  are Winners of the Raging Bull Junior Colts “A” League, and as a result progress into the prestigious National Under 17’s Cup.

Their first round game on Sunday is away to Consett, County Durham. 

Preparing for the scrum

Vale:  A. McSporran, D. Thomason, Z. Ashton-Hill,  S. Dixon, S. Thompson, A. Baines, A. Holroyd, M. Rogerson,  S. Wilson, O. Carter, M. Bunn, J. Rudland-Thomas, J. Reeves, R. Wood,  S. Pedder, K. Sharples, M. Walling, A. Mason.