Vale of Lune senior colts bounced back from their first defeat of the season last week, with a comfortable victory away at Ellesmere Port. The players responded well to captain for the day O’Donnell and were out of the blocks at pace and had a score on the board after 3 minutes, Harris with a text book kick off enabled Clarkson to win the ball and charge into Ports 22, the ball was moved wide, but Sharples stopped short of the line, from the resulting five metre scrum Clarkson surged over. 

Due to poor discipline at ruck and maul, the next ten minutes were all Port as Vale gave away a succession of penalties, resulting in Port taking a six points to five lead.

On nineteen minutes Vale retook the lead after strong runs from Swinden and Clarkson, the ball was moved wide for Jones to power over in the corner. Vale were now beginning to dominate with Jeffereys and Hall regularly stealing line out ball, and McRae, Martin and Coulton working hard in the loose, after a period of sustained pressure and some resolute defence from Port, Vale again decided to move it wide this time Katsande finished well after a looping pass from Whyke found Sharples who put the winger away, to give Vale a half time lead of Fifteen points to six.

Vale again started well after a probing kick from Harris the forwards worked the ball through several phases with Tomlinson in the thick of the action, Jones who performed well all afternoon burrowed over from close range for his second try. Vale again took their foot off the gas for ten minutes, allowing port to get back into the game due to a series of missed tackles with a converted try.

Vale where further disrupted when the influential Clarkson and Whyke had to leave the field with injuries, but Fawcett and Lebaldi as all the other replacements did, stepped up to the mark with confident displays, which allowed Vale to finish strongly, again Vale had success moving the ball wide with Albieri making a try scoring debut after a strong run from Newton and good handling from Harris, O’Donnell and Jones, Fawcett converting to complete the scoring.

Although this wasn’t the colts best performance of the season it was a positive response to last weeks defeat, and has got their season back on track, Clarkson was again awarded the man of the match award after an all action display, Hatton and Tomlinson performed strongly in the second half, and Swinden, Jones and Hall played with commitment and set a great example for eighty minutes.

Team: A Newton, C Jones (2T), S Sharples, J O’Donnell (capt), G Katsande (1T), D Harris, J Whyke, B Coulton, R Martin, S McRae, D Jeffereys, S Tomlinson, M Hall, D Swinden, S Clarkson (1T). Replacements – R O’Brien, J Eldin, E Hatton, L Pye, K Woodhead, R Fawcett (1C), M Clark, A Albieri (1T), A Lebaldi.

            Vale of Lune Senior Colts produced their worst performance of the season which coincided with their first defeat of the season, but credit must go to Anselmians who played to their coaches game plan and played with a tough and physical approach.  Kick Off was delayed by 30minutes due to the away side being stuck in the motorway traffic but when they arrived warmed up with purpose whilst the Vale lads seemed to be in cruise mode expecting another victory against a team who only had 15 players. From the start it was clear that Anselmians had come for the win and to claim top spot in League E.

  Personal changes prior to the game seemed to make a difference to the Vale with Whyke, who was injured playing for the second team the day before, having to start on the bench and Newton having to fill in at scrum half with Clark at fullback. The Vale lads started quiet and found themselves 3-0 down to a penalty from the influential fly half, who went on to spoil the Vale’s day by scoring a further 2 tries in the first half. Despite courageous tackling from Hall, Sharples and McRae Vale were unable to stop a flowing Anselmians side who despite the awful conditions under foot made rugby look easy a half time score of 24-0 to the visitors.

  A half time talk and 4 substitutions seemed to buck the Vale’s ideas up and started they second half the stronger and managed to put some good phases of play together and this resulted in Clarkson powering over for a well worked try. Anselmians soon hit back with a break away try of their own taking the score to 31-7 in the visitors favour and seemingly out of reach for the Vale lads. 3 more substitutions from the Vale coach again spurred on the home team and again fresh legs proved to mean a lot more with Aspinall driving over from short range after some good forwards play, Harris missing the conversion from in front of the posts to cap off a very poor display from the Vale team.

  Despite the poor performance their was some positives, Vale’s scrum and lineout was solid throughout and the forward can take heart from this but a big stand out of the day was number 8 Sam Clarkson who never gave up and proved that he is a defiantly a First Team number 8 in future years. A final score of Vale 12 Anselmians 31 did justice to the professional approach from the away side and leave Vale licking their wounds and knowing that this performance has to be removed from their armoury and with next weeks trip to Ellsemere Port looming large where nothing more than a win will do. Vale, Anselmians and Bolton are all now joint top of League E with 13 points, but with Vale’s points difference poorer than the other two teams it shows them sitting 3rd.

Vale- Clark, Pye, Sharples, Jones, Woodhead, Harris (1C), Newton, Clarkson (1T), Hall, Edlin, Hatton, Tomlinson, McRae, Martin and Coulton. Subs- Aspinall (1T), Jeffreys, Lebaldi, Swinden, Katsande, Fawcett and Whyke.

Vale of Lune Senior Colts travelled to top of the table Bolton in what was going to be the toughest battle of the season so far, it would also go along way to proving who would gain the upper hand in the title race so soon into the season.

 The opening exchanges proved that Vale and Bolton were equal in most departments and proved that they were by far the two best teams in League E for the season. Vale demolished the home sides scrum on regular occasions with the front row of Watson, McRae and Coulson causing problems to their opposite numbers. With 25minutes gone a turnover from the influential Clarkson followed by a piece of magic from scrum half Whyke proved to much for the Bolton defence, throwing an outrageous dummy and beating four defenders before going over underneath the posts for the opening score, Harris converting.

 With half time looming a break by the hardworking Edlin gave Harris and Sharples a two on one which they could not execute, to the frustration of the coaching staff, this allowing Bolton to counter attack and within seconds the home side had broke down to the other end and scored a converted try taking the half time score to 7-7.

 The second half could not have started worse for Vale, from the kick off a couple of mistakes by the away side allowed Bolton in for an unconverted try. It was at this point Vale had to show their character and come from behind, a situation they had not found themselves in all season. After a period of scrappy play Vale started to build themselves into the game again with substitute Katsande intercepting from the halfway and sprinting away from the defenders to touchdown in the corner, Harris holding his nerve for a successful conversion from the touchline taking Vale ahead 14-12 with less than 10minutes remaining. From the kick off Vale gave a penalty away and some indiscipline from Newton allowing Bolton to take the 3 points and the lead 15-14.

 This seemed to spur Vale into life and proceeded to play the best rugby of the day, with Jeffreys, Lebaldi and Man of the Match Hall tackling any Bolton player that came in their direction and with Sharples making some telling runs in attack the pressure increased on Bolton who with 2 minute remaining gave a penalty away in the red zone, the Bolton player binned for his sins. Without hesitation Harris called for the kicking tee and slotted it home sending the Vale players and supporters into raptures.

 Vale came of the pitch knowing that a score line of 17-15 was justified despite the poor performance but if the lads are to taste silverware this season, this performance has to be a one off.

 Team (scorers in brackets)- Newton, Sharples, Jones, O’Donnell, Clark, Harris (2C 1P), Whyke (1T), Clarkson, Hall, Edlin, Jeffreys, Hatton, Coulson, McRae, Watson. Subs- Lebaldi, Martin, Aspinall, Katsande (1T), Pye and Woodward.

 On what was meant to be a free weekend for the Vale of Lune Senior Colts a friendly fixture was arranged by the coaching team against an Eccles side who play their trade 2 league above the Vale outfit in League C, the decision to entertain Eccles was to find out where the Vale side were and give them much needed experience ready for the assault on Cup competition later in the season where they could be drawn against anyone in the North West Raging Bull Colts League, and it was a performance that could send messages through the leagues!

 The coaching team had the luxury of 26 players to choose from and with it being a friendly rolling substitution were the added ingredient of the day allowing every player to get much needed game time under their belts and also giving the opportunity to see players in different positions.

 Vale started at a blistering pace and for the whole of the first half showed why they are the talk of the club at the moment with the forwards demolishing the oppositions scrum and Hatton winning several lineout’s against the head allowing the half back combination of Whyke and Harris to cause havoc in the opposition line, the later having the best game of his season so far. Tries came at a steady rate in the first half with some quality play through O’Donnell, leading the team for the first time today, Jones and Newton giving a half time score of a very healthy looking 34-0.

In the second half Eccles upped their game and it was the turn of the Vale to show that defence can win games, solid tackling by Clarkson, Tomlinson, Edlin, and Woodhead limited Eccles to only 1 try in 15minutes of pressure. Vale then burst into attacking life with 10minutes to play and with Harris again at the forefront of every play Vale ran in 2 more tries to seal what was a comprehensive win.

 Its back to league action next weekend for the Senior Colts with the top of the table clash at Bolton in what could already be tipped as a title decider in League E despite it being so early in the campaign. With a win against a side 2 leagues higher Vale now to need to take what was their best performance of the season so far and build even more!

 Team- Sharples, Lebaldi, Jones, O’Donnell, Katsande, Harris, Whyke, Clarkson, Hall, Edlin, Tomlinson, Hatton, McRae, Martin and Watson. Subs- Aspinall, Coulton, Jeffreys, Swinden, Tagg, Pye, Clark, Woodhead, Atkinson, Newton, Fawcett.

 Tries- Jones (2), O’Donnell, Harris, Clarkson, Hatton, McRae and Newton.

Cons- Whyke (2) and Harris (2).

 Vale of Lunes colts 1^st visit to Clitheroe in their history produced an entertaining game, with the final score line a fine reward for some attractive play from the vale, but didn’t really do justice to a spirited Clitheroe outfit that will surely turn sides over in the league this season.

 Vale were quick out of the blocks being 12 points up in 5 minutes, through a piece of quick thinking by Wyke who darted over from a penalty under the posts, from the restart Wykes box kick was collected by Katsande who showed great pace to finish in the corner.

 On 25 minutes it was that man again as Wyke burrowed over after a period of sustained pressure by the Vale forwards who retained the ball through several phases with Eldin, McRae, Tomlinson and Jeffereys prominent.

 This was followed by a period of pressure from Clitheroe, where the Vale showed great character and determination in keeping their line intact, the tackling of Tagg, Hall, McRae and skipper Newton was of the highest order during this rear guard and prominent through out.

 The deadlock was broken with a fine break by Harris who drew the full back and fed Newton to score, on the stroke of half time Vale scored their 5^th try when the powerful running O’Donnell broke the line and good handling from Newton and Tagg resulted in Jefferey scoring in the corner.

 The second half proved to be a much more competitive, with Clitheroe raising their game significantly, the half started with Swinden making a surging forty metre break stopped only by a great cover tackle from the Clitheroe winger, Eldin who worked tirelessly throughout was in support and was held up over the line. The strong running Clitheroe centre then broke out of defence and looked sure to score, until Newton appeared from no where to scythe him down just short of the line.

 Vale scored their 6^th try after twenty minutes of the half after strong running from O’Donnell and Tagg, Martin showed great awareness sneaking over on the blind side, Clitheroe again responded with a period of pressure, this time their prop was allowed to power over for a deserved score.

 Vale finished the game with two contrasting but quality scores, the first saw the improving Harriss dance through several defenders before rounding the full back to score in the corner, the second was a real team effort after the several phases slick passing from Wyke, Hall and Martin saw McRae score in the corner.

 Man of the Match Wyke added five conversions to complete the scoring, and is now almost back to his best after a serious knee injury, O’Donnell, Tagg and Eldin were also influential through out.

Team:

Murphy(Pye 40), Woodhead, Newton, O’Donnell, Katsande, Harris, Wyke, Watson (Martin 30), McRae, Eldin, Jeffereys (Hatton 60), Tomlinson, Hall, Swinden, Tagg.

   Vale of Lune Senior Colts copied the achievements of the 1^st team by starting their league campaign off with a hard fought win against a committed Ashton-under-Lyne team. Playing with a strong wind in the first half Vale took the game to Ashton and with some direct runs from Jones, Tagg and Hatton producing some outstanding play. 10minutes into the game saw a flash of brilliance by full back Sharples to beat 3 players and score under the posts which was followed minutes later by a try from Jones with Whyke converting both.

 A sustained period of pressure from Ashton’s two big centres tested Vale’s defence but through pure determination the away side held anything Ashton threw at them, even managing to break away and apply pressure under the posts with Whyke taking a penalty to stretch the Vale lead. Hall collecting the resulting kick off and being on the end of a dangerous high tackle resulting in a sun-binning for the Ashton player, Hall picked himself up after a few minutes and proceeded to carry on and Vale made use of the 1 player advantage.

 As half time approached Vale pressed to extend their lead and with Murphy controlling the game from 10 Vale managed to put together several phases of play before Murphy himself squeezed himself though a gap in the Ashton line to cross for a deserved try, Whyke again converting which took the game to half time with Vale leading 24-0.

 The second half started at an even quicker pace with the message from the coach to increase the intensity and to put more phases of play together, but with credit to the Ashton lads they hit back at Vale and managed to apply pressure on the Vale defence which did not creak and proved the determination of the lads to keep a clean sheet. Jefferys winning 3 lineouts on the Ashton throw in, one being on his own 5metre line, and Hall tackling everything that came that ran at him. As Ashton began to tire Fawcett coming on as a substitute at 12 found himself a big gap in the Ashton defence to score Vale’s fourth try and converted himself.

 Vale punished the Ashton player’s tiredness with two more tries though the hardworking Edlin and the influential birthday boy Harris both coming from fantastic play from the whole team with Fawcett converting only one of the conversions. As the full time whistle blew the Vale lads celebrated a 43-0 winning start as a team and this camaraderie is bound to take them along way in the Raging Bull Colts League and hopes for a successful season started today. Vale would like to thank Ashton-under-Lyne’s hospitality for the day with new friends being made on and off the field.

Vale of Lune Senior Colts

15-Sharples, 14-Newton, 13-Jones, 12-Harris, 11-Pye, 10-Murphy, 9-Whyke, 8-Tagg, 7-Swinden, 6-Hall, 5-Hatton, 4-Jefferys, 3-Edlin, 2-McRae and 1-Watson. Subs- Aspinall, Fawcett, Woodhead and Martin.

Tries- Sharples, Jones, Murphy, Fawcett Edlin and Harris.

Cons- Whyke x3 and Fawcett x2

Pens- Whyke x1

Man of the Match- Dale Jefferys

Vale of Lune Senior Colts 0  Preston Grasshoppers 5

On a windy and wet night at Lightfoot Lane the home of Preston Grasshoppers the Vale of Lune Senior Colts boosted their ever growing confidence with a superb performance against a very strong Preston team. Coaches Martin Powell and Mark Sutcliffe were able to call upon a squad of 24 therefore giving plenty of game time to all the squad ahead of the start of the season.

The game started at a blistering pace with Vale defending for much of the first quarter, and defending they did. Preston could not break down the Vale’s defence as much as they tried, Swinden playing at flanker tackled everything that moved and O’Donnell not give his opposite number any room to run. The front row of Watson, O’Brien and Edlin holding their own against a much heavier pack and managing to win a couple of scrums against the head. As the first quarter came to a close Preston managed to score a break away try despite the best efforts of full back Sharples meaning Preston went in 5-0.

The second and third quarters were stalemates as both teams swapped players to ensure that all players were ready for the league games. Vale put together some great play and with the focus being put on repeat phases of play managed to pressure the Preston line but without reward. Fawcett again leading the team and with Whyke bossing from scrum half the season looks promising for the Vale of Lune Senior Colts. Vale’s Senior Colts now look forward to playing Aston-under-Lyne away on Sunday 6th and hope to get the season off to a winning start.

The Vale of Lune Senior Colts started their season off with fantastic result against a team who will be playing a league higher for this coming season. Coach Martin Powell was able to call upon a large number of players for the first friendly of the season with still quite a few on holidays, competition for places is going to be tough for a team which has been put together again for 2009/10 season.

The game started at a lightening pace but within 10minutes this was brought to a standstill with a horrible injury to a Vale player, who was playing for West Park to make up the numbers, and the game was halted for 5minutes whilst every precaution was covered. When play resumed West Park caught Vale out from the resulting scrum to take a 5-0 lead. The injury seemed to spur Vale on and with the controlling influence of Harris at standoff and the elusive runs of full back Sharples Vale started to dominate the game with the forwards making holes in the opposition defence. Vale’s comeback try was made by the forwards and finished by the backs, with quick breaks from the Vale forwards pulling in West Park players creating an overlap which saw Pye go over in the corner. Fawcett hitting the post the conversion from out wide meaning the half time score of 5-5.

Vale made 3 changes at half time to ensure that everyone received plenty of game time. The second half again started at a very high pace with some outstanding play from both sides but it was West Park who struck first and scoring the resulting conversion to take the lead. This then spurred Vale on and in the next 20minutes it was all the home team. Tries from Tomlinson, Swinden and Hatton with 1 conversion from Fawcett meant going into the last 10minutes Vale lead 22-12 but with tired legs from both teams the influential West Park standoff took control and lead a 2 try comeback and when the final whistle blew the game had finished 22-22 a deserved result.

Vale Senior Colts come away from the game knowing the have pushed a team a league above them right to the wire and with the season looming large the lads know performances like this will ensure they are on the right on of results on a weekly basis but before that another friendly against the old enemy Preston Grasshoppers on Wednesday night. Vale would also like to wish Adam Atkinson a speedy recovery from the injury sustained in the game.

Vale Senior Colts
S. Sharples, C. Jones, J. Stewart, R. Fawcett, L. Pye, D. Harris, A. Newton, S. Tomlinson, D. Swinden, S. McRae, E. Hatton, D. Jefferys, J. Edlin, R. O’Brien, M. Watson. Subs- K. Woodhead, R. Martin, L. Aspinall and A. Atkinson.
Tries- Pye, Tomlinson, Swinden and Hatton. Cons- Fawcett (1 from 4)