Pre-season training starts on Saturday, 26^th June starting at 10.00am at the Vale with all players welcome to attend. The session will be run by Graham Murphy and Jimmy Moore and will be based around setting fitness benchmarks for the coming season.

 Training will continue every Tuesday & Thursday at 7.00pm at the club and each Saturday starting at 10.00am at venues to be advised.

Andy Higgin

As usual look under “Rugby”, “Seniors”, 2010/2011″.

One difference this season, the “A” Team will be playing under the “Conference” system so only the first half of the fixtures can be shown.

After that the league is split into two halves and then all SEVEN teams in each half play each other  twice. 

RR

Vale “A” will be playing in the Premier Division.

Vale Vikings will be in Division 2 North after restructering of the Division 2’s and 3’s.

Vale “B” retain their place in Division 3 North.

Celebration of the Season

                                               All teams will be attending.

                                               A celebration of the Junior and Senior Colts winning their Leagues.

                                              In addition the Junior Colts reached the Lancashire Cup Final and also reached the Regional Semi-Finals.

                                              It was a solid season for Vale Vikings and 4th Team.

                                              A Championship winning season for the Vale A Team with promotion to the Bateman BMW Premier League.

                                             Consolidation for the Vale 1st team in North West 1 with a succesful 2nd half of the season winning eight of the last eleven games  

North One West

Saturday 24th April 2010

The Alies arrived clutching clinking carrier bags and heel and toed their way to the coach for the trip to Burnage. There was the usual debate about the seating arrangements but once settled it did not take too long before the goody bags were opened, oodles of pies and lashings of wine which were supplemented when Coach Graham  presented the Alies with a bottle of classic red. 

Owens with Spavin in support

Enty and the Consultant had been out at crack of dawn, queuing for those splendid meat pies for connoisseurs, from Watson’s Family Bakery on Noel Road-scrumptious. The red wines had been given time to breathe and soon the tannins were rattling around the tonsils, these were not rough and ready little numbers, they were bursting with flavours, coal dust, plums, blackcurrants and raisins, which brought memories flooding back of the Languedoc, Maipo Valley and Barossa Valley.

Gilly, in the absence of the President, hitch hiking back from Barcelona and Morse doing the hokey-cokey in a secret hideaway, struggled with the crossword. Eventually he had to admit defeat and pass it over to Enty, but between the munching and slurping, Enty found time to complete a substantial proportion of the grid, although the clue for six down, “Talk covering healthier worker in a fuel industry,” did cause some furrowed brows and a healthy debate.

Cowie on the charge with Ferguson on his shoulder

Titanium Jim’s winning sequence on the green baize continues but Gilly refused to discuss the score, noting that if the conversation carried on in this vein a few slaps would be administered, and he would not confirm he had been presented with a book entitled “Teach Yourself Snooker,” by Jim after the final frame.

The Solicitor asked the Major about dates and venues for the Alies annual bonding sessions. He wondered if the itinerary would include an earlier start time than last year because he had so much enjoyed sitting in various car parks waiting for the pubs to open.

Owens going in for his try with referee Andy Daniels in attendance

Coach driver Jamie, who had been busy all week returning stranded holiday makers from Austria, deftly negotiated the Volvo, after leaving the M60, through a neat residential estate, before turning into Battersea Road. As this appeared to be a modern industrial complex, the Press Secretary was accused of misreading the directions yet again but eventually Varley Park hove into view.

The first visit to Varley Park proved to be an eye opener, an altogether thoroughly enjoyable experience, the final score not withstanding. A warm sunny day brought out the best of Burnage’s facilities; a modern well designed clubhouse with surely the most attractive and pristine toilets on the circuit, a huge patio area overlooking the pitches and a nine hole golf course adjacent. There were signs of further developments in progress, all weather pitches and training facilities, Burnage are certainly a club with an eye to the future and this was very evident both on and off the field.    

Hodder with the conversion that took him to 100 points for the season

Traditionally the Solicitor is in charge of the kitty for the final away game of the season but because of the generosity of the welcoming committee he was briefly redundant and the kitty remained untouched for the first two rounds of some splendid Hyde’s draught bitter. In addition the Alies were pointed in the direction of a sumptuous buffet before moving onto the patio to watch the aeroplanes landing at Manchester Airport and chew the cud.

The Secretary arrived sporting a black eye which caused a certain amount if sniggering and speculation; apparently the cause of the shiner involved a garage door and a golf trolley!! “David Bailey” was explaining to the Major the working of his camera and the Handyman, between rolling his own, was explaining to the Press Secretary the differences between a scrummage machine and a road roller, plus something called a G3 all weather pitch.

Foster with Macluskie with the Vale alies in full support

 After witnessing the pounding out on the pitch further disappointments lay in store for the Alies when it was announced that the Hyde’s beer had run out. When the sobbing had died down and the tissues discarded, the round became wide ranging, smooth flow, red wine, but the drink of choice for those in the know about these things, was Crabbies Alcoholic Ginger Beer.   

Darren Wilson was named by the host club as Vale’s man if the match, but had to dash off quickly because of work commitments. In his absence Jonty Higgin went head to head with Burnage’s man of the match in a race to be the first to down a pint which he accomplished with the minimum of fuss causing one the Alies to remark that another university education had not been wasted.

Then it was off to sample the delights of Didsbury, after a massive raffle that had more prizes than your average Christmas Draw. The packed outdoor cafes and bars were eventually left behind for a stomp around St Helens. By this stage the efficient Consultant had taken over the kitty, but the pace had distinctly slowed down. Enty found a chippy, the Major went for a make your own pizza and the Consultant went fifteen rounds with a massive kebab.

Eventually all the stragglers were rounded up by the Loafer and the coach rattled up the M6 to the sound of singing from the rear as the Alies gradually slipped into the arms of Morpheus dreaming of more excursions.

Remarkably the Vale led 21-20 at half time with tries from Fergus Owens, a little gem this, one from Lewis Leaumoana in his final game for the Vale and a ninety metre dash from James Hodder. James converted all three, before Burnage crushed any hopes of the Vale’s recent run of good form continuing with an empathic second half performance.

Vale of Lune: N Foster (A Richards 60); J Hodder, A Macluskie, J Higgin, T Finau; F Owens, D Wilson; J Ashton-Yamnikar, O Cowey (A Powers 47), J Ferguson; L Acton (Capt), D Perry; F Spavin, L Leaumoana, L Ford (P Watson).   

Referee: Andy Daniels. Manchester & District Society

Saturday 24th April 2010 

Miller Homes Division Three North

With a number of their regular players injured or unavailable for the Vale’s final fixture of the season, they travelled to Clitheroe without any replacements. Chris Brown volunteered to play at hooker, Paul Antcliffe made a rare appearance and full back Joe Crookall was recruited at the last minute.

A stubborn Vale fifteen refused to allow the home side the freedom of the park and forced them to work hard for their victory.  All the Vale’s points came in the second half with a try from Derek Eames after the pack had heaved the home side’s eight over their goal line. The versatile Martin Powell kicked the conversion in addition to putting over a penalty goal.

A number of penalty kicks at goal were declined by the Vale who adopted a cavalier approach and went hunting for further points.  They played throughout with pride and determination against a well drilled side who were always favourites to win after they had established a 24-0 lead at half time.

Vale B:  J Crookall;  P Antcliffe, M Thackeray, P Scott, M Hazelgrave;  L Gierke, S Briggs;  D Eames, C Brown, D Hickling;  D Rainford, S Middlehurst;  P Morris, M Powell, T Hayes.

Saturday 24th April 2010

A beautiful afternoon at Round Ash Lane was the setting for Vale to complete the season and finish as Champions of Miller Homes Division 1.

After their exertions at Penrith on Thursday evening and a much changed back division due to 1^st team shortages and players at Twickenham for the Wasps v Bath game Tony Gilmour had to jiggle his team round once more.

 However the Vale team came strongly out of the blocks to take an early lead. Captain Doyle has he has done so many times this season, put a lovely chip in behind the Leigh defence for Tom Varnstone to take at speed and touch down under the posts. With Price, in his first game back since breaking a bone in his hand, adding the conversion it was an excellent start.

A few minutes later and the same move executed  at Penrith was repeated,  a line out close in, lovely take by Charnley, flip down to Farnworth who slipped it to Speight for the flanker to go over wide out left. This time Price was unable to add to the score.

A few minutes later a good steal by Wharton on the half way line and a slipped ball to Lock saw the winger charging away and looped round to score under the posts. Again Price converted.

Another couple of minutes and a scrum on the Leigh line led to a simple pushover try with Thompson touching down. Again Price was on target.

Shortly after, an excellent break by Hughes and a good pass to Bowen saw the Welshman steam round under the posts. Another two points from Price and the Vale were 33 – 0 up after 16 minutes.

Not to be outdone the Leigh fly half took a decent ball from a scrum in the Vale 22 put a little chip over the defence, caught his own ball and touched down under the posts. This time the hooker, who had missed a simple penalty earlier, made no mistake with the conversion.

Vale were not to be denied, regrouping they again attacked the Leigh line. A kick through had Bowen charging after it and although he caught the Leigh fullback they both crashed into the goalpost. Fortunately with having the well padded post protectors on they both recovered fairly quickly. Another scrum with a Vale put-in led to a simple pushover and touchdown for Thompson. Price on target once more.

The warm conditions were starting to affect the Vale and the match against Penrith also had sapped a lot of their strength..

But another break from their own half with Captain Noodles to the fore with a good break led to Varnstone rounding the cover and touching down under the sticks, again an easy conversion for Price.

Half time came, a well needed break in proceedings to allow liquid to be taken on board and time for changes to be made. Lee McCullough who had grafted well but was struggling with a knee injury from the Thursday evening was replaced by Schuyler, with Wharton moving to the back row and Thompson going to lock.

Still Vale had plenty of steam left with chances being created but the passes were not being made to finish the moves off. Chances were being spurned.

On 50 minutes Leon Jackson came on to replace Morrison who had also had an excellent game, but had been taking painkillers to nullify back pain that he had been having for over a month. Anyone watching wouldn’t believe that with the amount of covering that Morrison does.

Still Vale couldn’t cross the whitewash, ball going to ground and the whole team now looking rather tired.

They were awarded a penalty in the fifty seventh minute but Price was unable to add to the total.

A couple of minutes later and Schuyler, who had missed the last couple of games and was still full of running crashed through the Leigh defence to add to the Vale score with Price this time, putting the ball between the posts.

A couple of minutes later and Vale made their final substitution. Young colt Ryan Fawcett replaced Varnstone on the right wing and immediately could have scored with his first touch. Unfortunately he couldn’t quite hold onto the final pass and the chance was missed.

The Vale were now running on empty and were holding on. The Leigh Director of Rugby, Karl Lawrinson moved to centre when the scrums went uncontested and proceeded to punch through the Vale back line. However Vale always managed to have some cover and the attacks were repulsed.

They survived the last ten minutes comfortably and the final whistle went to cement their position as Champions of the Miller Homes Division 1.

Todays contest was well refereed by Frank Boughey of the Manchester Society who let the game flow and the players were able to express themselves. Next week he will be officiating at the Raging Bull Finals, we wish him well.   

This Vale team has improved noticeably over the season, the pack is now extremely well drilled and Tony Gilmour has coached them into a team who defend well and are a lot stronger than when the campaign began back in September. A lot of the pack have been selfless in playing this season, Matty Speight, getting through lots of work, in fact they have played for each other as a real team. The backs have often been changed which has upset the fluidity, but all those who have come in have provided their own moments of flair.

There were four losses out of the first nine games but the only game lost since October has been a Cup game against Preston GH 2. They have finished the season with a run of 17 consecutive League wins, an achievement in itself. Tony has been well supported in the latter stages of the season by Lee Jones and of course skipper Noodles, Keiran Doyle, who between them have seen an influx of Lancaster and Cumbria University players, a great achievement which has led to an improvement in the team. Long may Noodles be around, he has led the team well.

It will be a proud moment on Friday 7^th May when Noodles comes up to collect the Trophy at the Miller Homes Presentation Evening at Preston Grasshoppers.

Vale “A”:          P Jackson,  W Wharton,  A Morrison;  L Farnworth,  L McCullough;  M Speight,  B Charnley, A Thompson;  O Hughes,  K Doyle (Capt);  T Varnstone,  P Shepherd,  R Bowen,  R Lock;  G Price.

Replacements:  L Jackson,  D Schuyler,  R Fawcett.

Referee:            F Boughey        Manchester Society.

Thursday 22^nd April 2010

On a cool but bright evening Vale started brightly and after only 3 minutes Macluskie was bundled over the line by a number of bodies in a big maul to the line. Noodles, who had to take over the kicking duties tonight due a lack of goalkickers failed to add the exras.

Penrith, who were a strong hard team fought back up the slope and gained a penalty a few minutes later nearly in front of the posts. However, the Penrith hooker managed to make rather a mess of the easy kick to hit the post low down.

After only 9 minutes Noodles saw Richards hanging wide out on the right and put a lovely chip in for the winger to take at speed and head inside towards the posts. H e was actually caught on the thigh by a Penrith defender but still managed to go over under the posts but finishing the move by limping over to put the ball down.

Skipper Doyle landed the conversion but the injury Richards received saw him leaving the pitch a few minutes later to be replaced by “Pinkie”, Tom Williams. Pinkie took over Richards position on the right wing.  

Vale were certainly not having things all their own way and were pinned back on their own by a series of forward moves. This pressure led to the Penrith Number 6 going over under the posts for a try converted by their hooker. 7 – 12 and a real battle was on.

After 22 minutes a perfectly rehearsed move led to the next try. Vale were given a penalty which was put into the right corner. A great leap by Ben Charnley saw him take a great ball, flip it down to Farnworth who slipped it to Garnett who crashed over for an excellent try. Unfortunately Noodles couldn’t covert but with a score of 17 -7 and only just over a quarter of the game gone things were looking good.

Penrith were keeping a lot of possession and putting the Vale under pressure but the Vale defence was looking firm.

The Vale were always looking dangerous on the break with Owen Hughes to the fore.

A minute before half time, Penrith were on the charge when one of their flankers suddenly went down with what looked like an innocuous injury. This was not to be the referee blowing up for half time and an ambulance had to be called for, a serious neck injury ensued. The ambulance arrived very speedily but because of the seriousness of the injury great care had to be taken and it then ensued that a half hour half time break took place.

Straight after the enforced break the Vale, now playing up the slope sped swiftly out of their own twenty two and ended up inside the Penrith twenty two, a quick ball out right, a big gap, and Macluskie strolled through the gap for his second try. Noodles managed the conversion and Vale were now 24 -7 up and looking good.

 However the Penrith referee, then decided that the Vale wouldn’t have it all their own way by sinbinning Garnett for some unknown infringement.

A minute later and Hughes made a great break out of his own 22 and with many Vale players backing him up the ball was transferred to Bowen who streaked over for an unconverted try.

Tony Gilmour brought on fresh legs with Thompson replacing McCullough and shortly afterwards Leon Jackson for Morrison.

With the light closing in the Penrith forwards battered their way downfield and the Penrith outside centre, on receiving the ball spotted a hole and touched down for the home side. The hooker converted to bring the score to 14 – 29.

This then led to a period of sustained pressure from the Penrith team but the Vale held firm and the game stayed that way with pressure from the Penrith team and sudden breakaways from Vale. One of these in the 76 minute led to Vale receiving a penalty in a relatively easy position. Unfortunately Doyle hit the upright and once again Penrith pressed downfield. The Vale were up to the pressure but again the referee stepped in sending Farnworth to the bin with a minute to go. A chip to the corner by Penrith for some misdemeanour by Vale and the last play was on us. The Vale tackling again being firm and the final whistle blew with the result that takes the team to the top of the league.

This was the hardest match that the Vale have had for many weeks, the Penrith pack matching the Vale with their driving runs but it was the Vale who were far sharper with Owen Hughes having an excellent game, breaking from scrums at great pace and often relieving the heavy pressure.

Now to Leigh on Saturday for the final game of the season. Unfortunately injuries and non availabilities will mean some changes in the back line which won’t help matters. The Vale spirit is high and they will go there full of confidence. They have a settled pack who are playing very well together.

Vale “A”          P Jackson, A Powers, A Morrison;  L Farnworth, L McCullough;  M Speight, B Charnley, A Garnett;  O Hughes, K Doyle (Capt);  

R Bowen, T J McCaw, A Macluskie, A Richards.

Replacements:  L Jackson, A Thompson, T Williams

NORTH ONE WEST

Saturday 17th April 2010

 All Photos by Tony North

For those of a romantic bent it was a sad day at The Lane, despite another try fest, because not only was it the final home game for the first team, but it was the last game that this particular group of players, from both sides, plus some supporters that they would avail themselves of the facilities before the stand and changing rooms are demolished towards the end of next month.

To be fair in this modern, chrome, exquisitely tiled age, with tip up plastic seats, the old lady has long since passed her sell by date. Like the Alies, old age has caught up with her, she has frayed at the edges and all she has to look forward to is the arrival of the wrecking crew in their hard hats and high visibility jackets.

But if only the stand and changing room could talk what tales they would have to tell about the post war history of the Vale of Lune, from the appearance of international teams, county championship games including a final that is enshrined in folk lore, club games against clubs from the top tier, and not forgetting fixtures for all the Vale sides involving all sections of the club, both male and female.

Everyone has their own special memories associated with the changing rooms, toilets and stand; pretty soon they are all we shall be left with, plus a number of photographs to rekindle the memory bank.

Birdy on the charge

Tear were shed, some surreptitiously with a wipe of the hand, when Neil Bennetts took his final bow against Aspatria, but perhaps bricks and mortar don’t generate the same emotions. If you find yourself down The Lane in the next few weeks go and give the old girl a pat, she deserves it.

 The Red Baron raised and lowered the club flag and the Miller Homes Leagues flag for the last time, and although the club flag will fly proudly above the new stand, there will be a different league ensign because the sponsorship has changed.    

Foster with a succesful conversion attempt

 Out on the East Terrace the indefatigable Elwyn dished out the blackcurrant and liquorice sweets for the last time, no hip flasks were forthcoming from the Consultant or the Plumber, who was feeling cross on the beach.

The collective chewing was interrupted when the Major introduced the Conservative candidate for Lancaster and Morecambe, David Morris, describing the Press Secretary as being right of Genghis Kharn-ooh err!

James Hodder on his way to score

After arranging a carrier pigeon to fly out some cash to son Thomas, who was stranded in Portugal, Alicatress, Lynne Winn, turned up for the pre match lunch and later presented the Alies with a bottle of Glenfiddich in memory of John. Her lunch was interrupted when she said she had booked Shagpile to fit a carpet; check the measurements and colours, hide the radiators, and confirm the date was the advice offered. Lynne quickly regained her equilibrium with a swift draught of white wine.

With the Potting Shed being locked for the weekend Enty turned up for lunch, accompanied by the usual remark from Muggy, “It’s not a freebee!” Gilly was late on parade because he was showing a potential buyer around the mansion, and the Major was swanning in the County Bar as a guest of the sponsors. The Fitter was off on yet another of his away days, while his son and heir was scoring another try, causing someone to observe that Ian scores more tries when he is away!

Jonty Higgin bustling his way through

The Electrician was making his first appearance of the year following his ice skating accident with a wheelie bin; perhaps he should have a word with Len Wadeson, whose son Michael with partner Olga Olsanicova, recently won the British Adult Pairs Figure Skating Championship in Sheffield; triple salchow’s all round.

After the game the Press Secretary was checking if the Alies would be interested in taking a table at the Bateman BMW Premier League and the Miller Homes presentation evening at Preston Grasshoppers.

“When is it?” asked Gilly.

“Friday 6th May,” replied the P S.

“Day after the election,” muttered Enty.

“Good,” said a smirking P S. “we will be able to toast Rab Nesbit on retaining the keys to number 10!”

Wilson providing service for his threequarters

This remark had the “Blue Rinse Brigade,” this is a misnomer because some of them are folliclely challenged, spluttering into their glasses of malt, foaming at the mouth, waving their bus passes in the air and singing a chorus from the Eton Boating song.

Unusually the Major, who normally has his finger pressed firmly on the political pulse, remained calm because he was serenely celebrating Rochdale Football Club’s first promotion in 41 years, and reminding Enty that his beloved Bury could only manage to draw at home with Port Vale.

Lewis Leaumoana brushing off the opposition

Against Leigh the Vale posted eight quality tries in ideal conditions for running rugby, from Ian Bird, Neale Foster, Alistair Richards, James Hodder, Fergus Owens, Lewis Leaumoana, Andy Powers and Darren Wilson. Neale converted one and kicked two penalty goals, James converted two. 

When the dust had settled prop Jack Ferguson, who not so long ago completed his second tour of duty in Afghanistan, was named man of the match and Lewis Leaumoana and Tin Finau were presented with Vale shirts. Both Lewis and Tim are due to return home, but whether the big 777 lifts off is dependant on the volcanic ash eruption dying down. Who knows, they might still be around when the senior squad begin their fitness training programme at the end of June!

Richards on his way to the line

As the season draws to a close the Alies attention is focussed on their summer activities. Mention has been made of possible venues and if the Fitter has his way it will be the Trough of Bowland, but the Major is on the case and all will be revealed in the coming weeks.

In the meantime it must be emphasised that all the Alies are responsible for their own fitness by visiting a bar at least twice a week during the close season. They should be aiming to bench press their own weight in meat pies, mushy peas and red cabbage, easily carry a try of foaming pints without breaking sweat, hold a sensible conversation when the round reaches double figures, and this is a real target, remember their mobile phone number.  

Vale of Lune: N Foster (T Finau 45); J Hodder, J Higgin, I Bird, A Richards; F Owens, D Wilson; J Ashton-Yamnikar, O Cowey ( A Powers 50), J Ferguson; L Acton (Capt) (A Garnett 64), D Perry; L Leaumoana, F Spavin, L Ford. 

Man of the Match: Jack Ferguson

Match Sponsors: GF Property Sales. Burton and Fisher Financial Services

Match Ball Sponsors: VMC Developments Ltd.

Referee:   Andrew Dawson.  Manchester Society