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

Saturday  17th April 2010

Vale “A” gained revenge for a 27 – 15 defeat at Priory Park back in September with a display of highly entertaining rugby over on the showfield.

Vale kicked off and a return kick from Macclesfield was fielded by Paul Shepherd on his own right ten metre line. He then showed that the aggression displayed the previous week at Leigh was still with him with a run that left quite a few players lying on the ground and him scoring on the left hand side of the posts. All within the first 30 seconds. Carter added the extra two points and the Vale scoring machine was on its way.

Was Wharton on the charge

Within a few minutes Thompson was on the scoreboard with a well worked try from the Vale pack, again Carter was on the button.

A minute later and Hughes sold a massive dummy and was away to score close to the posts with an easy conversion for Carter.

Another few minutes and Shepherd was on the scoreboard again. A good move down the right with him receiving a good pass and dashing over for the fourth score, all within the first quarter of an hour. 28 – 0 up and cruising so it seemed.

Macclesfield then decided they would start playing, and forced the Vale into some desperate defending, many times it seemed that the Macc pack would drive over but the well drilled Vale forwards repulsed their every efforts. Not without problems though, for Farnworth was asked by the referee, to have ten minutes rest after some outspoken words of wisdom had failed to impress him.  

The Vale managed to withstand all that Macc could offer and broke upfield on half time for Morrison to dash through to score under the posts, again Carter converted to make it 35 – 0 at half time.

The second half with the sun and breeze behind them started just the same as the first half. This time the Vale took a good KO catch from Lin who drove forward, moved the ball left and the ball went wide to Bowen. The Macc backs had no answer to his pace as he cruised round the defence to score under the posts. Carter put the conversion over and again Vale were on their way.

Bowen on the way to the line

A few minutes later and Lin, who had been everywhere made a lovely break through the forwards and finished with a 60 metre dash to the line. This was quite wide out on the right and Carter missed with his seventh attempt of the afternoon.

Lin on a 60 metre dash to score

Hooker Was Wharton was limping so Manager Tony Gilmour decided that he wouldn’t chance him anymore, off he came to be replaced by big Dave Halliwell with Morrison moving to hooker.

Wharton on another break

At the same time Macc decide that their 49 year old skipper who first played at the Vale for West of Scotland in 1981 should take some part in the game. He came on and immediately started to use his experience to help his pack.

Big Dave wasn’t to make much impression on the game, indeed his first incursion from a tap penalty led to him being knocked to the ground before he’d covered two yards and losing the ball into the bargain.

It was another ten minutes before the scoresheet was altered. Again Morrison, who had covered most of the park dashed over for Carter to land another conversion.

At this stage with 20 minutes to go Tony Gilmour decide that all his replacements would get a game, Bowen and Thompson were replaced by Muir and Turton. No four try romps this week for Bowen.

Next score was a pick up and dash round the blind side by Ben Charnley to score wide out for his first score of the afternoon. Carter was unable to manage the conversion.

Another five minutes passed then we had a spell of four tries in as many minutes. Lin drove straight through the Macc pack and ended with another score for the flanker. Again Carter missed.

This was followed by a delightful try. Skipper Doyle chose the moment to put a beautiful chip over to the right wing for Shepherd to take inches in from touch on the full and career right round the Macc defence to score under the posts. This time Carter made no mistake.

A minute later and the Vale were on the scoreboard again, T J McCaw took the ball deep in his own half and decided it was time for one of his bursts. This carried him clear and a length of the field run ended up under the posts once again, for Carter to have another easy kick.

Macc kicked off again and this time straight from the restart the ball was kicked downfield to end up in a lineout. Charnley stole the ball and Hughes took the ball and dashed straight over, again Carter adding the extras.

At this stage and 85 – 0 up the crowd were chanting “Nil them”. Not to be, a minute from time Macc moved the ball left and the centre dashed through a chink in the Vale defence and go over under the posts. This was converted and the Vale just had time for one more attack. However nothing was to come from it and referee Andrew Hill blew the whistle to finish a satisfying afternoon for the Vale second string.

With a few changes this week due to the Vikings/B tour of the South the Vale pack still managed to fire on most cylinders but with a good set of backs out the “A” team had plenty of fire power to test the Macclesfield team.

Now we move on to the Thursday evening game at Penrith with just that game and next Saturday at Leigh 2 between them and being the Division 1 Champions. It is still all to do.

Who would have thought that would happen when at the end of October the Vale record was played 9 won 5 and lost 4. Now it’s played 24 won 20 lost 4, a run of 19 straight league wins. The only blemish in that time has been the loss to Preston 2 in the Cup.

It will not be easy at Penrith, our opposition has improved dramatically since the easy win against them back in October. Now they stand with as many wins as losses and most of the wins in the latter part of the season, and their last game a close defeat at Sandbach last Saturday.   

Vale “A” Team:

P Jackson, W Wharton, A Morrison;  M Speight, L Farnworth;  B Charnley, D Lin, A Thompson;  O Hughes,

K Doyle (Capt);  P Shepherd, A Macluskie, TJ McCaw, R Bowen;  T Carter.

Replacements:

A Muir, I Turton, D Halliwell

Referee:  Andrew Hill.  Manchester & District Society

Saturday 10th April 2010

Photos courtesy of Dave Carter

On a glorious afternoon at Round Ash Park Vale “A” ran out comfortably winners against the Leigh 3^rd string.

Vale pack in discussion

Starting well the Vale pack drove deep into the heart of the Leigh defence led by McCullough and Morrison. Schuyler was able to break off the maul and dash over for a 2^nd minute try. Carter added the extras and the Vale try machine was on its way.  

However it wasn’t going to be all plain sailing as a big hoof down the pitch led to the Vale conceding a penalty which the big second row guided expertly between the posts and this only after 5 minutes.

Unfortunately for Leigh their big  prop was involved in a bunch of bodies on the ground and the end result was that he had to be carried off with an ankle injury. This we found out later was broken. We all wish him a speedy recovery. With no replacements Leigh were down to 14 men and a difficult afternoon lay ahead.

Tony Gilmour in attendance of treatment for the Leigh prop

This with only a quarter of an hour gone and the match being reduced to uncontested scrums. This didn’t suit the Vale and the way they were playing.

The Vale pack were now well in control and a bursting run by McCullough led to Spavin linking up to finish off close to the posts. Carter added the extra two points and that looked as if the Vale would run away with it.

Farny taking ball in the lineout

Unfortunately Carter then tried to run the ball out of his own 22 and ended up presenting the ball to the Leigh centre who strolled over under the posts for a try converted by the Number 4 again.

Now 10 – 14 and looking a much closer game. Shepherd then decided to take the game by the scruff of the neck. Linking up on the right wing he proceeded to move left and punch holes in the Leigh defence. They were unable to stop him and he drove over the line for a lovely individual try, again Carter converted.

Vale pack taking a breather

Near the end of the half another move up the right and Carter came into the line to go over for a try which he again converted.

Not to be outdone Leigh kicked down the pitch again and were rewarded by another penalty which the second row put over once more. 13 – 28 at half time.

The second half began in the same fashion with the Vale pack well on top and giving the backs plenty of ball. Playing on one of the back pitches which is a lot smaller than what the Vale are used to cramped their style a bit but it wasn’t long before they were on the scorecard again. Frazer Spavin romped away for a 70 metre individual try.  Carter goaled and a few minutes later skipper Doyle put a great kick in for Shepherd  to catch in flight and dashed over for the next score, again converted by Carter.

Captain Doyle keeping an eye on things

When Leigh did manage to escape out of their half it was usually with the help of a big boot and it was a regular occurrence that Morrison happened to be covering back assisting Carter and then setting off on some driving runs that were taking him through the Leigh defence. Garnett was also well into the thick of things and making inroads into the Leigh defence.

Tom Carter relieving pressure with a penalty

Tries were now coming at regular intervals and with the Leigh defence well stretched Bowen strode out from half way to score the first of his four tries in the sunshine. At this stage the referee had agreed to count the tries as converted in order to save the balls from disappearing into the ditch. Rugby balls were in danger of becoming extinct.

Four more tries were to come from the Vale, one for Spavin to complete his hat trick and another 3 from Bowen with all but the last “converted”. This one Carter missed but then the referee Ball decided enough was enough and called an early halt to proceedings, this with the approval of the Vale skipper.

Vale pack getting down to it.

Again it had been a run in the sun for the Vale team with both replacements, Thompson and Beale getting quite a reasonable amount of time on the pitch. Good to see Thompson back after a six week layoff.

There will be stiffer run outs for the Vale over the next couple of weeks with the last two games due to be played over the space of two days starting in 12 days time.  

Next week should see revenge for a defeat at Macclesfield 3rds in the early part of the season, but then comes the hard part. Penrith 2nds away on a Thursday evening followed by the final game at Leigh, once again, against their 2nds two days later.

Tony Gilmour has improved his squad immensely over the months and they can repay him by playing to the limit and they will also reward themselves by winning the 1^st Division Championship. The last three games are all important and a good squad will be required to travel to Penrith.

Saturday, Penrith played against Leigh 2nds with only six regulars playing, the rest were at one of the player’s wedding, and only lost quite closely against a full strength Leigh 2nds.     

Vale Team:       L Jackson,  D Schuyler,  A Morrison;   L Farnworth,  L McCullough;   A Garnett,  I Turton, 

F Spavin;   O Hughes,  K Doyle (Capt);   A Muir,  R Bowen,  A Powers,  P Shepherd;   T Carter.

Replacements:        A Thompson,  R Beale.

Referee:            B Ball.   West Lancs Association.

ANDREW CROWE MEMORIAL SHIELD

Monday 5th April 2010

Vale A v Carnforth

A total of nine tries, eight from the Vale, made this an Easter Special for the home side to retain their grip on the Andrew Crowe Memorial Shield. 

Just when the spectators thought they had seen the last of rich chocolate and Crème Eggs the players from both side served up a delightful confection. There were not too many soft centres in the selection, plenty to chew on from nutty clusters through to mouth watering delights as the Vale went on to gift wrap their twelfth consecutive victory of the season.

Ollie Cousins opening the scoring for Carnforth

 The cracking open of an Easter Egg sometimes produces something a little different, plus the occasional reminder that familiar shapes can be just as enjoyable as the more exotic examples of the choclatier’s art; step forward Michael Huntington and Phil Jackson.

Farnwoth capturing lineout ball

As the first half was drawing to a close Michael swept up the ball down by his ankles to sprint twenty metres as though he was delivering a box of Milk Tray to his lady, for a try, converted by Tom Carter. Of course the distance had doubled by the time the final whistle was blown and by early evening it was well over sixty metres!

In the second half replacement Phil not only nonchalantly plucked the ball out of the air but he also called a mark and then tossed it back to a colleague to hoof it safely into touch. Talk about swinging on a rope over shark infested waters, hanging out of a helicopter, climbing the side of a sheer rock face, this had everything except a calling card discreetly left on a lacy pillow. 

Referee Peter Harrison signalling a try as Farnworth goes over

After conceding an early penalty from a fired up Carnforth side, kicked by Ollie Cousins the Vale slid into the lead with a fifteenth minute try from Lee McCullough converted by Tom. Paul Shepherd, who has made an impact since joining from Blackburn, efficiently completed a classy threequarter movement, Tom again adding the extras in the thirtieth minute. 

Tom kicked a penalty to dampen down Carnforth’s ardour, before “Willy Wonka” took the wrapper off his own version of a “Yorkie Bar,” in the thirtieth minute. Paul collected his second after a whispering break from Fergus Owens.

Tom Carter converting one of the first half tries.

Fergus scored the opening try of the second half following a dash through the pick and mix by Jonty Higgin, Tom converted. In the fiftieth minute scum half Sam Ripley put his hand in the goodie bag for a solo Carnforth try, but the Vale hit back almost immediately.

Lee Farnworth was propelled over the line for an unconverted try and with ten minutes remaining Andy Muir went over in the corner after a quickly taken tap penalty from the “Milky Bar Kid” in the number nine jersey.

Dan Perry just missing out on Carnforth ball

The final try scattered all the wrappers when Jonty went clattering through after yet another sublime pass from Fergus, Tom converted to end a tasty afternoon of rugby.

Vale “A”: T Carter;  P Shepherd, A Macluskie, F Owens, T Varnstone;  K Doyle (Capt), M Huntington;  J Ashton-Yamnikar, O Cowey, A Cowey;  L Farnworth, L McCullough;  D Perry, E Perry, L Ford.

Reps: G Speak, P Jackson, R Mudd, I Turton, J Higgin, A Muir, K Barker

Referee:  P Harrison.  North Lancs Association

Saturday 27^th Mar 2010

On a bright but breezy afternoon it was the turn of the Vale second string backs to turn on the style.

For a majority of the season the Vale pack has been the dominant factor in the many wins. Today it was the pace of the threequarters that demolished the Wilmslow team.

Wilmslow brought a much changed fifteen to the Vale with an excellent back row that never gave up and caused the Vale eight a great deal of problems. During the game they were responsible for a great number of turnovers which prevented the Vale from scoring even more than they did. Unfortunately for them they had a number of youngsters who came upon a Vale side at the top of their form.

The fact that eight tries were scored, all by backs, told the tale of the speed with which they played the game.

Excellent lineout ball was gained by Charnley and Farnworth which gave the backs plenty of ball to play with and they used it well. Owen Hughes was sharp around the fringes and skipper Kieron Doyle distributed well and kept the ball in front of his forwards.

As early as the third minute the Vale showed their intentions with a pretty standard move right, but at pace, ended with Richards steaming round his opposite number to touch down for the early try.

Stevens was given the goalkicking duties but failed with his first attempt.

The way the Vale were playing meant there wasn’t going to be a long wait before there was another score on the board. Shepherd playing at fullback retrieved a ball kicked through, picked up and decided to use his pace. Cutting between the centres, drawing the winger and giving Richards an easy run in for his second. This time Stevens made no mistake with the conversion.

12 – 0 up after only eight minutes and it looked like being an easy day for the Vale. Not to be, the Wilmslow back row were spoiling with a great tenacity taking ball off Vale in the rucks and mauls. Their number 8 was into everything, creating turnover ball to give the Wilmslow backs some good ball. However, the Vale chant of red and green was to be heard and the defensive line-up by the whole Vale team was tremendous as they left no chinks in their defence for Wilmslow to exploit. High class tackles were put in knocking the opposition back over the gain line.

The third try was  a result of the awareness of Skipper “Noodles”. From quick ball supplied on the halfway he spotted that the Wilmslow backs were up flat so a little chip over their heads resulted in centre Stevens collecting and going over near the posts. He converted his own try and the Vale were well on their way.

Again, a few minutes later Shepherd came into the line slicing through the Wilmslow defence to put Bowen away on the left. A quick scoot round the dead ball area gave Stevens a fairly easy kick at goal and he duly obliged.

No more scores before half time but a 31  -  0  scoreline left all the spectators waiting for more excellent moves in the second half.

Shortly into the second half and forward pressure took the ball down close to the Wilmslow line on the right, a quick ball out and Richards came zooming off his line to take close to the maul and go under the posts, another easy conversion for Stevens.

The Vale then seemed to ease up and after 10 minutes of the second half one of the Wilmslow locks had to be replaced through injury. The player replacing him was a big lad and was soon into the action. A bit of a handful to stop and started to cause the Vale pack a few problems. With all the Wilmslow pack upping their game the game became more even.

Tony Gilmour then decided it was time for some changes. Shepherd came off, to be replaced by Austin. Another ten minutes of stalemate and then just as Speight was going to be replaced, Charnley was injured and had to be replaced instead, Turton coming on.

No more scores until 12 minutes from the end the forwards got back to basics and started to drive the ball upfield as we know they can, a Morrison break resulted in a pass to Richards for the winger to go over for his fourth try of the day, definitely a jug for the lads.

Referee Kevin Warwick, on his fourth visit to the Vale was allowing superb advantage for both sides and could hardly be spotted in the game because of the firm but fair way he treated both sides, surely an example to all up and coming young referees.

There just remained time for a final score. Owen Hughes made a superb break to put Rhodri Bowen in for his second try. Again converted and referee Warwick closed the game out to dash off to start work at Blackpool for 6.00pm.

Fixture Secretary Fred Swarbrick had done a good job in persuading Kevin to switch matches in order to officiate in this Miller Homes Division 1 game. He is certainly a credit to the Manchester & District Referees Society with his levels of fitness and awareness.

The Vale second string are now four games from being crowned Champions of Division 1. There are still a couple of tricky fixtures to negotiate, away at Penrith on Thursday 22^nd April and then away at Leigh 2 on the last day, Saturday 24^th April. Their next league game is on 10^th April away against Leigh 3rds. A good win over the relegation candidates on the first day should give the Vale bags of confidence for the away trip. Then up come Macclesfield 3rds who defeated them at Priory Park back in September. Since then Macclesfield 3rds have struggled to impose themselves in Division 1 and are fighting hard against relegation. This to be the last home game for Vale “A” on 17^th April. Still a game not to be taken lightly.

Tony Gilmour and Lee Jones continue to keep bringing rabbits out of the hat. This week they introduced Tom Crookall, back from Uni, into the centre, to form a good combination with Mike Stevens.

Moving Paul Shepherd to fullback was another inspired idea with Paul entering the line at speed and creating many problems for the opposition.

For quite a large part of the season Tony has introduced quite a few University lads into the side and they have done him proud but this last game started with only one of them, Rhodri Bowen, and he hasn’t played with the Uni side midweek, preferring to play for the Vale. In my opinion a good decision as he is now a fully integrated member of the side and I’m sure he is enjoying the experience.

Probably for the first time this season I couldn’t pick any of the forwards as “Man of the Match” but the whole backline orchestrated by “Noodles” played very well. I have to say that “Farny” is doing an excellent job in organising the forwards and it is their close play that is a feature of their game.

Vale Team:  L Jackson, D Schuyler, A Morrison;  L Farnworth, L McCullough;  M Speight, B Charnley, A Powers;  O Hughes, K Doyle (Capt);  A Richards, T Crookall, M Stevens, R Bowen;  P Shepherd.

Replacements:  I Turton, O Austin, A Macluskie.

Referee:  Kevin Warwick:   Manchester & District.   

Saturday 20^th March 2010

The visit to Red Rocks turned out to be the time when Vale “A” hit the top of Division 1 for the 1^st time this season.

This team coached by Tony Gilmour and Lee Jones has improved week by week and on Saturday they provided evidence why they have kept climbing the league throughout the season.

A highly competent performance by the pack which in the main has been kept together for many weeks now completely eclipsed the West Park eight who had one of the largest tightheads around the North. Must have been as large as big Dave and the present encumbent in the Vale 1^st XV. However Leon Jackson enjoyed one of his best ever games for the Vale and ended up well on top as did the rest of the Vale pack.

Led by Lee Farnworth who is a driving force on his own, they were first to the breakdown for most of the match putting the West Park men under constant pressure.

A good start by Vale who had first use of the elements with a constant drizzle and wind at their backs and playing downhill led to an early penalty which Austin slotted over to give Vale a 3 – 0 lead after 8 minutes.    

Although playing well, with the greasy ball not helping, chances were being made but dropped balls were stopping the scoreboard ticking over.

However half way through the first half the Vale were rewarded when a move went down the right side and the resultant quick ball out left saw Spavin popping up in the centre and going over with a couple of men to spare.

Austin wasn’t able to add the extra two points but the Vale were able to add to this score a few moments later.

A penalty was put in the corner by Austin and the resultant catch and drive and then the popup to Spavin again resulted in him going over for the second try. This time Austin was on the mark to give the “A” team a comfortable 15 – 0 lead.

Further pressure throughout the half failed to realise any more scores and there was a question of whether there would be enough points lead to contest the second half against the wind and slope.

Starting the second half where they had finished the first Vale moved swiftly into their opponents half and the slope didn’t seem to give them any problems at all. With Morrison, Speight, Spavin and Charnley to the fore they continued to settle down in their opponents half and subject them to immense pressure. Unfortunately the odd dropped pass or knock on didn’t help matters but West Park were not showing many signs of attacking the Vale line. West Park when getting possession preferred to kick and give Vale back the ball.

Charnley was replaced midway through the half with Schuyler going to hooker and Powers moving to back row. Schuyler, always a bundle of energy rejuvenated the Vale eight. 

Half way through the second half one of the West Park kicks was fielded by Austin who moved up field, kicked high and the resultant “catch” by the West Park player bounced straight out and in to Stevens hands who swiftly moved the ball right. Macluskie looping round was on hand to take the final pass, burst through an attempted tackle and score wide out.  

Tennant replaced Richards with Turton also replacing McCullough and Tennant showed his pace with an excellent run down the right.

Now 20 – 0 up and the game safe the Vale took their foot off the pedal and allowed West Park into the game. There followed a ten minute spell where the Vale pack lost their discipline and started getting hands in the rucks and earning the referees displeasure. Constant pressure near the Vale line due to numerous penalties resulted in Fortune going over for West Park to give them a consolation score with a few minutes to go.

Then Turton received a yellow card, the result of a build up of offences by the Vale eight.

This wasn’t going to make much difference because the Vale worked the ball upfield to gain a penalty.

Austin converted this to give a final score of 23 – 5 and finish off an excellent controlled display of good quality rugby.

Referee Dominic Kirkbride who had been brought into the game late on Friday and who normally referees at a much lower level officiated fairly and played the advantage rule well. He admitted after the game that it had been a very hard but enjoyable game for him.

Next week another possible banana skin in Wilmslow who came back in the first match from 17 -3 down to finish 17 -15.

The team must keep their concentration and the rewards will follow.

Vale team:  L Jackson, A Powers, A Morrison;  L Farnworth, L McCullough; M Speight, B Charnley, F Spavin; O Hughes, K Doyle (Capt);  A Richards, A Macluskie, M Stevens, R Bowen;  O Austin.

Replacements;  D Schuyler, J Tennant, I Turton.

Referee: Dominic Kirkbride (Liverpool Society)

Saturday 13^th March 2010

On a dull and overcast afternoon Vale A were given the first use of the considerable slope and proceeded to attack from the start.

The Vale eight carried on where they had finished last week with some driving runs which led to an early penalty. Unfortunately for Vale, Price wasn’t to have the same success he had enjoyed against Wigan the previous week miss hitting the ball well wide.

This was to be the way the first half went but shortly after Frazer Spavin picked up from a scrum, went blind and scored wide out on the right. An excellent score but again Price’s effort didn’t rise to the height of the cross bar.    

There were lots more attacks but when moved out to the backs it became bogged down in midfield with Lymm’s tackling and Vale’s cold hands stopping any good movements.

Spavin was to go blind again and another score was on the cards but with men outside him Spavin elected to take them on and the chance was missed with Richards unmarked and shouting for the ball.

The Vale backs were then penalised for offside and the fly half stayed cool and slotted the ball between the posts. 3  -  5.

Another penalty was missed by Price, would these be costly?

 The persistent penalties and dropped passes by the Vale and more backchat from them allowed the ref to march them backwards into a kickable position. Sure enough the Lymm fly half obliged by steering the ball into the wind and between the posts to take Lymm into the lead 6 – 5.

Lymms main efforts to go forward were foraging runs by their forwards, they were not offering a lot outside.

The tackling from both sides was first rate with some massive hits going in.

One of these hits resulted in one of the Lymm locks having to be replaced receiving a knee injury.

To make matters worse for the Vale, Speight received a yellow card right on half time for a non-existent offence, supposedly off his feet when the only person over the top was the Lymm centre.

It was expected after half time that Lymm with the slope in their favour would play most of the game in Vale’s half. However Vale then upped their game and drove the Lymm eight up the hill to the right hand corner. This with only seven forwards, Spavin was to the fore with Morrison making some bullocking runs, covering back and then taking the Lymm side on.

Speight came back and a penalty was given away by the Lymm eight for offside. Again Price couldn’t hit the mark and the Vale still lagged a point down.

The lineouts, usually a great source of ball for the Vale were not functioning as usual and Lymm were able to disrupt quite a few of them, the ball being dropped and patted back, not ideal for Hughes.

Another penalty was conceded by Lymm, succumbing to the Vale pressure, this time Austin was given the ball but he followed Price by missing although a few of us thought it was over, not to be, and Lymm hoofed the ball down the park. To compound a miserable afternoon Price then proceeded to miss a couple of high balls with no pressure on him. Fortunately the cover got back on both occasions and were able to bring the ball back uphill and put the Lymm eight under pressure again.

Lymm had only been out of their own half on four occasions in the second half but were containing the Vale eight with some desperate tackling on their own five metre line.   

Scrum after scrum resulted in being reset until in the fourth minute of injury time at last the Vale threw it wide. Price came into the line and dived over to the cheers of the rest of the Vale team. Relief at last as the Vale took the lead and Austin completed the scoring with a magnificent goal line conversion.

It was just deserts for the Vale team that had competed for every ball and laid their bodies on the line for the cause.

In a tense nail biting game Tony Gilmour stuck with his starting fifteen for the whole of the game. I am pretty sure that is the first time this season when there hasn’t been a substitution. Although I’m sure that the three lads on the bench will excuse Tony this time, I’m sure they’ll get their turn another week.  

It was good to see Spavin returning to the side but again the whole Vale pack were tremendous, never letting the Lymm side ruffle them.  The Vale backs were a bit disjointed, hardly surprising with another centre combination. At present time there is a settled look at halfback with Owen Hughes and Noodles creating a good partnership. Hughes sharp round the fringes and Noodles orchestrating and keeping the ball ahead of the gain line.

Next week sees another massive hurdle, away to league leaders West Park Saint Helens.

Hopefully the same result will be achieved, it promises to be another nail biter after a close win over West Park at home way back in November.

Tony Gilmour and Lee Jones seems to have got it into the teams manner that they will not lose and a terrific attitude is with all the team, be it those in the team or on the sidelines, great to see.

Hard to pick out a “Man of the Match” but my vote would probably go to Spavin who’s pace and all round game put him slightly ahead of Morrison with Cowey grafting hard.

Vale Team:       J Fergusson,  O Cowey,  A Morrison;   L Farnworth,  L McCullough;   M Speight,  B Charnley,  F Spavin;   O Hughes,  K Doyle (Capt);   A Richards,  O Austin,  R Bowen,  P Shepherd;  G Price.

Replacements, not used:    D Schuyler,  J Ashton-Yamnikar,  L Jackson.

Referee:    D Hurst,  Manchester & District Society

Miller Homes Division 1

On a cold but sunny afternoon the match started at a furious pace with both sides giving nothing away. It could be seen that the Wigan outfit were a stronger team than played earlier in November at Douglas Valley.

Slowly the Vale pack started to grind down the Wigan eight with McCullough to the fore and Charnley taking excellent ball in the line-outs.

A drive close to the Wigan line and a dart from scrum half Hughes saw the first score on the board after quarter of an hour with Price adding the conversion.  

Ten minutes later and the Vale pack were in control driving forward in a maul for Cowie to emerge and dot the ball down for the second try, again Price added the goal. Price was to convert every try scored as was the same in the game at Wigan, I think he must like to play against Wigan.

After half an hour another maul led to Speight being driven over for the touchdown which Price once more did the honours with the conversion.

No more scores before half time but a healthy 21 – 0 lead left the Vale with something to build on in the second half.

Soon after half time Tony Gilmour made the first change with Speight being replaced by Schuyler, with Cowie moving to the back row.

No more score until twenty minutes into the half. Wigan had been battling well but Hughes then finished off a good handling movement between forwards and backs where Tennant had instigated the move by joining the attack from the right wing, a joy to watch. Again Price was on target.

At this stage coach Gilmour changed the side once more, Tennant left to be replaced by Austin.

The Vale team were putting Wigan under a lot of pressure but with the Vale on the attack a pass was intercepted by the Wigan right wing who sped away. The cover tried to get back but the Wigan openside backing up took the ball from the winger to go over under the Vale posts, the fullback adding the conversion.

Austin who had made inroads with his first foray then proceeded to split the Wigan defence with an excellently angled run which was handled superbly for Price to go over. Again the extras were added.

The last change to the team then came about, Lee McCullough who’s driving runs had become a feature of the Vale pack left to be replaced by Isaac Turton.

The last try was scored after a charging run by Charnley who has come on leaps and bounds over the season. Just deserts for his man of the match game. Price once more completed the scoring.

Credit must go to the Wigan team who, despite the increase in scoring never once gave up the ghost and were still battling it out to the final whistle.

Throughout the season the Vale “A” team pack has developed into an impressive unit with players working for each other. Earlier in the season they had problems with quite a few teams in trying to match them up front. Now they are as good an eight as anyone in this league. Every week it seems as though a different forward is the driving force behind the team. Farnworth’s leadership of the forwards must be mentioned but the players are all working hard. Skipper Doyle is the inspiration and leads by example. This week with no number eight Jay Ashton-Yamnikar played there and served the team well with good driving runs as did Cowie up front.

This week Coach Tony Gilmour had to change the backs quite a bit due to injury and unavailability. However, he, Lee Jones and Skipper Keiron Doyle (noodles) seem to be able to conjure players up. Noodles has been influential in bringing players from the University which has been a great help. I’m sure these players are enjoying their rugby at the Vale. Tony always uses his subs well, replacing players at just the right time, even if they’ve just scored a hat trick as has happened a couple of times this season.

Again this week the game was served well by referee Kevin Warwick. He allows plenty of advantage which is appreciated by the players and allows the game to flow. He is hardly noticed in the game but is firm and never relinquishes his control.

A feature of the game was there weren’t any penalty kicks at goal in the whole match, such was Kevin’s control.

Again he had an excellent match, I hope the 1^st team appreciate him next week because he is officiating their match with Tyldesley at the Vale.

Next week sees the start of a very difficult few weeks with away trips to leaders Lymm and 2^nd placed West Park in successive weeks followed by Wilmslow at home. Not an easy task but one of which I am sure they will be up for. I am certainly looking forward to these games and I am sure all the players are as well.

Vale “A”          L Jackson,  O Cowie,  A Morrison;  L Farnworth,  L McCullough;  M Speight,  B Charnley,  J Ashton-Yamnikar;  O Hughes,  K Doyle;  R Lock,  P Shepherd,  T Williams,  J Tennant;  G Price.

Replacements:  O Austin,  D Schuyler, I Turton.

Referee:    Kevin Warwick  (Manchester & District Referees Society)

Miller Homes Division 1

Saturday 20th February 2010

On a day which started with games in doubt due to the heavy frost and fog Vale “A” travelled the short distance to take on the Hoppers 3^rd string.

Back in October the Vale had succumbed to a good Hoppers pack back at Powderhouse Lane 22 – 26.

 Early in the match it was all one way with the Vale pressed back in their own 22. A couple of penalties in the first quarter of an hour were missed by the Hoppers fly half.

Gradually the Vale started to improve but it wasn’t until after the appointed referee Paul Mooney had to give up after 20 minutes due to a pulled hamstring, that they started to perform in the manner with which they had in previous games.

Fortunately for the game one of the spectators, a Hoppers 1^st team prop, John Peterson, with refereeing experience, was able to take over

First time into the Hoppers 22 after 25 minutes saw them score a good try when Hughes went blind from a scrum and gave it to the flying Bowen who dived over in the corner. Although Austin missed the conversion the “A” team had at last got some momentum going. The forwards were starting to make inroads on their counterparts with Morrison to the fore.

Another move in the backs ended with Macluskie going over near the posts to give Austin a much easier chance of converting which he duly did.   

Hoppers fought back and forced their way downfield where they were awarded a penalty which the full back duly converted.

The next score right on half time was started when Charnley finished off a break by Bowen, Austin adding the extras.

Half time at 19 – 3 to the Vale, but Hoppers were far from finished with their forwards still a big handful.

However Vale started the second half in a much better fashion, attacking down the right hand side Richards made an excellent break and Hughes was on hand to take the scoring pass and dive over.

Hoppers were really grafting now and their forwards were driving hard upfield but couldn’t break the Vale line.

It stayed quiet for a while but then the Vale pack started to take control.

Jackson took over from Ashton-Yamnikar and Smith from Thompson and this gave fresh legs to the Vale pack.

After quarter of an hour of the second half Vale were awarded a penalty and Austin duly obliged to take the score up to 27 – 3. The Vale pack then really took over with Farnworth starting the drive downfield, Charnley taking it on and Hughes giving it the final touch to an excellent try. Austin added the two points.

Now up and running and into the final quarter, Hoppers tried to kick their way upfield. Richards fielded the high ball and decided to attack them. Round the outside and then inside and with Macluskie on hand to take the final ball and go over near the posts. Again a good piece of attacking rugby. Austin again obliged  to take the Vale to 41 – 3.

A few minutes later Bowen hacked on a dropped ball on and managed to outpace, gather and go over for Austin to make it 48 – 3.

With 15 minutes left Hoppers still had not given up and again their pack worked it upfield but again unable to convert any pressure into points.

Into the last minute and Macluskie hacked on a dropped ball which the Hoppers full back should have had time to get there first. Macluskie had not given up and a desperate sprint and dive saw him beat the full back to the bouncing ball. An excellent example of not giving up. This was the last score of the game which had been excellently handled by John Petersen, the replacement ref who had given both sides plenty of scope under the advantage rule.

Again, another good performance by the Vale team, performances by the pack with Morrison, Farnworth, partner McCullough, Speight and Charnley at the fore. Again giving good service to the backs with Hughes and skipper Doyle to the forefront. Centres Macluskie and Shepherd gave their wings Richards and Bowen plenty of ball which led to an entertaining game.

They will need to keep this level up because in the next few weeks they will have to travel to West Park and Lymm, now their biggest rivals for the League title.

Team:   J Ashton-Yamnikar, D Schuyler, A Morrison;  L Farnworth, L McCullough;  M Speight, B Charnley,

A Thompson;  O Hughes, K Doyle (Capt);  R Bowen, P Shepherd, A Macluskie, A Richards; O Austin.

Replacements:    T Smith, L Jackson.       

Referee:  Paul Mooney,  replacement: John Peterson