THREE SPARKLERS, POPS THE CORK

VALE OF LUNE 34   WILMSLOW 13

As dawn was breaking on match day, 'The Bay' flooded the airwaves with Stereophonics, 'Have a Nice Day'. Individually James Curran did and so collectively did his team, winning their first league game since the end of September.

The winger's lean spell ended with a hat trick of tries and a bottle of bubbly. His three tries, out of the Vale's total of five, lit up Powder House Lane on the day before Bonfire night. In recent weeks Vale have struggled to light Jame's touch paper, there have been the occasional splutters but a distinct lack of ignition, against Wilmslow the fuse burnt all the way down. Off went James with a familiar whoosh, the sparks flew as he fizzed his mazy way to the line; at last the meteor was unleashed, oh how the Vale supporters on the East Terrace clapped their hands and hugged each other, eyes opening in wonder, pulses racing as he scorched over the surface to his first triple of the season.

Before the count down had started, the pre match lunch punters were distracted from chomping through pork loins and other delights, by a familiar figure wrestling with the post protectors. Former first team captain, Lancashire player and Chairman of Rugby, yes it was he, David Bennetts, on ground duty.
Displaying his caring side he clucked around like a mother hen as he attended to the needs of the players. Brewing the tea, checking the temperature of the showers, and as dusk began to fall he was seen collecting in the touch line flags before disappearing into the changing rooms with a brush and shovel to return them to their pristine best. Later in the bar he regaled all those within hearing distance of the myriad tasks he had performed and announced he could hardly wait till the next time he was on duty.

Both clubs were in desperate need of points to heave themselves clear of the hissing snake pit of relegation. Wilmslow clocked up the first try after seven minutes, Rob Hunter claiming the score but after three minutes of the indoor fireworks the Vale went for the real thing, star bursts and Roman candles were unleashed in a gushing fountain. James Bryan looped a pass to James Curran, who threw aside the leather gauntlets to juggle the ball, turned full circle like a fizzing Catherine Wheel for his try, converted by Andy Miller, a late deputy for the out of form Andy Garnett.

A penalty goal from Miller helped to fan the flames in the twentieth minute, with Curran's second try following nine minutes later. After a quick turn over, Ian Bird, whose face after the game looked as though it had been ambushed by a bunch of beetroot, drew in the opposition before sending Curran off on a curving meteorite run for a try converted by Miller.
Six minutes into the second half, even before Rory's blackcurrants had been unwrapped, Neil Bennetts produced his own vapour trails in a harrier like blast for a try after a superbly timed pass from Bryan. A penalty goal from Wilmslow's stand off, Rob Milner, failed to dampen Vale's fire after an hour, they hit back with another whizz bang from Curran. Bird exploded like a jack in the box to launch Curran who corkscrewed his way over the line, Miller converted.

A try from Mark Walmsley with five minutes remaining failed to subdue the Vale who put together a shimmering set piece finale. Malcolm Fowler, Curran and Bryan all tossed a few grains of gunpowder into the mix before Miller rocketed over for the final score.

In the clubhouse, the Wales against Australia game on the television held the interest as did the rolling football results, but it was obvious from the craning of necks towards the screen thet 'Strictly Come Dancing' was very much in vogue; one two three, twirl, flash a smile and an ankle, but no bangers in the paso doble. Take your partners for the next sequence - Bower Park, Aspatria

VALE OF LUNE: A.Miller, J.Bryan, A.Garnett (Rep A.Richards 67), I.Bird, J.Curran, N.Bennetts (Capt), M.Walker, P.Jackson, D.Schuyler, A.Cowey (Rep D.Halliwell 57), M.Speight (Rep L.Jackson 74), D.Perry, D.Lin, J.Knox, M.Fowler.

Bannister Bates Man of the Match - JAMES CURRAN