THIN RED LINE, GETTING THINNER

CHESTER  72   VALE OF LUNE  10
NORTH TWO WEST

The main topic of conversation as the players boarded the coach was the small number of Alies present. Just three hardy souls waited in the sunshine; comprising the Press Secretary, the champagne swilling King of the Axminsters and the brains behind the operation, Gilly.

There were a few comments made about the sinking ship syndrome but on our return to the clubhouse there was a pile of 'please excuse me' notes on the desk.

 The Major was in Rochdale attending a Lisa Stansfield reunion concert, and not Hunty, at a Weight Watchers conference. Did anyone spot the picture of Mighty Michael, by the way, in the local paper?. Is he rehearsing for the lead role in the remake of 'The Silence of the Lambs?
Enty was Morris Dancing in Suffolk, but kept falling off the bonnet. Gerald was yomping in the Trossachs, Winny was watching a DVD of 'Zulu', Peter M was going 15 rounds with a rubber tube and there were a couple of lame excuses about being in Spain.

So Moppsy, Floppsy, Cottontail and their furry friends set of for Hare Lane, who were all disappointed that the Bunnies Nursery, housed in the old clubhouse, was closed. Unfortunately Mr Macgregor and his mates were much in evidence as the Vale of Lune were chased all over Mr Jones's immaculate patch.
The journey south had been trouble free, apart from a weaving white van from Breda that caused driver Jamie some concern. Northbound the M6 was solid from Lancaster to well south of Preston. Of course it was half term, gold might have been discovered in Coniston or hundreds might be off for a digital experience in Whitehaven, but then again it might have been because the sun was shining.

Arriving early the Vale had plenty of preparation time, the trio of Alies settled themselves at the bar to admire the staff. Gilly later reported that one of the staff could pull the first couple with strong wrists which produced a good head, but after that, things went a bit flat.
The Green Jumpered Patrons arrived in force, Ken Clark sporting a Vale Centenary tie, quickly followed by President Tony who did not let the Alies buy another drink and invited everyone to a substantial lunch of chicken curry, rice and chips.
The match programme suggested it was to be a cracking game and so it turned out to be if you were a Chester supporter. They ran in eleven tries which included a steaming hat trick from winger Simon Love , a brace from the silky smooth Simon Abiero on the other flank. there were three individual efforts from centres Morne Barnardo, Liam Lawton and scrum half Tom Chappell. One of the loudest roars of the afternoon accompanied replacement Matt Sheen on his way to his try to put a gloss on the afternoon. John Flood carried the banner for the pack with his try and stand off Matt Bebbington put over seven conversions and kicked a penalty goal.

For the Vale, James Hodder kicked a first half penalty and he converted the hard working Malcolm Fowler's second half try. James Bryan was forced to leave the action with a badly pierced tongue and lip, the diamond stud is on order.
The journey home was swift, the clubhouse was packed. A lusty bellow of the National Anthem was followed by some pleading shouts of 'Come on Jonny' then off we went on an emotional switchback.

VALE OF LUNE: J.Bryan (Rep A. Miller 40), J.Hodder, A.Macluskie, I.Bird (Capt), A.Richards, O.Hughes, M.Huntington (Rep G.Darwen 64), P.Jackson, J.Ferguson, L.Jackson (Rep A.Foy 64), L.Acton, L.Farnworth, L.Ford, J.Clarkson, M.Fowler.