Any Broughton Park XVs historically have always caused Vale XVs problems. The away game earlier in the season was an illustration as to how strong a Broughton Park XV could be. They were damned good !!

After long discussions during the week and numerous pitch inspections a dramatic change in the weather conditions resulted in an early pitch inspection by Director of Rugby Dan Rainford and the pitches were deemed playable. Game(s) ON…. Both visiting sides were informed immediately.

Vale’s manager Paul Peters was in situ after a travel to Scarborough on business Saturday a.m. to return in time to prepare the lads for the game. --- Dedication !!...

Note the changed side, once again the two “Jimmies” had spent many hours pulling this side together. It was a good side on the day….

The game kicked off with a good following on the touchline- all freezing to bloody death, but warmed up with a truly gritty Vale performance.

After last weeks mauling at Waterloo the Vale 8 were back on form, producing a strong scrummage and pushing the Broughton Park in retreat continuously in the tight phases. Inevitably and not for the first time Park resorted to uncontested scrums with an injury to their hooker.

With a front row filled with experience in James Hesketh, Harm Docter and Marionne Felham they were going to hold their own. The second row of Aiden Yates – great to see Aiden back – and Isaac Thornton newly introduced from the Cockermouth Club – a true Cumbrian - a tight scrummaging eight was in place backed with Ben Keenan – a bundle of energy and winning much needed possession in the lineout – and two try Luke Kettlewell supported by Robbi - sorry did not get your 2nd name Robbie – the Broughton Park 8 were in for a difficult time. The move to uncontested did allow them some equality in this phase of the game.

Jamie Antcliffe again was in good form and directing things admirably from his fly half position. An accurate kick in the first 5 minutes to the Clubhouse corner resulted in Stan Rich posting 5 points. He is a good player !!

Referee Mr. Alan Blackburn a top Referee in the Manchester and District Society was handling the game well explaining any decisions clearly and allowing the game to flow. A slippery top surface was always going to cause problems.

After a degree of pressure and on 37 minutes a huge drive from the Broughton Park eight producing a sharp move from the three quarters resulted in a 7 pointer to them. At the turn round 7 points to 5 points to the Park side.

Scrum half Luke -sorry don’t know your 2nd name – was enjoying a good game from the base and delivering a clean service to his fly half Jamie A. Jamie himself I think improving week on week was taking on the Park threequarters using his strength as he broke the tackling efforts of the Park side. Outside Jamie Al Crookall, a tower of strength whenever he plays and his centre partner Stan Rich were producing an attacking partnership and clearly causing difficulties to the Park back division.

With a strong attacking move involving the Vale 8 Luke Kettlewell crossed for the first of his two tries. Josh Mitten converting giving the Vale side a lead at this stage at 12 points to 7 points.

As is the case and endemic – yes I did pass English Language – in any Broughton Park side they did not lie down and after some speedy movement involving both their forwards and threequarters they crossed for an unconverted try moving the game to 12 points each with all to play for.

Manager Paul Peters was using his replacements and all were moved onto the field as tiredness was causing problems. Not surprising with the surface which was indeed unrelenting.

Midway through the second phase a pressure drive on the Broughton Park line allowed Hesky to score one of his most dramatic of tries. No not from 30 metres out not even a metre out simply a drop from 1 foot – or is that 10 centimetres -over the line !! It gave the Vale XV the Lead…. 17 points to 12 points.

The game developed into a even phase after this score with both sides looking for some dominance. The replacements clearly were having an effect with the renewed energy introduced in the side. The introduction of uncontested scrummaging early in the game was indeed nullifying the advantages that a dominant scrummage always produces.

At 17 points to 7 points the game was on the edge and it took a second score by Luke Kettlewell (Ketts) who was enjoying a tremendous game to give the Vale in effect was an unassailable lead.

A much welcome victory on the day against a strong Broughton Park side. The Vale 2nd XV should and would be riding high in this League (if only) lads would put up for selection on a week to week basis. Please lads !!

Man of the match difficult once again, but must go for James Hesketh for his try but mainly for his strength and undoubted technique in the scrummaging phase. There were a number of contenders after a truly great win…..

With the 1st XV also being victorious there was indeed a vibrant – yes I did pass English Language – in the Clubhouse after the game. A most enjoyable evening to be had as both sides travel next Saturday to Kirkby Lonsdale and Kendal. Two massive local derbies.

All support needed !!!

** Thank you for all your compliments regards my amateur efforts of reporting !!! One much appreciated from Trevor G

Fred

Match details

Match date

Sat 20 Jan 2024

Kickoff

14:15

Team overview

Vale of Lune 22 points --- 12 points Broughton Park.(Report by Fred Swarbrick)

The Halbro North West Leagues The Baines Plumbing Division One.

Match details

Match date

Kickoff

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