Vale 2nd XV v Kendal 2nd XV (Report By Fred Swarbrick)

The Vale XV…

Tom Needham
Matti Davenport
Kyron Sharples
Paul Rowlands
Dan Blenkarn
Stu Middlehurts
Connor Cook
Matt Thackeray
Koran Banga
Jamie Antcliffe ©
Robbie Martin
Ryan Fawcett
Martin Pike
David Penrice
Finlay Swindlehurst
James Hesketh
Ike Eastwood
Tom Oulton
A much changed Vale XV were to take the field against old rivals, and our neighbours Kendal, to be played out on a pristine pitch. Is it the best pitch in the country, if not it must be close to it, prepared by a small band of dedicated volunteers. Kendal/Vale games over the years have produced massive combatant battles at all levels. Maybe not as intense nowadays, ask some of the oldies.

The Vale XV were yet to taste the sweet smell of success, today this was going to change !!?? The problem was once again a much, changed side that was prepared to take the field. We must have a settled side as we face further games both home and away.

Lads make yourselves available !!

From the K.O. a youthful Kendal side, with an observation offered after the game that they as a Club had decided to opt out of the Colts Leagues to allow their legible lads age-wise to gain experience in this 2nd XV. They were a young side.

Under the leadership of Jamie Antcliffe, now getting back into shape after the long lay off the Vale were looking for domination in the tight phases. They got, this certainly in the set pieces where with a most experienced front row of Tom Needham ( later to leave the field with a visible head injury) being replaced by the vastly experienced James Hesketh, Kyron Sharples, -battling hard in the loose- and Matti Davenport improving every game.

A 2nd Row of Paul Rowlands and Dan Blenkarn were to form a tight second row although lacking height for the lineout demands. Dan of course playing out of position but with the massive energy we are so used to seeing, although in the 3rds, where he plies his trade in a position that is his own.

In the back row Matt Thackeray No.8 and Stu Middlehurst were to offer much needed support along with Connor Cook. Connor was to play a terrific game lively in the loose and always looking for space. “I’m sure I saw him play on the wing at Kendal last season”

The Vale in this area were completely dominant, and the move to allay this dominance did not occur unlike last week at Broughton Park !! Was it a ploy ??

Vale against all theories that a dominant 8 should produce space for the threequarters to show their guile wasn’t to be the case today. The Kendal threequarters apart from their obvious pace were equally competent in their defensive requirements. After 10 minutes with a slick move they crossed the Vale line to be followed by a further score at 20 minutes and added to on 27 minutes. Conversions failed but a further score before the whistle took them to 22 points to nil with the conversion.

Vale would need to react. Koran Banga possibly playing out of position was feeding Jamie Antcliffe with short reliable passes but the ball needed to be spread wider. Jamie was using his shear strength to break tackles to get the ball out to his centres Ryan Fawcett and Martin Pike. It was great to see Ryan Fawcett back on the field after enduring injuries over the last couple of seasons.

With the control of the Kendal XV’s threequarters who were clearly enjoying the vast expanse of the Vale field (what a pitch!!) the Vale wings were seeing rare ball, but on the occasions when they received the ball, they were to show their abilities.

At fullback Finlay Swindlehurst was showing his undoubted talent and is one to watch in this side.

The Vale XV were continuing to dominate up front, but at one time they managed to cause a retreat in the Vale scrummage. (It was only one time !!)

The bench was cleared and Ike Eastwood along with Tom Oulton were to take to the field. Ike is recognised as a good player and has much to offer, Tom O. was new and certainly looked good in the close phases as the game continued.

The Kendal XV were now full of confidence and after some massive pressure from the Vale side, attacking at the Club House end, were able to break free with almost a full length run to score. Did this happen three times as the Vale pressed for a score ??

Certainly 5 scores were registered all but one converted. A satisfactory first win for the Kendal XV on the Vales home ground.

There is undoubted talent in this Vale side but it is incumbent lads to make yourselves available each week as we move on into the season.

In my mind, a close run thing for Man of the Mtach, Matt Thackeray was always at the forefront in taking the challenge to Kendal. Finlay Swindlehurst from fullback was playing a confident game but lads must go for Connor from the back row. Always in the thick of it and making evasive runs from his back row position.

Rochdale next week must get into winning ways lads. Please put your names up for selection only one hour away !!