Tarleton 2nd XV 16 pts v 26 pts Vale of Lune 2nd XV (Report by Fred Swarbrick)

The Vale Team as selected :-

J. Hesketh
M. Davenport
A. Fowler
T. Miller
I Thornton
J. Mitton
O. Foster
C. Hall
J. Batty
J, Antcliffe ©
R. Busby
J Wills
H Connelly
T. Bell
D. Minnikin
G Oyston
M. Vause
I. Eastwood
M. Pike

The Vale side arrived in force at Tarletons ground knowing they were facing a side that hadn’t won a game to date and on the back of a 100 point defeat last week at Manchester. The Vale side had experienced some tight games and indeed games that might just have gone their way with a little more control. For today’s game a good side was on show after a lot of ground work had gone on getting the side together.

A consistent selection surely must help on a week by week basis with the continuity of play and the understanding generated. Once again there were a number of new faces, there is no doubt about the ability of the individual lads but this ability needs harnessing to produce a cohesive team and understanding.

There is no doubting the individual ability and indeed the team should be settled much higher in this competitive Baines Plumbing Division One.

Skipper Jamie Antcliffe was to set the game in motion but it was clear he was having problems with the accuracy of his kicking possibly due to the pitch surface. After a week’s rain there is no doubt the pitch was heavy, very heavy as was to be shown as the game developed. Within three minutes and after some loose tackling the Tarleton side took the lead with a penalty this after only 3 minutes.

From the resultant K.O. the Vale side swarmed over the Tarleton XV and Travis Bell crossed for a try with Ryan Busby – Buzza – converting accurately from wideout.

The Vale 8 with no mean front row of James Hesketh, Matti Davenport and Archie Fowler were dominating the set pieces. In the 2nd row - excuse me I don’t know Christian names – T. Miller and I. Thornton were locking the scrum effectively. The back row of Josh Mitton, Callum Hall (we know what Callum can do, always on the front foot and taking the game into the midst of any defence) and Ollie Foste, what a back row to witness on the day. Ollie Foster was putting in many telling tackles.

How can you not win a game with a dominant pack as we witnessed today, throughout the game pushing the Tarleton 8 backwards with a massive domination. When George Oyston and Harry Vause were introduced nothing was lost as the Tarleton 8 were driven backwards at every set scrum…

Outside Jack Batty was enjoying a brilliant controlled game with some accurate passing to his half back partner and Skipper Jamie Antcliffe. There is no doubt they were struggling with the domination of the Vale forwards in the tight and with some powerful work in both the rucks and mauls. The lineout was not working to the same effect and control but Matti Davenport is now throwing in accurately and in line with the signals allowing some useful ball to be taken.

TakIng into account all of the above, the Tarleton XV did not look like a side that firstly had not won a game to date this season, and certainly not a side that had lost by three figures only last week. Speaking to one or two of their Reps they offered that the Manchester XV were immense and could well beat 1st XVs of the sides in this Division One League as they played last week end. Wait for us to take them on !!!!

Callum Hall was playing a roving game and with the lines out shortened to five he was given free rein as he joined the threequarters in the middle of the park. There is no retreating when Callum has the ball in his hands. The lads in the middle didn’t need Callum’s support – but they got it - they were effective as they were. Ryan Busby on the wing what pace an open field in front of him but caught from behind. The state of the pitch he opined!! Josh Wills we know a talented player and good to see him taking his place in the middle, alongside Henry Connelly, playing better in the middle rather than the open wilderness of fullback.

At fullback Dave Minikin in what was I think his first game of the season was his usual deceptive self but possibly more effective closer to the fray… Ike Eastwood came on and immediately showed his pace along with M. Pike.

The Vale XV once they had formed some understandings, see the comments above, were looking to be a good XV and with a consistent availability will inevitably move up this League.

Callum was to cross for a 5 pointer inevitably, and converted accurately by Buzza. After some pressure from the Tarleton XV the Vale forfeited a penalty taking the score to 14 points to 6 points.

James Hesketh was to leave the field with George Oyston taking his place. Just great to see George back on the Park he is a tower of strength and knowledgeable about the needs of the front row.

A series of missed tackles allowed Tarleton to come back at the Vale showing great ability illustrating the wondering, how they might not have won a game to date, they crossed for a 5 pointer with the successful conversion 7 points.

Now the score 14 pts to 13 pts – “ itchy bum time as they say”.

Ike Eastwood was now on the park and a clear break by hm took him into open spaces outflanking the Tarleton defence with a clear run from the half way line to the try line. He is quick but he was caught due to the heavy sticky state of the field…

The run had caused a lifting of the Vale XV and after some powerful drives on the Tarleton line evergreen James Hesketh crossed for a try. With Buzza converting. The score now 21pts to 13 pts.

As the game was closing Jack Batty enjoying a good game at scrum half slid the ball to Dave Minnikin for him to cross taking the Vale score to 26 and with time running out his score was conceivably not likely to be overcome although a last minute penalty took the Tarleton score to 16.

The game as a whole was enjoyed by the players certainly a battle but also a good number of spectators there to witness what was indeed a good game of “rugger”. Hell I am getting old using a description such as that !!!!

Man of the Match with so many, bearing in mind the conditions, enjoying good games, bear in mind it is my choice and these things are always difficult I would offer it to Tom Millar conspicuous with his green scrum cap in the second row. He enjoyed a terrific first half performance !!!

The 2nd XV now don’t have a game for 3 weeks please at that time put your name up for selection we need to move up that table ..

Fred Swarbrick..