Preston Grasshoppers 3rd XV 41 points v 21 points Vale of Lune 2nd XV(Report by Fred Swarbrick)

The Vale XV….

Archie Fowler
Matti Davenport
James Hesketh
Isaac Thornton
Tom Miller
Josh Mitten
Ben Keenan
Joe Harrison
Lee Starkey
James Antcliffe ©
Jamie Stone
Chris Ramwell
Ike Eastwood
Travis Scott
Harrison Dodge
Marion….
Eddie Abdelgaphar
Alfie Bolton.
The weekend as a whole was going to prove difficult to get games played, after the severe weather we have all experienced in the week prior to the Saturday.

In fact only 4 games were completed in the Leagues as a whole as things were, the Hoppers with their all weather were indeed one of them. Actually 4 games were to be played on the all weather in sequence but the remaining three were all called off on the day.

After once again meeting selection and availability issues, the Vale were indeed to field what in fact appeared to be a useful XV. I’m certain the presence of trainer Paul Peters, Director of Rugby Dan Rainford, Club Coach Dan Williams and Matt Bennett were appreciated by each and all of the players.

The game kicked off and immediately the Vale XV were on the attack and indeed taking the game to the Hoppers XV. Was it only three minutes before Isaac Thornton crossed the Hoppers line with Chris Ramwell adding the two points.

Things were looking encouraging but the game was to change dramatically. The Hoppers XV were reacting to this set back and showing some extreme pace and were taking the game into the Vale half to cross for an immediate response with a 5 pointer.

At this stage, and in fact early in the game, the scrummaging was in fact solid with a controlled drive moving the Hoppers eight backwards at a pace. “When did a Vale Eight overpower a Hoppers eight in the set scrummage phase ?? “ Answer today” !!

It was clear the front row of Archie Fowler, Matti Davenport and James Hesketh were the masters in this phase of the game. Again it was clear that the second row of Tom Miller and Isaac Thornton were providing the means to form a solid scrummage platform. The back row of Ben Keenan, Joe Harrison and Josh Mitten were showing real determination as they took the game into the Hoppers midfield. Joe Harrison a tower of strength was battling hard from the base.

After the early setback the Hoppers XV were to recover and with a sweeping move up the field involving real pace they crossed for a 5 pointer. The Vale XV as a whole were in retreat. After some slack play once again the Hoppers side were in the attack and crossed for a 7 pointer.

The Vale as a XV were finding it difficult to hold the attacking ability of the Hoppers XV, they once again crossed for a 7 pointer. With the scrum still showing control Lee Starkey improving every game at scrum half was able to feed his fly half and Skipper some useful ball. Jamie always a Vale stalwart was using his strength and no means ability to attack the Hoppers XV in the close phases of the game. In the middle both Chris Ramwell and Ike Eastwood were battling hard with Chris showing some weaving runs as attacks were taking place. Ike in the middle is a tower of strength and displays great pace, one break through the Hoppers defence should have resulted in a try only to be stopped short by some determined Hoppers cover. With the Hoppers attacking vigorously the Vale wingers were unable generally to show their ability, but both in defence and attack, Travis Scott and James Stone, never let up as they sought gaps in the Hoppers defence with considerable pace.

At fullback Harrison Dodge was unable to show his undoubted pace but his defensive prowess was there to be seen by all. A diminutive player size-wise and so much pace (pace to be believed) he never “dodges” a tackle hence his name however the size of his victim. ***Not for me to get into selection issues but is Harrison not better as a player on the wing *** Is he the best tackler in the Club ????

The game moved on and the Hoppers XV were certainly upping the pace but hell there was some determined tackling going in as the Vale defended their line with some fierce defence to thwart the Hoppers efforts.

By this time, the Hoppers scoring had completed at 41 points, Paul Peters on the far side introduced his replacements. At this stage both Ike Eastwood and Joe Harrison had been offered red cards. Alfie Bolton, Eddie Abdelgaphar and Marrion entered the field allowing the Vale to play with a man down.

Had the Hoppers XV tired. It was being played on their main pitch an all weather and no doubt playing on such a pristine surface could well have affected their fitness needs. Wonder what might have occurred on a conventional surface ??

The Vale showing signs of recovery saw Jamie Antcliffe cross for a goal a deserved score in line with his considerable efforts.

Eddie Abdelgaphar was to cross again for a 7 pointer this closing the score at 21 points to the Vale. How would things have changed if Alfie Bolton and Ike Eastwood hadn’t incurred two red cards. Yes two red cards …..

The score finishing at 41 pots to 21 pts to a useful Hoppers XV.

Extremely difficult to award the Man of the Match so I would offer two “men” for the award. In the threequarters it goes to Skipper Jamie Antcliffe with a solid performance involving a try and his general directional advice to his team mates.

In the forwards must offer the accolade to Archie Fowler for his obvious solidity in the set pieces but for his considerable driving efforts into the midst of the Hoppers defence. Archie watched by his father the lendendary Mallie Fowler !!!

Roll on next week with a toughie v Broughton Park !!!!

Fred Swarbrick