Firwood Waterloo 2nd XV 83 pts v 0 pts Vale of Lune 2nd XV(Report by Fred Swarbrick)

The Vale XV :-

Marionne Fenol
Harm Doker
Freddie Bartle
Tom Hopwood
Shaun Stuart
E.J. Marchment
Ben Keenhan
Paul Scott
Ben Simms
Jamie Antcliffe ©
Travis Bell
Rich Dewar
Ben Wallace
David Penrice
Kev B.
Duncan Ryan
Matt Thackeray
Ben Hopwood.

Guts, Guts and more Guts…..

Please note the score and the possibilities after being on the wrong end of a score of this magnitude. The Vale XV as a whole never gave up throughout the 80 minutes. I must say I was proud of the lads as they strove to keep a rampant Waterloo XV at bay.

In the first 10 minutes the Waterloo XV showing some terrific pace crossed for 5 pts adding the 2 pts with a successful conversion. Actually this occurred after a degree of close quarter attacking play from the Vale 8 a breakaway try ensuing.

For the first time this season the Vale 8 were experiencing some pressure in the set scrums. Marioonne Fenol, Harm Doker and Freddie Bartle were under some pressure up front, and Tom Hopwood and Shaun Stewart needed a terrific effort from both to steady the scrummaging. E J Marchment, Ben Keenham and the evergreen Paul Scott were struggling due to a receding pack.

When a scrummage is under so much pressure it is difficult, no impossible to provide the threequarters with any useful ball in order to generate any attacking play.

The multiple changes as were necessary on the day were having a detrimental effect on the sides efforts. The Vale scrummage consisted of 8 lads who I would suggest had not trained together never mind played together and were feeling the full effect of an organised Waterloo 8.

In the lines out once again possession was not forthcoming on a regular controlled basis but the lifting of Shaun Stuart -hope I have you right Shaun – did produce some clean ball. Ben Simms drafted in at scrum half played well offering some controlled passes to his Skipper and flyhalf Jamie Antcliffe who throughout the game was showing some skill and undoubted strength in the difficult circumstances facing him.

On 20 minutes Waterloo again crossed for a 7 pointer. And then soon after on 23 minutes they crossed for a 5 pointer. The conversion failing.

Things were looking difficult for the Vale 15, Rich Dewar and Ben Wallace were struggling in the middle due to the erratic receipt of the ball, Rich Dewar as usual taking the ball into the midst of the Waterloo cover and Ben Wallace showing some pace, in fact taking the ball at speed away from the Waterloo defence.

Back to the scoring patten. On 25 minutes Waterloo added 5 points followed on 30 minutes with a 7 pointer. A successful conversion actually from wide out.

The two wingers were seeing little ball but defensively as required were on the ball. Travis Bell never gave up and David Prentice prevented a definite try as he outpaced his opposite number to touch down behind the Vale’s line.

Fullback Kev B. clearly has much ability and it is certain if he makes himself available on a regular basis he will be a lad to watch !!

Half time arrived and Referee Peter Barnett blew the whistle for the break. He in fact was enjoying a good game and showing much sympathy to the players as the game progressed.

Manager Paul Peters changed the side after the half time break bringing on big Duncan Ryan and Ben Hopwood onto the field with Matt Thackeray moving into the three quarters.

From the 2nd half kick off the Vale were clearly on the attack taking the Vale XV onto the Waterloo line showing tremendous strength from Duncan Ryan and Ben Hopwood. I don’t know the name of the ginger haired lad, actually Skiviis double, but he was showing much energy at this time.

If only they could have crossed in this phase, but once again in broken play Waterloo won the ball and their centre broke for a 90 metre try.

This was followed by a continuous passage of scoring taking the score to a winning 83 points to nil. Clearly the numerous changes affected the performance of this gallant XV on the day.. I don’t say gallant lightly, simply in the difficult circumstances, heads did not drop, and all were getting stuck in up to the end.

Peter Barnett the referee showed much sympathy. Thanks to Waterloos Magader Dawn Brodie for attending to one of the Vale players as he struggled off the field after a knock.

There is no doubt the Vale XV will recover from this game. Waterloo is always a difficult place to visit and the extraordinary number of changes certainly affected this sides performance today.

Next week lads Broughton Park at the Vale, make yourselves available.

You’ll have noticed I’m sure, I haven’t mentioned my M.O.M. Difficult I know in the circumstances but must nominate the Skipper Jamie Antcliffe after his performance for the full 80 minutes….

Fred S.