Manchester 2nd XV 85 pts v 17 pts Vale 2nd XV(Report by Fred Swarbrick)

The Vale 2nds were

Robbie Scorton
Sam Millemonts
Manchester player
Isaac Thornton
Josh Sutcliffe
Ben Keenan
Connor Cook
Tom Millar
Jamie Antcliffe ©
Ike Eastwood
Travis Bell
Josh Mitten
Joe Bebbington
Nathan Allan

Once again we were to witness a much changed Vale XV which actually is becoming the norm. I keep repeating lads if we could only get a settled side together we would indeed be riding high at the top of this League. The individual talent in the side, allied with the raw experience and the extreme youth is to be seen.

Introductions were made to each other before the game -new faces – whilst on the touchline introductions were made between the Vale following, Laura – Joe Bebbingtons girl friend – and Mr. and Mrs. Allan there to support their son Nathan. ( Must mention this Cliff H. entertained Laura at half time to a glass of wine, she was most grateful, nothing to do with the game)

An interesting point with Laura was that she actually lives in Kendal and on the same street that I lived and was born. A true Westmerian.

Less of this prattling on and to the game. It was fairly certain the side were going to be in for a difficult afternoon. Manchester and Waterloo are at the top of this competitive Baines Plumbing Division One League with a total of 460 points amassed each at the present time. Top dogs are of course Rochdale who will be at the Vale next Saturday in The Cotton Traders Cup Competition 2.15 p.m. K.O. Note we have already overcome Rochdale in the League only a few weeks ago so a most competitive Cup game is on the horizon.

The game today kicked off and immediately the Manchester XV were to show their colours, Within 5 minutes they crossed for a try, on 8 minutes another try was posted followed on 12 minutes with a converted 3rd try. The Vale XV had not even got the journey out of their bones.

The try count continued but also what continued was the energy of the Vale lads. The tacking from all was to be seen, even though the Manchester XV were in the ascendency.

The scrummaging was indeed scrappy both sides guilty with possibly the Vale 8 just edging it. As the 1st half progressed the Vale XV keeping the game tight were gaining ground and spent a long time on the Manchester line with some driving forward play. Robbie Skertton, enjoying a strong game to the fore, backed up with Sam Mullemont, Isaac Thornton and Josh Sutcliffe – I think Josh’s first game at this level, obviously another lad in the Sutcliffe mould. There have been a number at the Vale. Watch him !!

In the back row young Ben Keenan was showing so much enthusiasm and never gave up, Tom Millar and Connor Cook alongside Ben surely must be mentioned possibly as a pair - the men of the match. The side needs these two week in week out. Never take a step back…

Whilst the forwards were battling hard the Manchester XV when in possession showed immense pace and not a lack of ability and when allowed to move the ball wide they regularly were rewarded with men over and the Vale defence was stretched to the limit of its ability.

At scrum half Jamie Antcliffe taking over this position, was showing strength linked with no lack of ability but was clearly under pressure from a marauding Manchester 8. He never gave up the fight and crossed for a try. A true Captains performance on the day and whist I mention Tom and Connor above as possible men of the game I’ve got to give it to Jamies’ 100% effort and more, added to with a try.

Outside the Skipper, Ike Eastwood was under severe pressure but he did cross for a deserved try. Travis Bell and, play anywhere Josh Mitten were at times stretched to breaking point with Joe Bebbington – back in the side after a maybe two year sabbatical along with young Nathan Allan were finding it difficult against the wave after wave of attacks occurring from the Manchester XV.

In the 2nd half I spent the half alongside manager Paul Peters, his enthusiasm for the side is to be seen to be believed. I suggested the score was going to be the same as Waterloo a few weeks ago at 85 points. He argued no it was better, in the Waterloo game we were “nilled” we today now have 17 points on the board.

The Manchester XV were indeed good on the day. They will be at Powderhouse Lane in April and we know they will experience a different contest to todays events.

The whole Vale XV deserve congratulations 14 lads who never gave up the fight and were battling hard to the 80th minute….. On the day a credit to our Vale of Lune Club..