Tom Eccles
James Hesketh
Marione Fenol
Adam Foxcroft
Isaac Thornton
TomMillar
Luke Kettlewell
Alfie Bolton
Ryan Busby
Jamie Antcliffe
Travis Bell
Ike Eastwood
Dan Rod
Kaine Winder
Harry Finan
Kyron Sharples
Ben Keenan
Jake Wilson

The Vale XV were to return home, again a much changed XV, but a nucleus is developing of good reliable lads. With senior players present such as Jamie Ants and James Hesky the direction in the side, as needed, is going to be clear.

After a resounding Colts game v Chester last Sunday there were a number of Colts selected not only today in the second XV but through the three sides. Neil Sutcliffe on the line to provide encouragement !!

Tarleton visiting the Vale were not enjoying a particularly good season Played 14 now 15 – lost 15… The spirit in their side was there to be seen no way did they look like a side that were searching for their first win of the season. Likewise in the reverse fixture at Tarleton the Vale side were left wondering how, they might not have picked up at least one win.

With this victory the Vale XV move into fifth place in this Baines Plumbing Division One. With 4 games to play three at home and one away they might just fight their way to fourth place with the top three being too far ahead points wise. That would indeed be a remarkable effort, and with Paul Peters enthusiasm and Matt Bennetts knowledge this could well be the possibility.

As usual and after some continuous wet weather the Vale pitch was in remarkable condition and in good “nick” to provide a good game of rugby. This proved to be the case, the Vale XV are becoming a side to be watched.

Throughout the season and playing against all sides the Vale eight have mastered their oppositions in the tight phases of the game. Amazingly today the Tarleton eight were going to provide the Vale eight with their toughest tests in the tight phases with their scrummaging being disrupted at times, and moved in retreat regularly. The Tarleton side had some old heads in their scrummage !!

Tom Eccles – enjoying an introduction to a senior side, watch him !! – James Hesketh moving to hooker, and Marione Fenol the Vale were indeed fielding a good balanced front row to confront the Tarleton eight.

With Adam Foxcroft – what a game he was going to have watched avidly by all his family members – and Isaac Thornton, it was surprising how the Tarleton eight were able to disrupt the Vale scrum.

Tom Millar Man of the match a couple of times over recent weeks, Luke Kettlewell at number 8 and Alfie Bolton at No. 7 surely a back row to match any in the Club. How Tarleton were able to provide disruption must be open to question …..

Ryan Buzza Busby kicked the game off and it was clear the Vale XV were up to the task in hand. After 12 minutes Luke Kettlewell enjoying a marauding performance crossed for a try. Buzza usually the most reliable of kickers missed the conversion. He is one of the best kickers in the Club – my opinion !!

Adam Foxcroft was enjoying a battling game in the loose and was rewarded with a try after 25 minutes as the game moved on. Buzza converted… His partner Isaac Thornton was always on his shoulder as they took on the Tarleton eight in the loose.

On 30 minutes Luke Kettlewell was to cross for a second try deservedly so after putting in a display of energy and some power. He was becoming a thorn up the Tarleton eights “b….side” Buzza converted.

Playing at scrum half Buzza wasn’t able to show his undoubted pace in the wide areas of the field but his enthusiasm never falters. He is a good player !! Outside Jamie Ants was proving to be a steadying force he is enjoying a purple patch in his game and provides a solid link between the forwards and backs. He can read the game and knows just when to release the ball or tighten things up.

Tarleton’s enthusiasm never waivered and a massive clearing kick by Kaine Winder prevented them crossing the Vale line for possibly the only time.

The game was now moving into the second half. Kyron Sharples, Ben Keenan and Jake Wilson were to take their places on the field. An immediate impetus was provided by Kyron Sharples with a new found energy. Ben Keenan, I was next to him on the bench, was stomping to get on the field. I understood fully, his line out work, with support provides the cleanest accurate delivery of any ball to his scrum half, always off the top…..

Jake Wilson now was to enjoy his first game and was he keen to get out there after patiently waiting for the management call.

The Tarleton XV never gave up and with the inherent pace of the Vale threequarters with Travis Bell, Ike Eastwood – determined to score was Ike – but not today lads, supported by Dan Rodd – Why did he leave the field half way through the second half !!! Questions please… – to return to score his try.

At fullback Harry Finan, a player of massive talent we know, is now getting back into the game and no doubt will offer terrific support in the remaining games of the season. As he said coming to the side he “loves his rugby”

Time was left for Jamie Antcliffe to show the most audacious dummy to allow Dan Rods score. For Buzza to provide the tackle of the game as the Tarleton side were pressing before Referee Benjeman Hall was to blow the final whistle.

I find it difficult to name the M.O.M. gents, Luke for his two tries, Jamie for his control, but in the circumstances must offer it to big Adam F. for his 100% determination throughout the game topped by his try.

The 2nds are a side to be watched. Onward and Upward !!!!!!!!