Vale of Lune 2nd XV 0 pts v 63 pts Preston Grasshoppers 3rd XV(Report by Fred Swarbrick)

Vale Team :-

Robbie Skelton
James Hesketh
Tom Greaves
Tom Hopwood
Shaun Stewart
Ben Keenan
Dan Clare
Tom Millar
Ben Simms
Jamie Antcliffe ©
Waine Winder
George Clare
Travis Bell
Koran Banga
Kev Bristow
Freddie Bartle
Martin Pike
David Penrice

Once again there were many changes in the Vale selection exacerbated with Marion Fenil pulling up with a strained ham string in the warm up. The Hoppers 3rd XV have been enjoying an excellent season in this competitive League and have moved into the Final of the Cotton Traders Jug competition to be held at the Kendal Club Saturday May 4th.

The Vale field was in remarkable condition after the weather experienced during the week, thanks to the reliable hard working ground teams….

Within minutes of the start Robbie Skelton had gone down with a shoulder injury allowing Freddie Bartle to move off the bench into the front row.

By this time Hoppers had crossed the Vale line twice once with a conversion. The Vale 8 were struggling in the tight with the changes as above and lacked some cohesion allowing the Hoppers side to put massive pressure onto the Vale side.

The open spaces of the Vales’ main pitch actually seemed to suit their style of play.

The Vale XV were in a battle to come and the “never say die” spirit in the side as shown in recent weeks was going to be needed on the day. It was indeed … there to be seen as a marauding Hoppers XV exerted pressure in all phases of the game.

The Vale pack ably led by James – Heskie – Hesketh along with Tom Greaves and now young Freddie Bartle were battling up front and never taking a step backward in the loose play. At second row Tom Hopwood and Shaun Stewart were to realise they were in a tough game and it’s got to be said at no stage did they give in to the onslaught in front of them as the Hoppers XV continued to apply severe pressure through their forwards.

The stars of the pack simply must be the Vale back row. Tom Millar continues to put in 110% effort week on week, young Ben Keenan plays his weight and his accurate catch and pass from his elevated lineout work is to be seen, finally Dan -never give up – Clare was at the forefront of every move from the Vale XV. Dan needs to be with the side every week, but on yesterday’s game I must nominate Dan as the M.O.M. Three games to go Dan please make every effort to be available !!

Disruption had been caused by the late arrival of scrumhalf Ben Simms but on arrival he was able to take over from Vales stalwart Koran Banga. At fly half Jamie Ants was displaying a true Skippers game encouraging all around him and providing some driving runs into the midst of the Hoppers defence.

By this time the Hoppers XV had crossed the Vale line a number of times and by half time were some 35 points in the lead to zero.

Manager Paul Peters had moved things about with no effect but was providing encouragement in degree from the sidelines. Along with Maat Bennetts they provide the side with excellent backroom support. I’m sure the lads would wish Matt a happy birthday to come on the 25th March. ((Yes it is “Ladies Day” on the calendar Matt.))

The Vale XV as above were not giving up and in fact for the first 20 minutes of the 2nd half they were pressing on the Hoppers line at one stage crossing but to be given “held up “by Referee Wilfred Lau. If only !!

A further attempt failed from a lineout once again the Hoppers line being crossed only to be awarded – not a straight throw in. Empathy from the Ref – not likely !!!

As the game moved on after the initial burst at the start of the 2nd half Hoppers re-grouped and the Vale threequarters were being called on to defend.

Wayne Winder at No. 11 was struggling to get in the game but stopped a number of attacks with stend fence. George Clare – brother of Dan- I think in his first game was showing grit but then suffered a shoulder injury which impaired the remainder of his game. Karan Banga had now moved to the other wing outside the indomitable Travis Bell. Travis was enjoying a terrific game and I must say was in my mind close to the M.O.M. He simply just never took a backward step and was adept in both attack and essentially defence.

As the game simmered manager Paul Peters got involved and in fact was shown a Red Card by Referee Lau. Paul of course doubles up as Manager and Physio. As an injury occurred is he allowed to go back onto the field of play after being red carded. Actually he did so but was he allowed ??

At fullback Kev Bristow was showing signs of his pace and made one or two tackles but overall the Hoppers XV were in command on the day.

On the day there were a number of high scores in the other games on the day Manchester beating Birkenhead Park – Vales next opponents – after the Easter break – 93 to 15 and Stockport beating Broughton Park by 71 points.

We need all available lads, as we move into the last three games of the season two at home and the one at Birkenhead Park away.

Note the League Table !!!