Saturday was a big day for Vale's young stars. A 1.30pm kick off for their match against Sandbach before an enthusiastic crowd at the clubhouse end.

It was the first U.9 fixture of the season and, in accordance with strict RFU safety regulations, the first time this group had been allowed to tackle each other in a match. Properly trained and prepared, everyone came through unscathed and a grand day was had by all.

After the match, along with their new chums from Cheshire, the Vale Under 9s team formed a guard of honour outside the changing rooms for their respective adult teams to make their grand entrance.

(Photo by permission of TJB Media.)

Ave Atque Vale.