MOTiQ North-West Colts League, C.

The Vale of Lune Senior Colts are having a season to celebrate. Having been together through the age groups for up to twelve years, they play as a fully coordinated unit. It therefore comes as no surprise to see them begin this match as unbeaten league leaders, and the team all others want to beat.

The rain abated at Powder House Lane but the chill remained. Sandbach came out with evident intent and the Vale had their work cut out to win possession of the ball. After ten minutes, Sandbach made a set piece from a lineout and drove over to open the scoring.

The Vale stepped up production. Probing runs through the Sandbach lines were engineered by Ball, Cowper and Stainton, shifting play into the Sandbach twenty-two metre area. A ball chipped forward into space was not dealt with by the defence and Vale full back Isaac Cook pounced to take advantage. He converted his own try to take the lead.

Sandbach were keen to reestablish dominance, pressing in midfield with their big forwards. Cook made a vital break, making a solo forty metres before being cut down short of the try line. Hooker Billy Bolton was on hand to pick up and finish the move.
Half time came along with the scores at 14-5 to the home side.

At half time, the sun peeped out to watch the game. As play recommenced, the pendulum swung once more, with the visitors from Cheshire applying sustained pressure in the Vale half. Some tackle attempts above the waist failed to stop the surge and Sandbach notched up their second try. Cook had the ideal response. Collecting the ball on the left flank, he fended off all obstacles to reach the try line and score.

Cook and Bolton combined again for the next try. This time, Bolton was the provider, taking the hard twenty-five metres before zipping a neat pass to the strident Cook. Sandbach were not beaten. A long kick into space allowed their nippy winger to capitalise, taking the difference to only seven points. Vale held on to the end, controlling the game, forcing errors but gaining no more points.

Hattrick man Isaac Cook was the Vale's Man-of-the-Match, chalking up twenty-one of the Vale's points. Next Sunday sees another league fixture at home to Sedgley Park. Kick off at 2pm.

Team: R. Geci, B. Bolton, O. Tresham, J. Thomas, C. Stewart, T. Bradburn, M. Makinson, H. Law, O. Ball, O. Cowper, J. Winder, A. Lamont, H. Stainton, T. Helme, I. Cook. Reps: O. McMeeking, W. Birkitt, J. Cummings, J. Barker, J. Metcalfe, C. Wilgrass.
Coaches: R. Bradburn, S. Bradburn, J. Cowper, T. Gethin, R. Briggs.
Pictured: Vale of Lune's Isaac Cook.