What a season! What a team!

With the cheers of a gladdened crowd still ringing in their ears from last Saturday's promotion success, the Vale of Lune 1st XV took to a drizzle-dampened pitch at neutral Wigan RUFC, to face Widnes for the third and final time this season. The previous encounters were honours-even, but the play-off programme meant that Widnes had been waiting for a month to play this Lancashire Cup final, whilst the Vale arrived on the back of nine straight wins.

Injuries and other commitments forced head coach Mark Goodman to make changes to the lineup, adding Matt Mount, Josh McKinnon and himself to the roll call. Absent friends were acknowledged throughout. Widnes supporters added to the occasion with a drum, which was not at all annoying. Thankfully, the drummer fell silent for the place kicking.

A cautious opening phase lasted fifteen minutes, played almost exclusively in the Widnes half. Players trespassing beyond the ball were spotted by Mr Pemberton, and one of these blips gave Vale centre Jamie Mayall a chance from twenty-five metres. He hit the target and woke up the scorekeeper.

A similar penalty allowed Mayall to double the score, and when a confident passing move across the park from the left edge to the right, full back Henry Clifton lunged for the line. He was caught and impeded by the Widnes defender, but Clifton's 'Inspector Gadget' right arm appeared to stretch to the ground for the first try of the day. Mayall added the bonus two, and kicked a third penalty soon after.

Widnes found their mojo just before half-time. Awarded a penalty in front of the posts, they opted to run it, and were rewarded for their courage with a try in the left corner. The break came with the score at 16 - 5 to the Vale.

Archie Fowler and Dan Leighton came on with fresh legs to step up the output. Widnes had reset themselves. They came at the Vale with vigour and purpose. A Widnes penalty narrowed the margin and when they struck for their second try, the conversion took Widnes to within a point of the Vale.

Prop Joe Crompton was sanctioned for swinging a stray arm in a ruck. He headed to the dugout for ten minutes, and the front row was adjusted accordingly. With their numerical advantage, Widnes threw everything they could find in pursuit of any form of a score to claim the lead. The Vale adopted a 'Rourke's Drift' mentality, every man raising their game to fend off the onslaught. Three times, the Vale ripped the ball from Widnes fingers to hoof it clear. Captain Jack Ayrton lead the campaign with countless tackles and carries in midfield.

The last word was delivered by Mayall, who fired another place kick to put the Vale four points clear, effectively forcing Widnes to chase tries and not penalties. The effort paid off and the final whistle ignited the celebrations.

It was a terrific Vale day. One which will stay in the memory of those involved. The presentation of the giant, silver trophy, last won by the Vale in 1992, was accompanied by the raising of a No. 5 shirt. Its owner was enthusiastically following proceedings from afar.

Ten straight wins, promotion to NW1 and the John Burgess Lancashire Cup. A season to remember, and a platform for greater things.

Team: J. Crompton, H. Dokter, R. Pillow, M. Goodman, J. Sutcliffe, S. Walton, J. Ayrton (c), S. Wallbank, B. Swarbrick, H. Finan, R. Busby, A. Bolton, J. Mayall, J. Macfarlane, H. Clifton. Reps: D. Leighton, A. Fowler, J. McKinnon, M. Mount.

(Photo by TJB Media)