Sunshine and confidence abounds for a new season, but when a team is on a massive high from ten straight wins, a promotion to L.5, and a Lancs cup triumph, the thermometer rises. Add a host of new and exciting players and you have got yourself an occasion. The latest update on the progress of the injured Harry Fellows also served to lift the spirits of players and supporters alike.

The game's governing body delayed the scheduled preseason fixture programme on the grounds of player safety on hard, dry playing surfaces. The artificial pitch at Penrith posed no issues, so the Vale returned to action, hungry to make up for lost preparatory time. Coaches Mark Goodman and Scott Armstrong had been working hard behind the scenes and their planning was to be given a test drive against old rivals, Penrith.

Seven 1st XV debutants and another two returning warriors gave the squad fresh energy. (A pair of Summer babies also made their debut appearances.) The travelling faithful were keen to see how the new players gelled in a winning team. They were not disappointed. It took only three minutes for Billy Swarbrick to crack open the Penrith defence allowing Damon Hall to strike in the right corner.

Penrith came back strongly, but full back Jordan Dorrington kept them in check with tenacious tackling. Hall's clearance kicks restored calm, and set up Ben McGarvey to score in the left corner. Second row Luke Procter was the pick of the forwards with his powerful carries and determination. He battered his way over the line for the Vale's third, as placekicker Jamie Mayall got into his stride with the conversions.

Penrith regrouped and played to their strengths. Dogged forward possession in the Vale twenty-two metre area resulted in a try. Flanker Sam Walton answered that with a try in the left corner to bring the score to 7 - 26 at half time.

Player rotations came along as is customary in preseason matches. With each experiment, the output remained impressive. Dorrington lit up the arena with a sprint through the first wave of defenders, barging his way past the next line before firing off an audacious 'chickenwing' offload for McGarvey to finish in the corner. A ten minute absence for Jamie Mayall brought about a swift reshuffle without impediment.

Penrith stuck to their earlier rucking and driving method to score their second, and soon their third. Normal service was restored with a debut try from Casey England. The rousing final acts were performed by Luke Procter on the left and Eddie Abdelghafar on the right.

It was as encouraging as it was entertaining. Although Penrith were worthy opponents, the Vale have higher hurdles to overcome in NW1. The new faces have enhanced the overall performance and, although the campaign is yet to begin in earnest, there is reason for optimism.

Team: (D for Debut.) Joe Crompton, Tom Verlaque (D), Tadgh Butler (D), Liam Procter (D), Josh Sutcliffe, Jack Ayrton (C), Sam Walton, Sam Wallbank, Billy Swarbrick, Jamie Mayall, Ben McGarvey (D), Damon Hall, Eddie Abdelghafar, Jack McFarlane, Jordan Dorrington. Reps: Joe Stevens, Harm Dokter, Alex Ryder (D), Tom Fox (D), Casey England (D), Kevin Briston.

(Pictured: Vale coaches, Mark Goodman and Scott Armstrong.)