Not sunny, not rainy, not windy, makes for ideal conditions for rugby. A full coach of players and officials headed for the Cheshire commuter belt, with recent defeats haunting their thoughts. Perhaps the presence of the in-form 3rd team could rub off. Head coach Mark Goodman kept the core of last week's selection, bringing in Billy Swarbrick at No. 9 and and Joe Wallbank to the back row.

Altrincham Kersal's initial energy took play into the Vale's half, and held it there. Seven minutes in, the breakthrough came when the thrust of the AK forwards produced the opening try. Soon after, another came along to put the home side twelve points up. Vale settled the ship with a lineout and driving maul try, completed by hooker Harm Dokter, who makes a donation to a rugby MND charity each time he scores.

Centres Alfie Bolton and Jamie Mayall dominated the midfield with probing carries and tackles big enough to give the crowd a sharp intake of breath. Powerful forward support and clever interplay orchestrated by Billy Swarbrick set up Bolton to equalise to the right of the posts. Mayall's kick was on target and the scores were level. The AK forwards organised themselves once more to pressure the Vale defences. Their third try came just before the break, bringing the score to 19-12.

All possibilities remained at the restart. Replacements Goodman and Gledhill maintained the output, but AK came at them as they had at the start of the match. Their fourth try included some flowing passing across the back line. With fourteen points in it, the faith of the Vale supporters was being tested. Nerves were settled by a tantalising long kick into the AK dead ball area. It was fumbled twice by the home side, allowing quick-thinking Vale winger Jack McFarlane to beat them to the ball to score.

Both teams made front row changes, although AK's were due to injury rather than preference. The impetus was all Vale's as their forwards drove into the AK twenty-two metre area with purpose. Mark Goodman was in at the close to bring the tries level again, and Mayall's boot equalled the overall score.

With three minutes left on the clock, it was a matter of who would blink first. The Vale edged play into the AK half and second row Josh Sutcliffe found himself with ball in hand and a gap in front. He darted through it and accelerated for forty metres, leaving the chasers in his wake. Sutcliffe's dramatic try brought a joyous response from the crowd, which by then included the triumphant Vale 3rd team heading in to celebrate.

A nervous few passages of play ensued, with AK trying desperately to claw back the lead and the Vale calmly keeping possession to deny them any chance. The final whistle brought the curtain down a terrific match, for the neutral at least. Five league points for Vale and two bonus points for Altrincham Kersal was the ultimate reckoning.

Notable performances were acknowledged from Jamie Mayall and Alfie Bolton, but man-of-the-match accolade went to Josh Sutcliffe. Next week sees 1st team action return to Powder House Lane as they take on mid-table Burnage. Kick off at 3pm.

Team: A. Fowler, H. Dokter, J. Crompton, H. Fellows, J. Sutcliffe, J. Wallbank, J. Ayrton (c), E. Abdelghafar, B. Swarbrick, H. Finan, J. McFarlane, A. Bolton, J. Mayall, D. Leighton, R. Busby. Reps: M. Goodman, G. Oyston. K. Gledhill.

Pictured: Vale try scorers and home grown talent, Josh Sutcliffe and Alfie Bolton.