The sun shone as though it was still Summer, but in reality the long shadows of Autumn and the chill in the air told a different story. Big coat weather has arrived.

The Vale travelled to Wirral to face another of the NW1 league's high rollers. With league points hard to come by in recent weeks, the last news that head coach Mark Goodman needed was the non-availability of six of his regularly selected players. However, every setback creates an opportunity, and on this occasion it was a Vale 1st XV debut for Lancashire U.18s Harry Stainton, joining his former Vale Colts colleague Isaac Cook in the three-quarter line.

Playing in maroon and white hoops, Wirral took control from the start, pressing the Vale back in their own half. The break came when the Wirral No. 4 struck to the right of the posts. Another try soon followed before Vale earned some possession, manoeuvring rucks and mauls to the left corner for Sam Walton to score. Alex Briggs added the conversion and the visiting support breathed a sigh of relief.

Wirral were well-drilled and consistent, proving difficult to dispossess in the breakdowns. Their third try came as no surprise, but the Vale kept focus. Walton added his second try, bringing half time score to 19 -12 to the home side.

Alex Ryder and Archie Fowler came on to bolster the forward effort, but Wirral unleashed their potent back line to good effect. A long ball into the right corner bounced favourably for the Wirral centre, who took it at speed to score. That's why the ball is shaped like that. This launched an onslaught of five Wirral tries in twenty five minutes. The Vale struggled to contain this barrage, with Wirral always appearing to have an extra man in support of the ball carrier.

Vale kept to the plan and earned a spell of possession in the Wirral half of the pitch. Discipline was maintained as they controlled the scrum and patiently drove it over the line at the feet of Sam Wallbank, who dived on it to score. Briggs added two more points and a late surge offered a chance of a fourth try and with it a league point, but it was denied to them.

A look at the league table as it stands shows that the Vale have recently played five teams, all within the top six places in the NW1 table. Statistically, there will be games ahead with better prospects for league progress. The belief among the squad is evident and unshakable, but some abatement to the growing injury list would be appreciated.

Next week sees the Vale at home to another old rival, Blackburn. Kick off is at 2.15pm.

Team: J. Crompton, M. Bradshaw, T. Butler, J. Sutcliffe, M. Goodman, T. Verlaque, J. Ayrton (C), S. Wallbank, B. Swarbrick, B. McGarvey, S. Walton, H. Stainton, I. Cook, H. Clifton. Reps: A. Fowler, M. Bradshaw, A. Ryder, K. Briston.

(Pictured, Vale 1st XV debut man Harry Stainton with his most committed supporters.)