1 Owen Branford Online Systems
2 Harm Dokter Bay Travel
3 Ross Pillow Fatlads Utd
4 Harry Fellows Carpet and Floorcare
5 Tom Cvijanovic CM Ferguson Decorating
6 Andy Powers SJB Tiling Ltd
7 Jack Ayrton Allan Entwistle
8 James Robinson George Dickson
9 Charlie Lomas Penhale Society
10 Alex Briggs Fine and Country
11 Ike Eastwood Matthews Benjamin
12 Will Hunt Ron Higgin
13 Henry Higginson AJB Electrical
14 Jordan Fern Baines Plumbing & Heating
15 Michael Forrest FGH Security
16 Callum Kyle
17 Alfie Bolton
18 Al Crookall

Match Sponsor: Builders Supply West Coast
Ball Sponsor:
Team Mascot: George Elliott
Referee: Robert Sheard. (MCR)

Fourth in North One West, Douglas, were making their first visit to Powderhouse Lane since November 2017 when they ended Vale of Lune’ eight game winning start to the season with a 31-24 victory although the Vale did gain their revenge on the Manxmen with a 15-8 win over at Port-E-Chee in March 2018 in a game played in appalling conditions.

In the two years that have elapsed both clubs have gone through huge changes in human resources with only four players representing the Vale from that November 11 meeting and three in the maroon and gold of Douglas; by any stretch of imagination this is a colossal turnover and the latest meeting provided an opportunity to judge what new treats were to be found in the cookie jar.

As it transpired there was plenty to chew over in a contest that developed into something of an arm wrestle for the forwards, it might have been basic but like most everyday foods it was fulfilling, sausage and mash rather than an elaborate taster menu was the order of the day. And in such a close encounter there was enough mustard splashed around to give an extra boost to the fare on offer.

Douglas arrived at The Lane brim full of confidence having won their last five games, during which time they had rattled in 171 points and only conceded 58, but they were given few opportunities to indulge in expansive rugby and by the same token so were the hosts. But for those connoisseurs of watching the forwards going about their business, like the South Africans in the Rugby World Cup final, it was a rewarding experience.

In a well tutored Vale pack everyone played their part and there were no slackers. Prop Ross Pillow was named man of the match but there were huge contributions from lock Harry fellows, number eight James Robinson, flanker Jack Ayrton, but their fellow comrades in arms responded to the challenge that confronted them.

If the forwards took centre stage it was one of Vale’s exciting threequarters who opened the scoring in the sixth minute. From a quickly taken tap from a scum penalty full back Michael Forrest went scorching through for an unconverted try; although there were initial doubts as to whether Alex Briggs’s conversion had game over but the scoreboard confirmed a five pointer had beeb registered.

Initially both sides showed a willingness to move the ball around but the respective back rows were quick to spot any danger and because of the pressure being applied those out wide tended to receive man and ball with little space to manoeuvre. A threat was posed throughout, neither side could afford to blink, but clear water was in short supply.

It was very absorbing, the air crackled with tension as both players and spectators came to the same conclusion that any errors would be punished but as an engrossing half drew to a close there was a flurry of points. A Vale attack ended with a long blast from referee Sheard’s whistle to signal a Vale penalty which Alex Briggs slammed over.

Straight from the kick of Douglas hurtled deep into Vale territory and drew a penalty which full back Will Cain kicked to underline how vulnerable sides can become after they have scored. Shortly after a well organised Vale line out was held up and Douglas were able to smuggle the ball away and into touch.

Vale made all the running in the early stages of the second half with Michael Forrest dashing down the right flank, and scrum half, Charlie Lomas, coming out of retirement, and darting every which way the pressure began to build on the visitors causing centre Ethan Pocklington to collect a yellow card.

Eventually the dam burst following Vale’s forward onslaught which allowed the dynamic Callum Kyle to blaze his way over for a try which Alex Briggs converted in the eighth minute. It had been a morale boosting score from the Vale but Douglas regrouped after this set back and although they never dominated they were able to control Vale’s advances at a pivotal juncture in the game.

Endeavour was plain to see from both sides but defences ruled the roost and a protracted period of time elapsed before further points were scored. Two whole hearted teams committed themselves to the cause; they chipped away at the mortar but the joints held firm until the final quarter when some fractures began to appear.

Douglas were the first to lever a block out following a series of barrelling, defence splintering charges from lock Seth Waterworth and number eight Lance Wyllie that had the Vale grimly hanging on. Stretched to the limits it was only a matter of time before Douglas pounced. A chip through provided the key for Ollie Mealin unlock Vale’s defence with a try converted by Will Cain in the sixty first minute.

As Douglas lined up their exemplary skipper reminded them that the mission was not yet over, they had a losing bonus point but he wanted more. At this stage the Vale were definitely wobbling and the baton was in the hands of Douglas but the Vale drew in deep breaths and defended their line passionately.

Charlie Lomas limped off, the Vale shuffled their resources and started to draw Douglas’s string but the result was still very much in the air. Vale’s concentration levels were paramount, every clearance kick was greeted with high fives as the clock ticked down and a narrow victory became a possibility.

The score line changed dramatically in the time added on. Winger Jordan Fern chased down a kick which went deep into Douglas’s half with a blistering turn of pace. Before the ball bounced into touch he was impeded which resulted in a Vale penalty and Vale took the option of a scrum on the edge of the twenty two. A concerted push forced Douglas to concede a penalty, again the Vale indicated another scrum, a brave decision with the posts so near.

This ploy turned out to be the correct one because the pack heaved Douglas towards the goal line to set up the prefect platform for number eight, James Robinson, who needs little encouragement in such situations, to monster his way over at ground level for an unconverted try in the final move of a tense encounter. This five pointer was a fitting reward for his mates in the boiler room following their hardnosed, grunting, grinding performance.

On Saturday the Vale host league leaders Wilmslow who have only lost twice this season and were relegated along with the Vale from North Premier at the end of last season. The Broughton Park fixture, which was postponed on October 26, will be replayed on November 30 at Houghend; the home Lancashire Cup tie against Rochdale will now be played on January 25.
Once again a big thank you to Tony North for his photographs.