In a break from Conference B rugby the Vale entertained a strong, skilful side who ply their trade in South Lancashire/ Cheshire Division One league where they are in ninth place.
For this club fixture the Vale again mixed and matched their squad and introduced Rob Lamberton who made a strong impression on his debut with a try, plus some forthright tackling in particular at full back before moving to the wing for the second half. In the pack that was disrupted by the constant coming and going in the front row, lock Dan Rainford confirmed his ability to compete at this level, while in a back division that did not have its usual cohesion Chris Thomas played with assurance throughout.
From the outset Crewe and Nantwich showed their potential and after an early penalty goal they settled into a rhythm that the Vale found difficult to upset. Two clinically taken tries only underlined the task that confronted the Vale but to their credit the home side battled to remain in contention.
As the half time whistle approached the Vale’s efforts were rewarded with a well taken try. The versatile Alex Morrison slipped a pass to Rob Lamberton who showed an eagle eye for the line with a speedy sprint for his try which Jamie Antcliffe converted.
Unfortunately the Vale relaxed in injury time C and N’s centre took full advantage of some indifferent tackling for an unconverted try which provided the springboard for a series of second half strikes deep into Vale territory.
The visitors proved to be a single minded unit who gave the Vale a severe examination, pouncing on error and punishing any missed tackle or miss directed kick to send the home side scurrying back in defence as they went onto establish a deserved 37-7 lead.
For the Vale Jimmy Birchall scored his side’s second try converted by Jamie Antcliffe in what had been a testing encounter for the home side ahead of their Conference B fixture against second in the table Altrincham Kersal at The Lane on Saturday.
Vale A: R Lamberton; C Thomas, J Birchall, J Antcliffe, A Muir; S Coulshed, T Vanstone; P Jackson, P Watson (Capt), A Morrison; D Rainford, A Foxcroft; I Turton R Randall, D Harrison. Replacements used: M Field, J Hodgkinson, L Farnworth.