The superb condition of the main pitch at Powderhouse Lane reflects the hard work put in by Chair of Ground Steve Swarbrick and his team of enthusiastic volunteers and in the short space of time since the season began its immaculate green sward has been the perfect stage for some cracking, high scoring games of rugby involving not just the first team but the seconds and thirds. In the previous five games played on the lovingly tendered paddock 268 points have been rattled in by Vale sides while the opposition have contributed 58. Against Stockport the seconds added another 36 to the balance sheet. I don’t what magic mixture Steve puts on the ground, but keep on spreading it!
For the second time this season the Vale of Lune’s second team threw an iron girdle around Stockport to deny them the opportunity to gather any points in a BEST Cup first round tie that had its moments and resulted in the home side ending with a satisfying haul of five tries, four of which were converted by fly half Alex Briggs.
Vale are currently developing into a competitive, cohesive unit having won three games on the bounce. The pack has been the cornerstone of their recent successes; they have not only weight and power in the boiler room but are able to call upon players of whippet like qualities in an interchangeable back row.
There is plenty of pace in the threequarters as was shown against Stockport, they are willing to vary their angles of attack but when you have two absolute flyers like Jordan Fern and Kyel Dempsey, lurking on the wings then common sense suggests that the necessary space should be created for this particular duo to ply their trade. Of course if this tactic become too obvious the opposition will soon suss it out and man the barricades accordingly but too their credit the Vale did have enough street wise players in their ranks who were able to keep their opponent’s minds fully occupied.
Kick off was delayed due the late arrival of the Stockport coach but before the visitors could get the journey out of their legs they found themselves on the receiving end of a series of probing Vale attacks.
Both Dan Rainford and Jamie Antcliffe featured in a strong thrust, Kyel Dempsey and Jordan Fern had early touches and after eight minutes of concentrated pressure the Vale opened the scoring. Skipper Scott Manning made the decisive break with a well balanced run in a move finished off with the minimum of fuss by Jordan Fern, from a difficult angle, into a stiff breeze, Alex Briggs guided his kick over the bar with a few inches to spare from wide out on the left.
Gradually Stockport came into the game but the Vale were never put under serious pressure and like a good boxer they rode the punches and were quick to launch swift counter attacks. But in the space of two minutes, as the game entered its second quarter, they were forced to reorganise and rethink when referee Ralston brandished two yellow cards in quick succession. First off to the naughty step was prop Aiden Yates in the twenty first minute and two minutes later he had to shuffle along to make room for lock Dan Rainford.
Stockport were unable to take advantage of the situation, the Vale not only bolted their door but as far as Stockport were concerned, they threw away the key. Once back to a full complement the Vale ended the half on the front foot with Alex Briggs kicking a penalty goal in the thirty sixth minute to complete the scoring of what had been a workmanlike performance from the Vale who had adapted well to being down to thirteen players.
Playing towards the Crem in the second half the Vale scored within a minute of the kick off. The ball was passed with lightning speed crossfield into the predatory hands of Kyel Dempsey who raced away for an unconverted try.
Vale continued to press for further scores, at times their handling let them down but there was always the notion that there more tries in the tank. Stockport defended stoutly, especially around the fringes, but they were undone in the sixty fourth minute when Kyel Dempsey struck again. The winger swept up a loose ball to pelt away for an electrifying try which Alex Briggs converted from a difficult angle.
Four minutes later hooker Richard Hodgson, who had made a major contribution throughout, touched down between the posts after a well timed inside pass from Isaac Turton, Alex Briggs nonchantly popped over the conversion.
The hard working Isaac Turton played his part in Vale’s final score when he sent replacement Mark Walker on his way, the scrum half pin-balling his way off defenders for a meaty try to send a post it note to the selectors. Alex Briggs converted the try from in front in the seventy seventh minute.
There was a surge from Stockport in the latter stages but Vale’s defence remained solid, they were not only able to close the game out, but to put on the record an impressive double of eighty four points to zero over their Bramhall based rivals.
The seconds are developing into a structured side; more players are training on a regular basis as the feel good factor begins to flow. A growing cadre of players are on the fringes of first team recognition, while some have already staked their claim, competition for places is hotting up which is a healthy situation to be in.
Against Stockport hooker Richard Hodgson tackled with a ferocity which rocked the opposition in addition to being here there and everywhere. Isaac Turton is a quality player and brings his ball winning skills to the fore whether being selected in the second row or the back row, a great asset to any side. The same can be said of Andy Garnett who has bucketfuls of experience and is equally at home in the threequarters or directing operations from the driving seat in the back row.
Sam Hoare, Matt Field, Aiden Yates and Joe Stevens can always be relied on to cover the hard yards, a quartet of players who are not familiar with the term, taking a backward step. Tom Rogers is another player on the radar, the Dan Rainford and Tom Cvijanovic duo already have proven credentials and their input against Stockport was extremely useful.
In the threequarters there are a number of player vying for a regular slot with scrum half being a prime example, the number nine shirt has thus far attracted plenty of suitors. The two on show against Stockport, James Alker and Mark Walker both impressed. Skipper Scott Manning has not only the ability to inspire those around him but he can change the whole complexion of the game with when he launches a counter attack from deep, he can be difficult to haul down once in full flight.
After only a handful of games Alex Briggs is finding his feet at stand-off and growing into the number ten shirt. Harry Finan has already caught the eye of the first team selectors, a young player with an exciting future and another “home grown ‘un.” Jamie Antcliffe has been an ever present for a number of seasons and he has a role to play in guiding those around him in the backs, in particular those emerging young thrusters.
As the seconds approach half term they can reflect on the progress made in their opening five games which includes four wins and feel proud of their achievements, but there are some challenging games ahead and they cannot afford to slip into cruise control.
Over the coming weeks the odd injury will crop up, players will be called up for first team duties which will test their resolve, but baring a series of events outside their control they should be able to build on the splendid start they have made to their season; the ground work has been laid, sorry about the pun, and they are quite capable of being able to kick on.
VALE 2 have been drawn away to WILMSLOW 2 in the next round of the BEST Cup, the tie to be played on 10 February 2018. Should be a cracker, put it in your new diary.