Match Report by Fred Swarbrick.

The Vale XV :-

Tom Greaves
Matti Davenport
Marion Fennol
Isaac Thornton
Josh Sloan Lewis
Kieron Pickup
Ben Keenan
Tom Miller
Koran Banga
Ben Dobson
Robbie Martin
Jamie Antcliffe ©
Rory Briggs
Harrison Dodge
Dan Leighton
Duncan Ryan

On returning to the Vale from this unsuccessful trip, the question was asked – Where is Eagle ?? Of course in the hey days of our Club we were regularly asked -Where is Vale of Lune ?? Answer Lancaster…. Answer to the Eagle query – Warrington !!

Eagle play their Rugby in the Great Sankey area of Warrington and at the present time are riding high at the top of this Dan Baines Division One League after a promotion last season.

Again a much changed Vale XV arrived and realised they were going to have a tough game ahead. We will have a settled XV at some stage in the season. The Eagle side were indeed a physical side and were intent on pressurising the Vale XV. They carry the reputation of taking no prisoners and the referee on the day – actually locally from Wray – was going to have to exert some control on the game. He did so !!

The game kicked off and immediately the Eagle side were on the attack. Within 4 minutes they had crossed for a 5 pointer. The Vale side had just completed introductions.

A side comment – it was refreshing to see a side that was reluctant to kick for position. I think I counted maybe six times that the Eagle side kicked for position, rather they concentrated on a “pick and drive” game using their superior physical advantage to a great degree.

Countering this the Vale XV – any Vale XV – fought back and were not subdued after this early setback and drove up the field to be rewarded a penalty. Ben Dobson now playing at fly half slotted the ball comfortably, and in the circumstances, he was to enjoy a superb game albeit on the back foot.

After this score the Eagle XV took charge, and with some powerful drives into the Vale defence they crossed for a 7 pointer. The Vale XV were playing under considerable pressure.

At this stage and with a spirited fightback the Vale forwards were exerting some superiority in the tight phases of the game. With the front row of Marion Fennel. Matti Davenport – he improves every game – and Tom Greaves they were able to equal the scrummaging phases. Isaac Thornton and Josh Sloan Lewis were locking the scrum from the middle and causing real problems to the Eagle 8 in this phase of the game.

The back row of Kieron Pickup, Tom Millar and Ben Keenan were to feature strongly in the loose phases of the game. We know Tom Miller will always be a 100 % player. Ben Keenan doesn’t let any expended energy affect his lineout prowess, where he is indomitable on our own ball – Hell I’ve said this before – and Kieron Pickup in the circumstances probably played his best game for the side. I think …..

Whilst the Vale 8 were equalling the tight phases of the game, in the loose phases the physical superiority of the powerful Eagle forwards driving into the Vale defence was proving a problem for the Vale XV. Note no kicking for position by this Eagle XV. As their diminutive scrum half suggested in a quite phase to an observant spectator – You know who !! – they don’t kick the ball away…

The game was proceeding and Eagle – just as a reminder, based in Warrington – were continuing adding to the scoreboard.

The Vale threequarter line were under pressure and some determined controlled clearances were made by fly half Ben Dobson. He plays with style, and obvious talent. and was receiving hurried ball from scrum half Karan Banga, clearing any stray ball up expertly.

Outside these half backs Skipper Jamie Antcliffe was playing a real Skippers game and tightening up the midfield not only with his tackling but with some foraging drives into the Eagle defence. The Skipper was to enjoy a good game. Rory Briggs outside him was not able to perform his usual game – kicking for position accurately – but supporting his Skipper whilst generally under severe pressure.

The wings Robbie Martin – think playing outside his normal position – and Harrison D. were again looking at a defensive need rather than any attacking opportunities. Harrison we know NEVER misses a tackle and was called on to save at least three further scoring opportunities from the Eagle XV.

Dan Leighton at fullback exhibited real pace and he needs to be with the side every week. Dan make yourself available !!

The Eagle side continued playing what appeared to be their well drilled game. No kicking just pick and drive and putting the Vale XV on the back foot. They were playing on the edge, inevitably with their style of play, and the Referee was committed to going to his pocket three times in fact at one stage the Eagle side were down to 12 men. They were indeed playing on the verge of an offside game allowing them to smother any Vale build ups.

At this stage the Vale were camped on the Eagle line but unfortunately with some vigorous, physical play the Eagle XV were able to keep them out before sweeping up the field en- masse to cross the Vales’ line once again.

The final score does not reflect the effort put in by the Vale XV as a whole where each and everyone on of them put their heart into the game but this must be expected of any Vale XV on any day.

Must offer Man of the Match - my opinion - and there are, and were many contenders but must say the Skipper on the day Jamie Ants….. Playing a 100% game and carrying the whole side with him in difficult circumstances.

The side now move into a series of away fixtures and please Gents put yourselves forward for selection we need to pick up some away wins commencing at Sale next week at their Heywood Road ground..

F. S.