The Baines Plumbing Division One in the Impact NW Leagues
Vale 2nd XV 16 pts v 37 pts
The Vale XV
Roland Géci *
Billy Bolton *
Joe Stevens
Zack Knowles
Tom Fox *
Matt Field
Alistair Hall *
Thomas Bradburn *
Lee Craven Starkey
Matty Kaye
Jacob Winder *
Jamie Antcliffe
Connor Hall *
Kevin Briston
Harrison Dodge
Reggie Worthington *
Isaac Turton
Findlay Brown
James Floyd
The Vale side were at home for the first time this season after being on the road to Fylde Vandals and Rochdale. Today they were up against a most experienced Anselmians side who had made the journey from deep south Cheshire bringing with them a group vociferous supporters.
When we talk of an experienced Anselmians side please note the starred players as selected for todays’ game all products of our most successful Colts side. Of course, these lads supported by their tutors over the years Stuart Bradburn, Ruth Bradburn and the most excitable Mrs Gethin were members of our most successful Colts sides over recent seasons.

They were going to show a great energetic input into the game. Young Billy Bolton showing some aggression when confronted by an oversized Anselmians player. Never took a step back !!!
Once again there was a change of positions with Skipper Lee Starkey starting at Fulback later to move to scrum half. Billy Bolton himself in recent weeks had played wing then back row and now hooking in the middle of the scrum. There must be some settlement as we move forward. Home again next week !!!

The first minutes of the game saw the Vale XV under considerable pressure on their own line. After, some strong defensive play they kept the marauding Anselmians XV out but inevitably they were to cross for a 5 pointer.

The Vale XV were after this score producing some concerted effort and a run commencing with Harrison Dodge – has he changed his hair style – along with the speedy Kevin Briston produced a try by Harrison himself. Matti Kaye converting. The Vale XV were keeping in touch. After some driving mauling rugby from them, Joe Stevens was showing his undoubted experience and won two or three balls from the Anselmians forward play. Realise it is and was early in the game but I would award Joe the M.O.M. for his performance in the loose phases throughout the game.
On 28 minutes Jacob Winder showing great pace picked up a pin point kick from Jamie A – who else – to score, converted by Matty Kaye. Matty of course on his usual controlled game from fly half.

A crazy kick from somewhere across the goal area picked up by the Anselmians allowed them to score a 7 pointer., this was followed, by a 7 pointer minutes later taking the score to 17 – 16 to the visitors. A further 5 pointer took the score to 22 16 after some confusion in the Vales defence. This score brought up half time.

The start of the 2nd half saw Anselmians cross for a further 5 points this on 43 minutes. Followed by a further two scores to complete their total. At 37 points.
Kev Briston deserved a score and after one of his runs at full speed he crossed for a 5 pointer. The Vale score now set at 26 points.

Dave Buchan suggested it wasn’t a bad return after the defensive efforts put in by the Vale side as a whole. Once again, the Vale spirit was prevalent never having taken a step backwards.
The victories will come lads. By this time, I was wet, freezing cold and ready for home, after seeing a “never say die” spirit from the whole of the Vale 19…!!!

Fred Swarbrick.

Fred Swarbrick

Chairman

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