The second meeting of these two sides in the Baines Plumbing Division One was going to provide a terrific game of Rugby with the hope that the Vale XV might reverse the first fixtures result at Sedgley involving a heavy defeat for the Vale XV.

The Vale XV have experienced a difficult season, with a run of home fixtures early season but now recently embroiled in a considerable run of away fixtures. Home advantage certainly in this League tends to count.

The team as selected for today’s game looked a strong one with at least two or three lads having not featured for some time. They were all to play an important part in securing a victory today.

From the Kick Off Scott Manning showed what a presence he was to be in the game with a searing run to link up with his forwards just to show what we were to witness. In fact, a great enjoyable game of Rugby.

The first try by Paul Ganesh was indeed a well worked one spreading the Sedgley defence to the limit. Ryan Busby picking the ball up to link with Scott Manning who in turn missed two in a pass to Jacob Thomas himself enjoying a good game from scrum half, who passed to Dan Rodriguez who in turn moved it to “Buzza” for Paul Ganesh up in support to score. Inevitably Ryan Busby converted.

From the K,O, another move from Scott M. linked with Jamie Antcliffe, a physical menace in the middle of the field, who linked with Dan Rodriguez who crossed for the Vales 2nd try.

A threequarter line cannot function without a strong pack of forwards and the Vale had this in abundance. The front row of Tom Needham, James Hesketh and Tom Evans were in command in the front row. Behind these three Sam Lester and Shane Weed were offering the power to nudge the Sedgley Park back to secure the advantage that a strong commanding pack should achieve to provide the threequarters with useful ball. Shane Weed a welcome returnee!!

In the back row Paul Ganesh, Luke Shepherd and Richard Hodgson -his tackling and defensive work outstanding- provided the valuable link to the threequarters.

After losing heavily in the first fixture away at Sedgley the Vale side were determined to achieve some respect. At scrum half Jacob Thomas was possibly playing his best game and linking up with his Fly half Joe Wills, it was good to see Joe directing any moves from the fly half position. He was in fact a good director today and good to see him in I think his best position today.

The threequarters outside these lads were in great form, Dan Rodriguez an elusive runner probably enjoyed his best game to date, actually with father in support, Jamie Antcliffe playing with poise and taking the game to the Sedgley threequarters, breaking tackles as he went at pace to take his opposition on but always providing a link. Zac Elderton on one wing was showing real pace and Ryan Buzza on the other we know has real pace but combining this role with a presence in the lineout. Where did this come from ?? Winning clean ball regularly at our throw in !!

We were to witness some great tries , Scott Manning again using the wide open spaces of the Vales main pitch moved up the field, linked with Joe Wills who in turn linked with Jacob Thomas to score what was possibly the try of the game taking the score to 19 pts to 0 pts. The Vale XV as a whole were in command.

Directing operations from the side Vales Director of Rugby Dan Rainford was ensuring the momentum was kept up. Petra Alexov to take to the field, along with Connor Macfarlane and Harm Dockter, carrying a severe knee strapping but determined to get some time on the park.

At this stage the Sedgely Park forwards were encroached on the Vale line. Pick and drive moves were being defended strongly by the Vale 8. One pundit suggested that the Vale would be next to score with a breakaway from this defensive position. It was to be !!

Petra Alexov picked up a loose ball to move the side away from their goal line, to link up with Jamie Antcliffe who made a powering run to the half way line, linked up with Jacob Thomas who in turn linked up with Scott Manning to score what surely would be the try of the game. 26 pts to 0 pts…

In effect we should have witnessed a further try when Jacob Thomas produced an Owen Farrell pass from behind but unfortunately it was dropped by the support. Just had to mention this Jacob !!!

The Vale XV were in command to the end although allowing the Sedgley XV a consolation try in the closing stages with the resultant conversion attempt failing.

Final score 33 points to 5 points to the gallant Vale XV reversing a heavy defeat at Sedgley earlier in the season…

Man of the Match Sam Lester – What a game – What a player ……….

Lads again please make yourselves available, mid table in this League and a number of away games to come we can indeed secure a high place in the Baines Plumbing Division One. We need a settled side to achieve this …
The Vale XV :-

2. James Hesketh

1. Tom Evans

3. Tom Needham

4. Sam Lester

5. Shane Weed

6. Paul Ganesh

7. Richard Hodgson

8. Luke Shepherd

9. Jacob. Thomas

10. Joe Wills

11.Zac Edgerton

12. Jamie Antcliffe