The Vale 2nd XV returned home after a series of 6 home games out of 7 at the commencement of the season, having won 6 of those games only being defeated once and that being at Glossop away…. This in fact placed them at the top of the Division One League. Note the leaders at the present time Macclesfield with one defeat that being incurred at the Vale.
Inevitably a series of away games were to follow to test the stability of this most successful side, playing some good competitive rugby. 6 games were to be played away which involved only one victory that being against Rochdale at home and only one away win at Warrington – Note Rochdale our opposition next Saturday.
After this turbulence and the in-balance of Home and Away the Vale XV are indeed only 5 points off 2nd place in the League – one win, assuming Macclesfield are clear, although they still have to play this Vale XV filled with ability.. Beaten them once it can be done again.!!
In the intervening time James Hesketh has taken over the management (I think helped by Tom Needham and Jacob T.) of the side, although still a major influence on the field as shown yesterday. Jacob Thomas had asked for this and Director of Rugby Dan Rainford had reacted to this need. Jacob could now relax somewhat !!
The side as selected yesterday included three Lancaster University players, it is indeed good to see the revival of this link and long may it continue.
After this preamble – The game…. Played in horrendous conditions probably the worst for many years with the addition of a most vicious hail storm blinding both players and spectators during the game thankfully short in duration.
The Vale kicked off into a crosswind which gave the Glossop XV a slight advantage. Immediately it was clear a forward battle was to commence, the conditions suggesting this inevitably would be the case. The first scrum was to be a test but immediately it was clear the Vale were to experience a massive advantage in the scrummaging aspect of the game with all the advantages this would afford their threequarters. The Glossop 8 were moved back at almost every scrum. James Heskeths’ influence at work ?? although with the experience of props Tom Needham and Matt Mount alongside him in the front row inevitably there was going to be some advantage in this phase.
The Vale 8 in fact was filled with experience, Adam Foxcroft a mountain of a lad, along with Sam Lester were proving to be a formidable partnership in this phase of the game. What a pack of forwards supported by a most mobile back row of Paul Ganish, Luke Sheppard and Louis Evans – is this the place to say it Louis my Man of the Match !!. Superiority was to be gained not only in the scrummaging phase of the game but also in the lineout where Adam F’s height and determination was to supply useful ball to the threequarters.
Behind the pack the half backs of Jack Batty and Jacob Thomas now at fly half were to prove a workable partnership and can this be developed as we move into the next phase of fixtures.
It was 15 minutes into the game when Ryan Busby showing pace and nous crossed for the first try. Where has he been come on Buzza the side needs you !!
Not to be outdone and after some powerful forward drives on the Glossop line Tom Needham crossed for his try. When asked who had scored he proudly offered he had !! In the conditions it was difficult to see… Buzza added the points.
The second half commenced and the Vale XV now were to enjoy a slight advantage with the conditions. The threequarters were set to show their paces although the conditions were proving difficult to offer any fluency.
Outside the half backs the centres of Jamie Antcliffe and Dan Rod were to come more into the game, Jamie particularly demonstrating his experience after many years and becoming a leader of this Vale threequarter line, was to provide useful service to wingers Maxime Behr and Tom Jeffries. Enough said of Ryan Busby at fullback always at the forefront of the game. A magnificent three pointer in the early stages of the second half from the 10 metre line sealed his contribution to the game.
By this time the replacements, 4 of them after agreement reached with the Glossop management, were glad to be involved after experiencing severe cold stood on the touchline. Tid Atkinson moved into position, along with Stuart Taylor and thence Richard Hodgson, just great to see Richard involved in this XV but taking his place as hooker. Hope his back might hold up !!!
At this stage of the game and with Vale being clearly on top the try of the game was to be seen. A pass from Jacob Thomas to winger Jaiden Reeder allowed the winger to set off on a run along the far touchline -i.e, the crem side of the pitch – evading covering tackles from the Glossop side – was it his sheer pace ?? before linking up with Maxime Behr to score this try of the game.
Referee Chris Meadows didn’t appear to be suffering from the cold but he was managing the game comfortably considering the conditions.
Apologies lads, if I haven’t got names correct generally, but I was bloody freezing, literally stood on the edge of the field in mud and slutch, along with Mr. Batty and his wife, Jack’s Dad in his Summer gear shorts and all, but he is a hardy north easterner…. Why aye lad !!!
We can move up this League table lads, now we move into a reasonably balanced home and away phase of the season, make yourselves available for each and every game home and away. Your mates need this reliability, don’t let each other down…
Forward and upward ….. What a side …
The Vale XV

Tom Needham
James Hesketh
Matt Mount
Adam Foxcroft
Sam Lester
Louis Evans
Paul Ganish
Luke Sheppard
Jack Batty
Jacob Thomas
TomJeffries
Jamie Antcliffe
Dan Rod
Maxime Behr
Ryan Busby
Tid Atkinson
Richard Hodgson
Stuart Taylor
Jaiden Reeder