The Vale 2nd “XV” travelled to Firwood Waterloo on Saturday knowing that this was the end of 8 away games that stretched back to October the 8th. If you have had the misfortune of being in Tom Needham’s or James Heskeths contacts this week you would have no doubt been asked about your availability for the game. Despite their efforts as has been the norm during this spell of games only 14 players were available for this game. This would not have been possible if the the 1st XV had given up their usual 3 subs to allow the 2nds to field 14.

With kick-off fast approaching 14 became 13 as player/coach Henry Chadwick was called up the 1st team due to injuries. Despite this the boys were optimistic and excited ahead of the game. The early knockings saw both sides seeking dominance up front. Early pressure led to a Waterloo penalty in front of the posts which was duly slotted, 3-0. Things went from bad to worse as debuting Sam Emmitt went down with a serious looking injury further reducing the boys to 12 men. Despite this the boys rallied and after some forward dominance Stan Rich, who had a Man of The Match performance on his debut, was released and after beating a few defenders he offloaded to Harrison Dodge who dotted over in the corner, 7-3 (conversion added). Waterloo responded well to going behind and began pinning the Vale side in their own 22. Despite some heroic defensive performances from Jack Batty and Harrison Dodge, Waterloo finally broke down the red wall and scored 2 quick tries out wide both being converted, 17-7. With half time approaching this Vale sides resolve was tested once again as Tom Needham was forced off the pitch by the referee with a neck injury, leaving them with 11 men and 17-7 down. However you can’t keep a good team down as relentless pressure on the Waterloo line lead to cynical penalties which eventually resulted in a yellow card for the Waterloo culprit. With the last play of the half strong forward carries by Ganesh Paul and Louis Evans set a platform for Jack Batty to release Stan The Man as he stormed over the line with the conversion being added, 14-17 half time.

With the prospect of playing the entire second half with 11 men after 5 weeks off you would assume a sense of defeatism might have swept over the side. However after encouraging words from James Hesketh and Rob Quarry (1st team coach) the boys were not only here to take part but they wanted a win.

Waterloo came out firing in the second half quickly trying to shut out any optimism from the away side as they scored within 5 minutes, 22-14. Could the Vale side comeback again? Is water wet? Is Tim creepy? Of the course answer was yes. The Vale forwards started asserting their dominance Lee Starkey, Rob Quarry and Jamie Antcliffe (who played 5 positions throughout the game) propelled the side onto the front foot and into the Waterloo 22. The only way to stop the Vale advance was through cynical penalties. Despite pulling down an advancing Vale maul and receiving a yellow card, Waterloo could not stop Rob Quarry who barged his way over the line with the conversion being unsuccessful, 22-19. Belief of victory spread throughout the Vale 11. Jack Batty charged down a wayward kick and was only a few metres away from the line before being pulled down. The resulting ruck saw some more cynical play and another yellow card, penalty 5 metres out. Rob Quarry demanded the ball and went over for his second from close range, with the conversion being added Vale took the lead 22-26 with 15 minutes left on the clock.

With the first yellow card coming back on and the use of rolling substitutions Waterloo looked eager to chase the game. Tired bodies and tired minds were exploited by the Waterloo side who pushed and probed the Vale defence. Lack ditch defending could only last for so long as Waterloo broke through and scored a converted try, 29-26. The Vale Boys threw everything they could at the Waterloo side in the final few minutes. David Penrice took on the spirit of Bryan Habana as he tried a chip and chase that was almost fumbled by the Waterloo fullback. But as the clock went red this ever so valiant Vale side was defeated by a breakaway try in the corner, 34-26 full time.

A word has to be said for the sporting Firwood Waterloo side who took the rules of dropping players very graciously and played the game in great spirit.

Despite the disappointment written across the faces of the exhausted Vale side there was also great pride in what was one of the performances of the season. What a way to end 15 weeks of away games. Excitement is already brewing for the famous return of the mighty Vale 2nd team. Not since Apollo 11 has there been such excitement about a team of people returning home. Glossop won’t know what’s hit them!!