The Vale side travelled to Kendal full of confidence, - I’m sure they still don’t call this ground Mint Bridge -, after a reasonable start to the season and maintaining 2nd place in this most competitive of Leagues.
Once again a much changed side, lads we must just put our names up and be prepared to travel, today, only 30 minutes up the “road”. Things would be so much more enjoyable and produce a lot of victories if we could field a regular XV. It was the end of last season when the Vale 2s posted 50 points against a Kendal XV. Were they preparing to repay us ??

The game opened up with Kendal pressing on the Vale line, but a breakaway allowed the side to move up field and within 7 minutes they received a penalty coolly slotted by Skipper Jacob Thomas.
What was to follow was unexpected to say the least. The Kendal XV reacted and within 5 minutes with some physical play allied with some poor tackling by the Vale they posted a 5 pointer. Conversion failed.
A period of non-effectual play proceeded, but clearly the Vale XV were causing their own problems. Dropped passes, missed passes, careless passes were all contributing to the Kendal XVs dominance. Ineffective tackling, certainly first up tackles, always the most important tackles, to prevent playing on the back foot, were being missed.
Was it concentration causing these issues so vital to maintain a hold on any game, never mind a possible victorious game. We have seen this regularly this season lads !!
On 29 minutes the boisterous, physical Kendal side scored a 5 pointer with the additional 2 points.
At 47 minutes once again, and from the Kick Off Kendal crossed the Vale line again. Whilst the Vale side were battling gamely it was clear the Kendal XV were creating a dominance in most phases. Suffering injuries particularly to hooker Jack Chadwick the game inevitably moved to uncontested scrums. (Hope he recovers in 2 weeks time).
With Richard Houghton now moving from the bench onto the field, and the Vale eight at times being moved backward the move to an uncontested situation might just offer some relief. It didn’t !!
Once again at least four tackles were missed as the Kendal side attacked, and they crossed again to produce a 7 pointer at 26 points to 3 points. The game was clearly heading out of Vales reach.
Holding the second position in this most competitive League with Kendal at mid table it was apparent the mid table XV, that is Kendal, were clearly in total control of the game.

A Kendal 5 pointer followed then a 7 pointer to take the score to 38 points to the Kendal XV. It’s got to be said in the light of Kendal’s dominance the Vale XV never gave up the fight – until the final 10 minutes when it was clear there would be no way back.

Another two 7 pointers followed by a try for 5 points closed the game at 55 points to 3 points.

All know they can play better than the display shown today, Reluctant to pick out individuals after such a disappointing showing but feel I must pick out a Man of the Match and in this instance it must be Harrison Dodge a diminutive speedy player but the bravery he shows in his tackling particularly today, stands him out to receive this accolade.
A close second and playing out of position must be Joe Wills, making some telling breaks into the spaces from deep positions but unfortunately not able to break through or link up directly with any support.

Next up Anselmians in two weeks time, a go ahead Club and with the link up travel wise with the 1st XV this must help with the spirit of this side which in fact, and without doubt has a lot of potential.

A free week next week lads be prepared and available essentially for the Anselmians game a win must be achieved !!!!
Vale
Tom Needham
Jack Chadwick
Owen Branford
Louis Evans
Aidren Turner
Steven Tagg (Taggy..)
Connor Cook
Luke Shepherd
Jacob Thomas (Captain)
Jamie Antcliffe
Sean Patterson
Dan Rodrigues
Alfie Bolton
Harrison Dodge
Joe Willis
Richard Houghton
Sam Lester

Report
Fred Swarbrick