The Vale XV were returning home after experiencing a torrid time in the peak district last weekend. A much changed side were to take to the field, but this side must be prepared to travel with 5 away games now in succession. Riding high in the League, level with the Macclesfield XV they can’t afford to drop points as they travel away for the next period of time.
The game kicked off with a physical Rochdale XV attacking the Vale line and in fact pressing for 15 minutes but unable to cross. The Vale side are a most effective defensive XV and the covering and tackling at this stage was impressive as they kept the Rochdale XV at bay.
Some vigorous tackling by Joe Stevens – setting an example as Skipper – with Matti Davenport and Tom Needham in support kept the Rochdale XV from posting a score.
Adam Foxcroft, was using his immense physique as he battled in the close quarters at this stage of the game allied with young Connor McFarlane.
The Vale side were to prove to be a good side possibly the strongest of the season and with a back row trio of Joe Harrison – a giant on the field – Matt Field always reliable in what ever position he is asked to perform. Louis Evans a safe pair of hands and certainly a focal point in the lineout phases of the game in the early stages. Yes, he does have a safe pair of hands.
Behind a pack which in the tight had the upper hand Jacob Thomas and Jack Batty were clearing the Vale lines and after being under severe pressure in the early stages they cleared the Vale line and were able to move up the field to produce a degree of safety. In fact, it wasn’t long, and after some driving play by Joe Harrison that Matti Davenport enjoying a good game from the front row linked up with Joe Harrison to score wideout. Jacob Thomas slotting the conversion from just inside the touch line. He was to put in some well, directed clearance kicks apart from his accurate converting.
The Rochdale XV were not to be downed by the score and came back at the Vale with some power play helped by a most elusive number 8 who at times was causing trouble in the Vale side, so much trouble that they engineered a score close in to post 7 points. It was to be their last score !!!!
There was to be an interesting side play between the two wingers Harrison Dodge – we know he has terrific pace and elusiveness – but he was up against a winger with equal – well almost equal abilities. It was certainly a part of the game to see. Harrison came out on top as he added to the Vale score after another drive by Joe Harrison.
Whilst the forwards were involved in a head to head battle, literally, in more than one case, it was indeed head to head, the Vale threequarters were tying up the Rochdale threequarter line. Jack Batty at fly half was playing with some confidence and with Jamie Antcliffe – the evergreen Jamie Antcliffe – and Alfie Bolton outside were playing some attacking rugby but essentially some powerful defensive rugby as they kept the Rochdale XV out. Petar Alexov on the other wing was making most of limited possession but with ball in hand he was offering some deep penetrative runs.
Petar is an example to the lads having to leave the field later to get to work ….
The game was moving in Vales favour and Jack Batty crossed for 5 points after a drive by “young” Hesky coming off the bench literally, there was no “bench” as such --- using his size before linking up with Jack.
At this stage Joe Wills joined the fray and was immediately visible with some speedy weaving runs. A feature of his play when he operates from fly half…
The Vale XV were now playing some entertaining Rugby none moreso than fullback Scott Manning. Some terrific runs from Scott were causing the Rochdale side some concerns, hopefully now he is fit and available, the XV know a safe pair of hands as they battle to maintain their position at the top of this most competitive League.
The game moved to an uncontested phase when a Rochdale prop left the field. No they don’t have to drop a player !! At this stage a break from the back of the scrum by Adam F. posted 5 points.
Joe Harrison then crossed for further 5 points before Alfie Bolton crossed to end the scoring. Some immaculate kicking from the boot of Jacob Thomas took the score to an irretrievable situation before Referee Jonathan Amor blew the final whistle.
The game ending 31 points to 7 points to Vale.
The side now move to a series of away games as we move to the year end. Lads please make yourselves available week on week, we know we have the side to win this League but all must make themselves available starting with the Sedgley Park game next Saturday.

Now top of the League, equal with Macclesfield let’s keep it this way. You know you can, we know you can. Please make yourselves available…..
Fred Swarbrick

The Vale XV….
Tom Needham
Matti Davenport
Joe Stevens (Skipper)
Connor McFarlane
Adam Foxcroft
Matt Field
Louie Evans
Joe Harrison
Jacob Thomas
Jack Batty
Petar Alexov
Jamie Antcliffe
Alfie Bolton
Harrison Dodge
Scott Manning
James Hesketh
Riuchard Houghton
Joe Willis