The game kicked off a on a beautiful manicured pitch a credit to the work of the ground teams for their efforts during the close season.
Inevitably at the start of a season and indeed the first game there would be some old faces and some new who might be introduced to the senior game. This was the case with some old heads in the side, this meant in the experience of these lads not necessarily old.
The game opened up with the Vale attacking vigorously in the Park half. Yours truly was locking up the changing rooms only to find the Vale had scored within the first 5 minutes. Alfie Bolton splitting the Park defence at pace with Buzza in support before feeding back to the forwards for Ross Pillow to place 5 pts on the board.
A concerted effort from the forwards with a strong drive to the Park line resulted in Lee Starkey posting a 2nd try converted by Buzza.
The Vale at this stage were on top and it appeared that they may be in for a comfortable game. This worked out not to be the case.
A strong 8 were causing Park some trouble with Joe Stevens, driving forward – how do you stop him – Lee Starkey in the unusual position of hooker – where will he be selected next. A welcome back to stalwart Ross Pillow, behind this powerful front row support came from Adan Foxcroft – he never loses it – and Matt Field always a reliable asset where ever he plays.
After maybe twelve months off Joe Wallbank was back to his foraging self, enjoying a powerful game maintained throughout the 80 minutes.
He was joined in the back row by Luke Sheppard and Archie Walsh newly introduced to senior rugby but they will need to be watched. Never took a step backwards, watch out Tarleton next Saturday.
At this stage and after 21 minutes Park with some powerful runs taking them into Vale territory scoring under the posts to set up 7 pts. On 38 minutes once again with their weight advantage both in the set scrums and the loose they posted another score to 14 points with the conversion.
At this stage Ryan Busby had left the field and Matt Short entered the fray. A most elusive player and from a breakaway in support of the flow, some deft sidestepping he outpaced the Park cover to score with a successful conversion. Did he convert his own try ???
It was clear from the early play Vale were not going to be in for an easy ride.
Park were, a big side and they were speedy considering their undoubted weight superiority. Jacob Thomas at scrum half was enjoying a sound game with some astute clearance kicks and feeding his flyhalf the evergreen Jamie Antcliffe with some useful ball. Jamie was making good use of this making some telling breaks into the centre of Parks defence.
At this point and after a scything break Joe Summers linked up to score a try (5 pts) to Vale, converted by Matt Short (I think). Glen his father couldn’t stop smiling as Joe crossed the line bringing the score to 26 points to 14 points.
Vale were proving to be tough opposition for the Park XV. With Petar Alexov and Alfie Bolton bottling up the centre of the field with some powerful defensive work. Harrison Dodge on the wing has undoubted pace and was making the best of this with some weaving runs. Campbell Murrell on the opposite wing showed undoubted promise and enjoyed a good game out wide.
By this time Petar Alexov had left the field with Freddie Bartle joining the fray. We know Freddie is indeed an asset to any side. He showed this ability.
The Vale XV were enjoying a comfortable lead at 26 – 14 but there wasn’t a cause for any relaxation and it was be the case as the Park XV surged up the field to register a score under the posts, converted to take the score to 26 pts to 21 pts. With 4 minutes to go the Park support offering encouraging support but time was short. Referee Sandy Woods always a welcome visitor to the Vale blue up for time.
The Vale XV registering a victory in their first game with newly promoted Tarleton to face next Saturday. The game to be played on the main pitch…
All support is welcome.
Fred Swarbrick
Today Vale 2nds were

1. Joe Stevens
2. Lee Starkey
3. Ross Pillow
4. Adam Foxcroft
5. Matt Field
6. Archie Walsh
7. Joe Wallbank
8. Luke Sheppard
9. Jacob Thomas
10. Jamie Antcliffe
11. Harrison Dodge
12. Alfie Bolton
13. Petar Alexov
14. Campbell Murrall
15. Ryan Busby
16. Freddie Bartle
17. Matthew Short
18. Joe Summers