After a valiant battle to be crowned champions of Conference B the Vale of Lune fell at their final hurdle over at The Upper Park, while their rivals, Stockport were home winners against Sandbach, with a game in hand.

Although the Vale have inflicted a brace of defeats on Birkenhead Park they struggled for any parity in the third meeting mainly because of the home side's pack and their front row in particular made life uncomfortable for the Vale.

As was to be expected in a game of such importance the Vale battled hard until the final whistle but their game lacked its usual fluidity, a number of passes were misdirected and sometimes players became isolated. Tactically the Vale did not use the wind and slope to their advantage in the second half.

Overall it was not an ideal day in the office for the Vale but in the final analysis Park were deserved winners. For the Vale, young prop Aiden Yates continues to impress with another encouraging performance. Wing forward Joe Wallbank worked hard throughout in a challenging game, while in the backs winger Simon Wilson also posed a threat but was forced out of the game in the second half with a pulled hamstring. Full back, the experienced Aaron Melville, produced another consummate performance to thwart the home side's endeavours, one try saving tackle brought deserved play from friend and foe alike for both its technical execution and bravery.

Vale lost the services of skipper Olly Cowey after ten minutes with the recurrence of an injury that has disrupted his season and shortly after his departure Park's forwards fashioned a try, something they were adept at doing during the game. From a line out the home side's hooker forced his way over for a try converted by the number ten, who played a pivotal role in Park's victory, expertly wielding the baton throughout.

In the twentieth minute Aaron Melville pulled of his stunning tackle but three minutes later, persistent pressure from Park resulted in the hooker collecting his second try which was converted.

As the half drew to a close the Vale began to enjoy the luxury of territorial advantage. Wilson made a decisive run, and all the Vale's efforts were eventually rewarded with a try when prop Joe Stevens blasted his way over; unfortunately the strong wind curved Neil Walker's attempted conversion kick away from the posts.

With the elements in their favour a nine point deficit did not appear to be a too large an obstacle for the Vale to overcome but Park were able to keep them at arm's length for long periods, and their line never looked in serious danger of being breached.

The visitor's task became more difficult when Park's forwards created a third try when a flanker broke clear from a line out. The quick thinking fly half converted with a drop quick after the ball has been blown off the kicking tee in the seventy second minute.

Vale collected a deserved consolation try in the seventy eighth minute when Wayne Blyth cut back inside at speed, his try being converted by Neil Walker. During the closing minutes the Vale searched for further points but Park refused to panic and calmly went about the task of defending their line and lead.

There was disappointment felt by the whole of the Vale camp at the final whistle. Not only had their seven match run of league and cup victories come to an end but they had been pipped at the post for top spot in Conference B.

All their minds will now be concentrated on their appearance in the BEST Cup Final on May 2 when the play Preston Grasshoppers 2 at Sandbach Rugby Club.

A coach has been booked for this historic occasion, please contact Andrea at the Club to reserve your seat.