The Vale XV

1, Joe Harrison

2. Matti Davenport

3. Tom Greaves

4. Robbie Skelton

5.Jack Chadwick

6, Ben Keenan

7. Josh Sloan Lewis

8. Adam Foxcroft (Skipper)

9. Ollie Wilson Sheridan

10 Lee Starkey

11. Josh Mitton

12. Matt Ridler

13. Ike Eastwood

14. Robbie Martin

15. Kev Briston

16. Tom Hopwood

17. Tom Miller

18. Freddie Bartle

A much changed Vale side, once again, were to face a formidable Birkenhead side at their Upper Park ground.

The side arrived late at the ground due to heavy traffic in Liverpool – I know I was caught up in it… This didn’t allow a lot of time to warm up or maybe in some instances get to know each other. Maybe exaggerating a bit here lads !!

The Birkenhead Park XV had beaten Firwood Waterloo 2s by 50 points but lost in fact to Eccles 2nds in their previous two games to date.

Due to the 1st XV being at home the game was to be played on their 2nd pitch but of course this was the case at home last week v Kendal where the game took place on the Crem.

From the Vale side it was good to see Joe Harrison back in harness after his disciplinary hiccup, maybe at this stage I should mention Joe as M.O.M. with two tries to his name. Tom Miller was to feature after his Summer recess back home in Spain. (need to see you in your lime green head gear Tom !! )

The Birkenhead side were a mixture of some old heads and youth but exhibited tremendous pace and causing real trouble for the Vale XV as they frequently spread the ball wide outstripping any Vale cover.

A move such as this resulted in 5 points after just 5 minutes. Was this due to the changes as above in the Vales threequarters. ?? Ike Eastwood back in the side we know a damned good player, Matt Ridler a first appearance but he enjoyed a good game in the circumstances, play anywhere Josh Mitton on one wing and Robbie Martin another new man taking his place on the opposite wing. Park had scored before they had found their feet. At fullback Kev Briston was always under severe pressure, as wave after wave was created in front of him.

Within 5 minutes of Parks first score they were to cross again from a similar passing move, spreading the ball wide. The Vales defence being stretched at this stage. Again on 14 minutes they crossed for another 7 pointer for the first time they were successful with the conversion. 17 points to nil to this Park XV.

The Vale side were needing to re-group at this stage, these early proceedings maybe due to the extended, late coach journey. Adam F. as Skipper was giving his team some vigorous words of encouragement – can’t repeat his words here but I’m sure one started with “F”……

Initially it didn’t work because at 25 minutes Park crossed again for another unconverted try. The forwards needed to lift their game and indeed as an eight were holding Park in the set pieces both at the lineout and the scrummage phases.

Ollie Wilson Sheridan was involved after this latest Park encroachment, and was indeed enjoying a good game overall, overpowering the Park scrum half at the rear of their scrum to feed Adam F. on the break for him to cross for Vales first score. At last they were on the board. !!

Unfortunately Park returned with a score after a blistering run from one of their prop forwards who was causing mayhem with some of his runs, his centre of gravity being low proving difficult to tackle effectively. For his size and build he was indeed elusive..

The game moved into the 2nd half with Park enjoying a commanding lead. Lee S. was to bring on his replacements, Tom Hopwood, Tom Miller and Freddie Bartle were to take their places on the field.

The three “big” lads in the side Robbie Skelton, Joe Harrison and Adam Foxcroft were getting a grip on the Birkenhead eight and were producing some powerful surges into the Park defence. From one of these drives Joe Harrison was to cross for his first try. Unfortunately, Park returned to extend their lead with a 7 pointer.

The Vale forwards in general were matching the Park 8. Jack Chadwick was at the fore of any moves and taking a number of clean balls at the lineout. Ben Keenan as usual playing above his weight was in fact playing a good game and at the head of any forward attacking moves and tackling decisively to stem any Park moves. Of course he is always a safe pair of hands in the lineout. Josh Sloan Lewis was providing support for his compatriots in the back row. The front row Tom Greaves and Matti Davenport along with Joe H. were winning their own ball at all scrums. A sound outfit in this phase of the game.

The bench had been used, and in fact all three were involved immediately actually, all good players in their own right. Tom Miller we know his ability, Freddie Bartle giving as usual 100% - as he always does – and Tom Hopwood a real handful.

The game by now was out of reach of any comeback by the Vale XV but the spirit in the side was there to be seen. The whole XV never gave up and were battling to the end. This allowed M.O.M. Joe Harrison to post his second score successfully converted by team manager Lee Starkie.

Ollie Wilson Sheridan was to add a further try to the Vales now respectable score, he had enjoyed a good game at the back of the scrum and deserved the award of a try,

By this time, I’d lost note of the score but the Referee confirmed the score as 69 pts to 24 pts to Birkenhead Park.

Lads back home next Saturday to meet unbeaten Stockport. Please put up for selection, once we can get a settled week on week side – Home or Away !! – we will move up this competitive Baines Plumbing League Table the ability is there in the side along with the “never say die” attitude …

F.S.