Match Report by Fred Swarbrick.

The Vale XV :-

George Oyston
Matti Davenport
Joe Harrison
Josh Mitton
Josh Sloane Lewis
Tom Miller
Harry Agar
Josh Sutcliffe
Ollie Dobson
Ben Dobson
Matt Palen
Jamie Antcliffe ©
Jak Kyriakov
Lee Shipley
Matt Ridler

The Vale XV had experienced considerable travel problems on their away trip to the Sale fixture now to be played at their Carrington Ground rather than Heywood Road. The traffic leading to the ground was static. I know “I was in it” taking as much time to travel 10 miles than the first part of the journey.

Clearly this was going to affect the Vale XV in the early stages of the game. Once again, a changed XV was to take to the field.

The Sale XV are proving to be a top side in this Dan Baines Division One League after re-forming a couple of seasons ago but now putting out a 3rd XV also. Suffering only one defeat to date and this by Eagle (Warrington) early season. The Vale XV are aware of the talent and strength in the Eagle side.

The game kicked off late, in the circumstances and immediately the Vale XV were put under pressure, and after a sweeping move by the Sale threequarters they crossed for a 5 pointer after only 5 minutes. On 10 minutes they crossed again this time with the added two points.

Were the Vale side now pulling things together, now having got the journey out of their legs. From the resultant kick off they drove the Sale 8 up the field. With Ollie Dobson breaking down the blind side with real pace they were camped on the Sale line. Ollie was to enjoy a great game at scrum half ably assisted at fly half by brother Ben. Watched enthusiastically by Dad on the touchline. Both in fact suffered knocks and Ollie left the field later in the game.

Back to the pressure being exerted on the Sale XV. Following the speedy break by Ollie the forwards in support, with Joe Harrison at the forefront, they closed in on the Sale line. Joe and George Oyston were to enjoy powerful games at all times and in possession they were taking the ball into the midst of the Sale defence.

From a lineout close in Joe Harrison was to post a Vale score. Were the Vale starting to take command ?? Matti Davenport at hooker improves every game I see him play, play anywhere Josh Mitton now in the second row of the scrum along with Josh Lewis were locking the scrum and at times putting the Sale 8 under pressure at regular intervals. Josh M. of course was playing on the wing early season. Versatility extrordinaire !! Behind these two Tom Miller was to play a powerful game – he is a good player – in the circumstances. Josh Sutcliffe we know is a good player playing, I think, his first game in the side this season, continuing where he left off last season. Harry Agar now in the back row having moved from fullback a couple of weeks ago was always in the thick of it.

After the Vales’ encouraging score, were they going to build on this score. The Sale XV are no mean side and on 25 minutes again after spreading the ball wide and at pace they crossed for a 7 pointer followed on 30 minutes by a further 7 pointer. Then before the half time whistle a further 5 points added.

Skipper Jamie Antcliffe needed to offer some strong words during the half time break. He himself was to enjoy some powerful surges into the Sale defence supported by both Jak Kyriakov who as a new face was indeed finding his feet in this most difficult game for the Vale XV.

Matt Palen and Lee Sharkey on the wings were seeing little ball and the Sale XV, with some sharp moves taking the ball wide, were stretching the Vale defence as they moved the ball along their line with terrific pace and accuracy. Fullback Matt Ridler was in the circumstances I think, enjoying his best game to date in the side.

By this time Ben Dobson carrying a knock had moved to the wing with Lee Starkey moving inside and Ollie Dobson had moved to the sideline.

Before he left the field Ollie enjoying a terrific game at scrum half was rewarded with a try, deservedly so after his performance. He does display great pace from the scrum base.

Sale were looking comfortable at this stage and were exerting severe pressure on the Vale XV but again, and if anything else the spirit in his side is to be seen from front row, and through the side to fullback they just never give up. Josh Mitton was to cross for a final Vale scores. Did he run it in from 20 yards out, I must admit I was occupied elsewhere and missed the build up. Apologies Josh !!!

I must nominate the Player of the Match as Ollie Dobson for his performance before leaving the field at scrum half. If only Ollie and Ben had been able to stay together in the game. Who Knows !!!

Lads please put yourselves up for selection next week at Aldwinians another promoted side from last season. We have already faced two in Eagle and Sale and we are aware they are useful XVs.

F.S.