Match Report by Fred Swarbrick.

Aldwinians 2nd XV 3 pts v 26 Pts Vale of Lune 2nd XV

The Vale 2nd XV

James Hesketh
Matti Davenport
Robbie Skelton
Isaac Turton
Josh Mitton
Ben Keenan
Kieron Pickup
Adam Foxcroft (Capt)
Oliver Wilson Sheridan
David Buckham
Travis Bell
Jamie Antcliffe (Viice C)
Shannon Morgan
Harry Agar
Matt Ridler
Tom Miller
Isaac Thornton

The current string of away fixtures is causing some concern in the ranks of the Vale XV. Fortunately the lads in general are turning out for the games as set and indeed today the side looked strong on paper and indeed as the game progressed strong on the field.

The Aldwinians side which draws players from the Audenshaw College, actually just down the road, had enjoyed a superb season last year gaining a deserved promotion into this Daniel Baines League.

They currently had not won a game and with the side, as selected by the Vale, they were going to have problems. Lads it was an extremely strong XV.

The 2nd XV after this run of away games have just one to go this being Waterloo 2nd XV next Saturday. All of you put yourselves up for selection a break for two Saturday after next Saturday. Today’s result has moved us up the table with a gap now over the lower four sides.

To the game today, and it was indeed a good game to watch. Again a changed side from the past two weeks but a good side. The game kicked off, and on the 20 minute mark Isaac Thornton was to cross for a 5 pointer. David Buchan was to convert for the extras. The side was looking competitive and the forwards gaining regular possession both from the scrummage phases and the lineout sets.

The front row of James – Hesky – Hesketh, Matti Davenport and Robbie Skelton were to put in some strong opposition to the Aldwinians eight and with Isaac Turton, enjoying a 100% game, what’s new with Isaac he always does, but now he seems to be enjoying his rugby, and with Josh Mitton supporting from the 2nd row, the Aldwinians eight were going to struggle to gain possession, in fact any ball they did gain was disrupted by the strong scrummaging of the Vale eight. In the back row Adam Foxcroft was to enjoy a giant of a game continually driving the ball with two or THREE players hanging on, into the midst of the Aldwinians defence. Josh Mitton – play anywhere – in support but later would you believe moving out to the wing. You will now understand why I say “play anywhere…”. Alongside Adam F. in the back row were the energetic Ben Keenan and Kieron Pickup. Neither particularly physical in build but -Hell – they are both 100%ers stealing lost balls in the loose and when in possession taking the ball into the midst of the Aldwinans sizeable forwards. No fear these lads !!

Ben K as usual was playing an immense game in the lineout. Stealing opposition ball and I think gaining 100% possession on the Vales ball providing accurately placed possession to Oliver Sheridan. What an asset Ben is in the side !!

The game was moving on and a series of penalties awarded by Referee Simon Vale – ex Lancaster University – allowed the Aldwinians side to move into Vales’ territory. A further penalty awarded gave the Aldwinians XV a kickable 3 pointer. This on 27 minutes.

Ollie Sheridan was moving the ball away from the base with some accuracy to his fly half partner Dave Buckhan who he himself was to enjoy a useful game in his first appearance. With regular games and with this side, he will prove a real asset for the side. With this side !!! Lads we need you to put yourselves up for selection regularly..

The Vale XV were moving the ball along their threequarters regularly, a strong drive by Adam F. gave “young” Jamie Antcliffe the opportunity to cross the line. As a senior member of the side his experience is always good to see. This score on 30 minutes.

A 5 metre scrum on the Aldwinians line allowed Dave Buckhan to score his first try, there will be many more …. Of course he converted his own try.

Half time arrived and the Vale side were in a commanding position. In the second half they were to play against a relatively strong breeze but it was obvious this was not going to affect their command of the game in general.

Ants, was looking strong in the centre position and his partner Shannon Morgan was to show some great support for Jamie. He is a size in the middle of the park and knows how to use his undoubted strength. Travis Bell on one wing was not receiving much useful ball but was safe in defence at all times. On the opposite wing Harry Agar – play anywhere Harry Agar – was playing his usual game but surely he must establish a set position in the side.

The game was moving on and Matt Ridler at fullback was showing his skills. Always sound under any kicks from the Aldwinians side and always prepared to take the game into the open spaces before delivering accurate passes to his support.

Tom Miller had now moved onto the Park at the expense of Iassac Turton. Tom we know is a damned good player and he was soon showing his obvious ability and strength. He replaced Isaac Turton who left the field concerned as to why he had been replaced. As I indicated earlier he is enjoying his Rugby at the present time and desperately wanted to remain on the park.

Manager Lee Starkey was playing his cards right and desperate to come away from Aldwinians with a “W”. He did !!! Apologies I missed the final score only to see Dave Buckhan complete a fine game with a two pointer.

Next week we move to Firwood Waterloo, please put yourselves up for selection, we need to go there to win, it must be a number of years since we enjoyed putting one over on Waterloo. It promises to be a most exciting game.

Finally after todays game I find it difficult to offer a Man of The Match. So lads I would offer Ben Keenan for his masterful display in the lineout apart from his 100% commitment in the loose play and alongside him Adam Foxcroft for using his strength and power as he drove into the midst of the Aldwinians defence but always with an eye on any possibilities for a link up.