Match Report by Fred Swarbrick.

1 Harm Docter

2 Matti Davenport

3 Kyron Sharples

4 Isaac Thornton

5 Josh Sutcliffe

6 Ben Keenan

7 Kieron Pickup

8 Shannon Morgan

9 Rory Briggs

10 Jamie Antcliff (Skipper)

11 Tom Miller

12 Dave Bukhan

13 Eddie Abdelghaper

14 Josh Mitton

15 Harry Agar

Coach :- Duncan Ryan – Supported by Ryan Busby.

Any away game at Waterloos Memorial “Pavilion” Ground is likely to be a test and this has proved to be the case for many Vale XVs over many years. Today, and again for many years, the game was to take place on their main field. They had no other commitments at their home on the day.

“Once again” and now after a string of away games – reasons are available – a much changed Vale XV was to take to the field. Possibly the most outstanding change was the selection of Rory Briggs at scrum half. The selectors had had problems in filling this position and Rory, now becoming a talented player with many attributes, was to fill the vacancy.

Actually at stages he was missing only to be found in the outfield rather than at the base of the scrummaging phases of the game. It was explained this was a deliberate ploy, however unusual.

A most youthful Waterloo XV were to take to the field, the side lingering in the bottom echelons of this Daniel Baines League, but the marked youth of the side involved immense pace and the Vale XV as a whole were going to need a real defensive effort to keep this side under a leash as they produced some particularly speedy moves during the game.

The game kicked off in the dry Autumnal sunshine and within the first 3 minutes after opting for a kick at goal following a misdemeanor by a Waterloo forward Rory B was to slot a 3 pointer. The Vale XV were on the move.

This was followed by a further successful penalty as the Vale side applied considerable pressure on the Waterloo XV who early in the game were finding it difficult to pull together. These two successful penalties were followed by a score by Tom Millar wide out in fact demolishing the corner flag as he touched down. Tom Miller on the wing !! He just wants to be playing a great attitude ….

The side was indeed going well in these early stages. We know from experience a Waterloo side, any Waterloo side will not lie down. With these successes and only 17 minutes into the game the Vale XV were looking comfortable.

They were fielding a strong front row in Harm Docter – watched keenly by his parents who had travelled from Sandbach. Harm of course now an experienced player. Matti Davenport and Kyron Sharples were there in support always in the thick of it. It’s pretty obvious I think, Matti really does enjoy his rugby. A little aside here, pointing to our referee for the day – Did he penalise the Vale for Rory Briggs feeding the scrum with a “straight ball” adjudging it to be crooked ?? Clearly, now the fair ball has just got to be fed into the 2nd row. !!

In the second row Isaac Thornton, was contributing an obvious physical presence, and locking the scrum firmly along with Josh Sutcliffe alongside causing the Waterloo scrummage to retreat regularly in these tight phases. It was good to see Josh back in the side and what a game he played as the game moved on.

The back row of Ben Keenan- nothing more to be said regards Ben he is just a 100% er week after week, along with Kieran Pickup who will never take a step back. See comments later in this attempt at a report !!!

Shannon Morgan at Number 8 was to play an integral part in the game. What an influence he had on the game scoring possibly the try of the season. Picking up the ball on the half way line he avoided many defenders before sprinting away – yes sprinting – to score under the posts to underline the superiority of the Vale XV at this stage of the game.

A Waterloo XV never lies down and whilst under the cosh they were to recover, and began to cause the Vale XV some problems. Using their outstanding pace in their threequarters they began to take the game to the Vale. Were the Vale lads relaxing, maybe a little complacent after such a remarkable start to the game.

Waterloo were to cross for two tries in these phases of the game bringing them in touch of the Vale score. A re-think necessary for the Vale side and Skipper Jamie Antcliffe was seen to be totally animated as they gathered behind the posts to receive what was a successful conversion.

Jamie of course was now playing at fly half I would suggest his favourite position with Dave Bukhan moving to inside centre. Actually speaking to Dave later this was indeed his favourite position allowing him to ply his trade away from defences at close quarters. He showed his abilities during the game in this his favoured position but was playing in sufferance after taking a knock early in the game.

Outside Dave, Eddie (Algebra) Abdelgparha was sound as always, I think his first game of the season certainly in this Vale second team. The obvious abilities of these two was required to keep a grip on a rampant Waterloo XV. Again Josh Mitton playing on the wing – Play anywhere Josh Mitton -was sound at all stages but the sheer pace of the Waterloo threequarters was causing the Vale XV problems.

Harry Agar at fullback I think his rightful position was fielding any kicks expertly and adding to the defence essential at this stage with the pounding play of the Waterloo XV.

The second half whistle sounded and for the first 20-25 minutes of this half the Vale XV were camped on their own line. A massive defensive effort was required to keep them out and some of the close in tackling was there to be seen. Under this continuous pressure this effort was indeed vital.

The game was moving on and at last the Vale side were able to clear their lines after their energy sapping defensive effort. Kieron Pickup a diminutive player was making some great moves from the rear and was prominent as the game moved into the Waterloo half. Shannon Morgan was proving to be a thorn in the Waterloo side at all times and indeed was playing a great game causing the Waterloo XV many problems.

With the score now at 22pte each, the game was drifting towards a draw, although it was clear that any penalty that might be awarded could well be decisive. It was… The Vale XV with a massive effort moved into the Waterloo half of the field and the Referee deemed that Waterloo had committed an offence and gave a penalty. The last few minutes of what was in many ways a most exciting game.

The penalty with less than 5 minutes to go allowed Rory B. to set the ball up for the kick. A three pointer, and a winning three pointer on the cards. Showing no signs of pressure Rory stepped up to take the kick, hopefully his injured leg which he had been carrying throughout the game would stand up at this stage.

It did !! This gallant Vale XV had come away with a deserved victory on Waterloos own midden.

It leaves the award of the M.O.M. and on the day and being a known as an indecisive b….r I would go for Kieron Pickup for his amazing effort particularly in the second half when the side were enduring so much pressure. But also include Shannon Morgan, not only for his most outstanding try but for his all round effort throughout the game as pressure was applied on this youthful energetic Waterloo XV.

Lads two weeks off now allowing time to recover from any injuries after which a joint coach trip is on the cards as we move onto Sandbach followed by numbers of home games allowing us to climb up this most competitive League. !!!!