Photos by Tony North
The Baines Plumbing Division One in the Halbro NW Leagues

Vale of Lune 2nd XV 38 points v 5 points Aldwinians 2nd XV
Shannon Morgan
Matti Davenport
Harm Doctor
Josh Mitton
Jarrad McDonald
Kieron Pickup
Ben Keenan
Eddie Abdelghafer
Rory Briggs
Jamie Antcliffe (Skipper)
Harrison Dodge
Dan Leighton
Nathan Allen
Hayden Mills
Lee Starkey
16 Harry Agar
Ryan Busby

I have enjoyed watching the 2nd XV this season, a youthful side and a number of talented young players.

Todays game was set to be a most competitive game and possibly the Vale XV would start as favourites for the win. having won in the previous fixture at the Aldwinians Club.

Playing on the Crem. Pitch it was soon apparent it was going to be a tight game with a strong scrummaging 8. it soon became apparent that the threequarters were going to receive some real possession. The narrowness of the pitch was a problem particularly due to the compression of any developing moves. If the game had been played on the main pitch the threequarters could well have been let off the leash.

The message from the Aldwinians committee on Friday was they were struggling for a side having only 12 players. They turned up with 15. The game was on …. And the Vale XV under the guidance of manager Lee Starkey and Skipper “young” Jamie Antcliffe were prepared well for the game.

Were they prepared ??- within 5 minutes of the K.O. a forceful move from the forwards immediately put the Aldwinians side on the back foot and a slicing run from the Skipper produced a 5 pointer. Rory Briggs now playing at scrum half had no problem slotting the extra two points. YES they were prepared ….

There was no doubt the Aldwinians side were going to face huge pressure from this talented XV.
Lee Starkey now playing today and enjoying the situation, but managing to run the side in respect of replacements. Rory Briggs “caught one” on the chin and left the field. Hayden Mills taking over the scrum half role. Hayden of course is a “rapid” man and this combining with a natural elusiveness makes him a dangerous player for whichever side he might play.
Harm Doctor was to make a dash down the wing after a loose maul, looking threatening but the Aldwinians defence managed to stop his forage. Eddie Abdelghafer was visible throughout the game involved in loose play and spreading the ball to the threequarters. Harm Doctor of course along with Shannon Morgan – now playing prop – What a talent !! and Matti Davenport were providing a strong front row to compete with the sizeable Aldwinians three.
Josh Mitton now in the second row along with Jarrad MacDonald were locking the scrum effectively – Josh leaving the field later with a shoulder injury.
Kieron Pickup and Ben Keenan as usual were at the fore of everything. Two young lads playing 110% week in week out. Ben of course a supremo in the lineout. Eddie (algebra) already highlighted as above.
The Vale 8 continued to dominate, Hayden Mills using his tremendous pace was to cross wideout for a further 5 points. A most enthusiastic player is Hayden !!!

With the Vale displaying superiority they were to cross for a further try, but the Aldwinians XV showing no signs of relaxing and were to cross for a 5 pointer. In fact their only score of the game.

The Vales centres Dan Leighton and Nathan Allen were displaying real pace and Nathan was to score maybe the try of the game. An individual try as he outstripped the Aldwinians defence.
Pace in the middle and undoubted pace on the wings. Hayden M. now back on his wing and Harrison Dodge on the opposite wing. Are they the speediest in the Club and the other question ---- Is Harrison the best defensive tackler in the Club ?? Good to see him back and now fully fit.
Lee Starkey enjoying some space from the fullback position was able to manage the side and he brought on replacements Ryan Busby “Buzza” and Harry Agar. MORE pace hell if the game could have been played on the main pitch.
Further scores were to be posted as the Vale XV took command. Kieron Pickup was to score an individual try. Does Kieron ever relax ?? Converted by Buzza.

Harm Doctor was to cross from 40 yards out …..!!! with Buzza adding the two points.
At this stage whilst the Aldwinians XV were obviously eyeing a defeat they never took a step backwards throughout the 80 minutes.

It was left for Shannon Morgan to complete the scoring with one of his swerving runs into the midst of the Aldwinians line. Beating maybe 4 players before dotting the ball down on the Crem side of the sticks allowing Buzza to complete the scoring.

Another satisfactory win for this Vale side. At last becoming a settled side as lads put them selves up for selection regularly things can only get better.
Vale have a free week next week followed by a Home fixture v Waterloo. They then enjoy two weeks rest allowing recovery from injuries to be prepared to push for promotion from this League. Note Eagle lost today at Kendal who were winless at the present time.
The Vale 2nd XV are indeed a damned good side filled with ability from front row through to Fulback.

Fred Swarbrick