The Baines Plumbing Division One in the Halbro NW Leagues
Vale of Lune 2nd XV 45 pts v 5 pts Waterloo 2nd XV
The Vale XV
3. Robbie
2. Mattie Davenport
20. Joe Harrison
4. Isaac Thornton
11. Jarrard MacDonald
6. Tom Millar
7. Ben Keenan
8. Shannon Morgan
9. Kieron Pickup
10. Jamie Antcliffe (Capt)
5. Josh Mitten
13. Eddie Abdelgapher
10. Campbell
14. Cole
15. Harrison Dodge
21. Harry Agar
?? Bobby Holdbrook
The Vale XV were now taking the field for a 4th home game in succession. They had won all four but next week again were to be at home against their stiffest opposition to date i,e, Sale FC Vikings. The Sale XV riding high in this Baines Plumbing League.
After playing in the confines of the Crem pitch in their previous fixture v Aldwinians, today they were to exhibit their talent, their pace, and their determination to put on a stellar performance against one of the renowned Clubs in the country, that is Waterloo.
All fifteen were to contribute to a welcome victory as they consolidate their position in this most competitive Baines Plumbing Division One League. At last the selectors seem to be able to select a regular XV and this must be helpful as the side now move into a number of tougher fixtures.
From the opening whistle from our Referee for the day Mr. Simon Vale, note the name Simon of course was at Lancaster University in his early days. It was obvious that the Vale 8 were going to offer some massive power against the Waterloo 8 and within five minutes Joe Harrison, a huge man was to drive over into the corner. Josh Mitten had been appointed goal kicker for the day but he couldn’t follow up with the 2 points. “It was wideout”.
From the resultant kick off Skipper Jamie Antcliffe fired a 50 yard kick into the depth of the Waterloo defence producing a lineout within reach of the Waterloo line. From the resultant lineout Tom Millar, always alert and aware, was to cross for a 5 pointer, whilst from wideout Josh Mitten converted and the Vale XV were in a dominant position.
After playing in the confines of the Crem Pitch it was becoming clear that the space was allowing the side to exhibit the pace necessary to win games. There were, some pacey players in the threequarters. Kieron Pickup drafted into the scrum half position from his usual back row placing was showing his usual deceptive game avoiding tackles as he ducked and dived to get his threequarters moving up the field. Was he playing a back row game from his unusual placing a scrum half. ?
Jamie Antcliffe himself as Skipper is becoming more dependable as the season moves on. In the centre Eddie (Algebra) Abdelghaper has now developed into a reliable mid-field player and today exhibited his undoubted talent when crossing for three tries. Campbell Meures his partner was showing great ability. Should he have gone for the try under the sticks rather than pass the ball out ?? Yes he should !!
On the wings Cole and Josh Mitten were always putting their respective oppositions under pressure and causing major problems for the Waterloo XV.
The front row of Matti Davenport, Joe Harrison and Robbie Colcrane were causing problems for the Waterloo 3. 3 huge gents pressing in the front row…. The second row of Jarrard McDonald and Isaac Thornton improve every game, in fact the whole scrum is moving into a powerful unit. Behind them Tom Millar – 100% each week – Ben Keenan exhibiting his lineout domination as well as his energy round the park, and Shannon Morgan - A great player and a vital member of the XV. were causing the Waterloo many problems. Inevitably Shannon would cross for a try as he drove into the midst of the Waterloo defence. Was it two tries ??
The side is settling which always pays dividends. Harry Agar was to move off the bench showing his pace and Bobby Holdbrook was to move onto the field a most talented player – we know…
Harrison Dodge playing at fullback was struggling to show his undoubted pace but some of his tackling was indeed simply text book, We know Harrison is talented and bl….dy quick.
The game was developing and the scoreboard was changing positively on a regular basis. Josh Mitten was converting accurately but also showing great pace from his wing placing. Where will he be playing next week ??
Moving onto next week, and the arrival of the Vikings I think their first visit. A tough game in prospect and the lads must be well prepared, there is a distinct possibility of being able to move up some placings in the League Table.
Difficult to offer a M.O.M. particularly with Eddie scoring three tries but I must offer it this week to Josh Mitten. Goal kicking with perfection and a number of breaks causing the Waterloo lads to retreat.
Roll on next Saturday !!!

Fred Swarbrick