Vale of Lune 2nd XV 57 pts v 17 pts Preston Grasshoppers 3rd XV
The Vale XV
Jams Hesketh
Matti Davenport
Robbie Skelton
Tom Miller
Jarrard McDonald
Ben Keenan
Jake Wilson
Isaac Turton
Ollie Wilson-Sherrington
Rory Briggs
Josh Mitton
Jamie Antcliffe
Isaac Thornton
Sam Walton
Lee Craven- Starkey
Harvey Ayres

The Hoppers XV were experiencing real problems in this strong Division One League and indeed were on the verge of relegation. Under the Leadership of Lee Starkey and the support – strong support – of Jamie Antcliffe and James Hesketh the Vale XV were under no illusions regards the payback needs after being rolled over by this Hoppers XV on the first day of the season.
The lads had obviously undergone a detailed warm up and clearly received a strong verbal talking to in the lead up to the game. Why the obvious effects of the build up ? It was simply that Hayden Mills crossed in the first minute of the game. Showing extreme pace the Hoppers cover could not stop him crossing in the “grave yard” corner. Rory Briggs who was to show some accurate kicking both from the spot and in the open field slotted over the two points.
The Hoppers XV were under severe pressure at this stage and on 15 minutes Sam Walton – who was enjoying a good game showing remarkable pace – crossed for a 5 pointer ably converted by Rory B.
It is a known fact that any Hoppers side might not lie down. They didn’t and on 15 minutes after a powerful forward drive they scored under the posts. This on 22 minutes, note under the posts the conversion failed.
Surprisingly the Hoppers were exerting some pressure on the Vale 8 in the tight phases. But with the experience in the front three in Robbie Skelton, Matti Davenport and the indefatiguable “Hesky” they were never going to dominate. In the second row, Tom Miller – never rests – and Jarrard McDonald were holding up the Hoppers pressure.
Behind these 5 Vale had the youth of Ben Keenan and Jake Wilson – both lads for the future they are good – supported by the great experience of Isaac Turton now recovered from an early season injury. They were a good 8….
On 25 minutes a marauding Ben Keenan broke clear to score a 5 pointer with reliable Rory adding the points from wideout. He was indeed on top form with his kicking game.
The game was flowing and once again young Hayden Mills showing remarkable pace – excuse me he is ”bloody” quick – crossed for a second try. Rory converted – Hell Rory – do you ever miss !!!!

On the back of this Vale score, Hoppers retaliated and on 32 minutes crossed for an unconverted 5 points. Taking their score to 10 points.

From the base of the scrum Ollie Wilson Sherringham was providing accurate support to his fly half partner – What was his name ??? Outside ever reliable Jamie Antcliffe was at his overpowering best driving into the Hoppers midfield defence. Sam Walton his partner was at times showing great pace and as a pair in the middle were causing the Hoppers defence many problems.
On the opposite wing to Hayden- play anywhere Josh Mitten was to cross for a try using his undoubted strength.

Manager Lee Starkey once again had to don his kit but wherever he plays he will not let any side down,.
The game was clearly moving away from the Hoppers reach and Hayden was to cross for his 3rd try of the game to break the 50 point mark with Rory Briggs once again adding the 2 points.
A satisfactory outcome was in place and payback was in place. The Hoppers never ease off and were to cross for a 7 pointer late n the game bringing their score to 17 points against the Vales 57…
They will be playing in Division 2 North next season unfortunately as Hoppers/Vale games are always competitive.

The Man of the Match must go to Hayden M. for the completion of his three tries. “ Inevitable”….

Next weekend Anselmians are at Powderhouse Lane and they too need some payback. Please lads !!!!

Fred Swarbrick