The Baine Plumbing Division One in the Halbro NW Leagues

Stockport 2nd XV 36 pts v 22 pts Vale of Lune 2nd XV
The Vale XV
1, Tom Hopwood
2. Lee Starkey
3. Matti Davenport
4. Isaac Thornton
5. Jarrard McDonald
17, Jake Wilson
7. Ben Keenan
8 Isaac Turton
9. Ollie Wilson Sherringham
10. Henry Clifton
11. Harrison Dodge
21. Eddie Abdeligar
13. Sam Walton
14. Hayden Mills
15. Dan Leighton
20. Sam Gleen
6. Tom Miller
A changed XV were to take the field for the final game of the season at Stockports’ Headland Road Club. The Stockport side riding high in the League and unbeaten to today. Still unbeaten !! They will now look forward next Saturday to the Final in the Primo Drinks Cup to play Sale Vikings at the Macclesfield Club. They’ve enjoyed a most successful season.

I have now watched every 2nd XV game to date in this current season and I think the performance by the lads today was the best and most encouraging of all games this season. “Save the best to last”
It was clear that preparations were in place, for pitch renewals for next season, and the game was switched to a back pitch some half a mile from the main centre of the Club. This move didn’t affect the enthusiasm of this youthful Vale XV - emphasis on the youthful.
The game kicked off and it was clear that Stockport had 4 or 5 huge forwards who were going to test the Vale XV. Lee Starkey was starting the game at hooker, he has now played every position I think but I don’t think he or anyone can play in the side and manage things whilst playing. What a season he’s enjoyed both on the field and off the field…….

The early phases were allowing the Stockport side to display their strength and after pressure from them on the Vale line a clearance kick by Lee S. charged down allowed them to score a 5 pointer in the corner.
Some challenging defensive work in the loose phases by the Vale forwards particularly Isaac Thornton – watch Isaac – and Jarrard McDonald were holding the Stockport side out. With the back row of Isaac Turton – we need to see more of Isaac next season, Ben Keenan and Jake Wilson there was no room for the Stockport side to develop any meaningful attacks. The defensive game of these lads was to be seen. Ben Keenan and Jake Wilson tackling like demons at all times preventing any build up from the Stockport XV. This in addition to their work in the lineouts and solid scrummaging.
Inevitably and after a series of moves involving both their forwards and backs Stockport crossed for a 7 pointer. The Vale front row of Tom Hopwood – for his size has a most noticeable turn of speed – alongside the experienced Matti Davenport now propping his Skipper Lee Starkey were holding their own up front and in fact the scrummaging was indeed providing equality.

Now 12 points to nil the Vale side were taking the Stockport XV into the midst of the field, a driving run by Eddie Algebra – sorry Eddie I will get your name correct – not the first, was driving the Stockport defence to retreat. Henry Clifton a most elegant player was setting up attacks with some deft accurate kicking and putting the ball behind the Stockport defence allowing his centres both Eddie and Sam Walton to probe the Stockport defensive line.

A massive driving move instigated by Isaac Walton took the game to the Stockport line and Sam Walton – enjoying a good game in the middle - followed up with the try. Inevitably Henry Clifton to convert. After his early 3 pointer the score was tight at 12 points to 10 points to Stockport.
A close Stockport member opined that their side had not been under so much pressure all season !!!

The Stockport XV weren’t leading the league unbeaten to lie down. They were to come back at the Vale side with extra enthusiasm and using their extra strength they were to drive the Vale side back to their line. At this point Dan Leighton at fullback was brought into play and his defensive work was indeed needed. Of course, Dan is also a lad keen to join any attacking moves and has indeed great pace.

On the day and considering the youthfulness of the Vale XV the two wings – one possibly the best tackler in the Club apart from his undoubted pace – Harrison Dodge, were not receiving much useful ball. His opposite wing Haydn Mills also with great pace and most elusive in his attacking runs again was struggling to get in the game although inevitably with his undoubted ability he was to cross for a try.

The game moved on and in true Vale fashion heads never went down. Henry Clifton deservedly scored after another diving move by Eddie A. taking the score to 29 to 15 points followed by Hayden Mills try and conversion by Henry C. Clearly the game was moving away from the Vale XV. Sam Gleen moved into the front row and Tom Miller moved onto the park. We know Tom as being in fact a damned good player and he will never take a step backwards. He didn’t !!!

The Stockport XV were to cross for a final score to take them into an unassailable 36 pts to 22 points lead and to take the Championship of this most competitive Daniel Baines League.

They will now move to the Primo Drinks Final next Saturday and receive their award at the Presentation Dinner at the Preston Grasshoppers Club on the 9th May….
There will be no Man of the Match award this week, just a thanks to all the lads for their efforts in this final match of the season. The future looks good for this side and thanks for providing so much good rugby throughout this season,
Fred Swarbrick