The Daniel Baines League Division One in the Halbro Northwest Leagues
Vale of Lune 2nd XV 0 pts v 34 pts Eccles 2nd XV
The Vale XV
1. Robbie Skelton
2. Tom Hopwood
3. Joe Harrison
4. Isaac Thornton
5. Josh Sutcliffe
6. Ben Keenan
7. Kieron Pickup
8. Shannon Morgan
9. Olli Wilson Sherringdon
10. Rory Briggs
11. Jami Antcliffe (Captain)
12. Dave Buckhan
13. Chris Thomas
14. Josh Mitton
15. Harry Agar
16. Tom Greaves
17. Josh Sloan Lewis
18. Jerrard McDonald

Are we an away side ?? I must admit I’ve seen the Vale side play better away than they did today. The teams promoted into this League, now a most competitive League, have caused the 2nd XV problems to date. Eccles today, Sale Vikings and Eagle, the last two have yet to come to the Vale. There is no doubt the League is offering a higher standard of rugby this season than many seasons in the past.

It was soon apparent that the Eccles XV were going to prove difficult opponents, pace in the three quarters and a combative 8.

The Vale on paper had a strong XV available for the game, and the Eccles XV were not going to have an easy ride in the set pieces scrummaging, or lineout. Someone counted Josh Sutcliffe took 4 balls out of five in an outstanding lineout performance. With Josh and Ben K. in the lineout this was to be a useful source of possession. With a strong front row of Robbie Skelton, Tom Hopwood and Joe Harrison there would be no easy ride for their opposition up front.
A young lively second row of Isaac Thornton and Josh Sutcliffe were to lock the scrum solidly and I think I’m right in saying the Vale scrummage did not move backwards throughout the game. The back row of Ben Keenan – What a game Ben enjoyed his lineout work is second to none, his energy in the loose play is to be seen. Shannon Morgan now playing No. 8 showed his undoubted ability making a number of breaks but the Eccles defence were prepared. Kieron Pickup a 100 % player week in week out… The tight phases of the game with this 8 were going to equal the Eccles 8. They did….
Behind the scrum Ollie Wilson Sherringdon enjoyed a sound game and served his fly half Rory Briggs with clean ball from some accurate passes. He is indeed a genuine scrum half.

Rory appeared to be carrying a “leg” and his kicking wasn’t as accurate as is the norm, but overall he enjoyed a good game at out half.

Inevitably the wings did not see too much ball and Chris Thomas and Josh Mitten were playing a defensive role generally.
In the middle Skipper Jamie A. and Dave Buckhon again were mainly needed in a defensive role as the pace of the Eccles threequarters started to tell. Harry Agar was playing a sound game at Fullback in the circumstances.
Manager Lee Starkey was using his replacements thoughtfully and Tom Greaves, Josh Sloan Lewis along with Jerrard McDonald were to take to the field.

The pace and guile of the Eccles three quarters was to become apparent. After only 5 minutes a move across their line stretched the defence of the Vale threequarters allowing them to score a 7 pointer.
On 10 minutes they were to cross again completely outstripping the Vale defence for 12 points.
Before the half they were to cross for another 7 pointer. A brilliant defensive tackle by Chris Thomas was to prevent a further score.
The game continued in a similar vein. Sannon Morgan made a number of breaks from 8 into the midst of the Eccles defence using his natural elusive style. The Eccles defence was up to it….
Further scores were added taking the total to a disappointing 34 points to Nil.

It’s got to be said heads never went down in typical Vale fashion and the defensive performance in the light of such pace never let up.
The seconds now move onto two home games prior to the Xmas break with one away at KENDAL on the 14th.
Three wins then before XMAS lads ……

M.O.M. not easy but must go for Joe Harrison – excluding his 10 minutes of the Park !!!