Vale 2nd XV 15 pts v 5 pts Eagle 1st XV
The Vale XV as selected :-
James Hesketh
Matthew Davenport
Joe Harrison
Josh Mitton
Tim Nicholson
Kieron Pickup
Sam Walton
Joe Wallbank
Ashton Sharples
Jamie Antcliffe (Skipper)
Connor Hall
Eddie (Algebra) Abdegenlier
Matt Riddler
Kev Bristow
Hayden Mills
Harm Docter
Josh Sloan Lewis
Tom Miller.

Eagle I would suggest were making their first visit to Vales’ Powderhouse Lane ground. Having already played the Vale 2nd XV - actually at home winning 45 pts to 3 pts –
the Vale XV were aware of the task they were to face.
Walking down to the Crem Pitch I was asked numerous times where Eagle were based. Of course the answer is Warrington where they are part of a Sports Club.
Over the years we’ve met this question regards our own Club – Where actually is the Vale of Lune Club ??– got to say this was mainly when were playing in the higher echelons of the game.
I digress ….
The Eagle side are acquiring some success in this Baines Plumbing Division One League after being promoted last season into this most competitive League, currently riding high in 3rd place and looking at promotion.

A strong Vale XV was to take to the field, Manager Lee Starkey had a considerable number of players to choose from, and the way he is managing the side is to be seen. A most enthusiastic man encouraging all his men throughout the game and making some shrewd replacement moves…

The game kicked off under the guidance of our Referee for the day Mr. Richard Todd, the Eagle side have a reputation of playing the game hard and fair. The Vale XV were aware of this from the previous encounter. Richard Todd managed the game superbly.
The first 15 minutes proved the Vale XV were up for a battle and were camped on the Eagle line for the whole of these 15 minutes putting the Eagle XV under considerable pressure. At this time Josh Mitten – now playing 2nd row -- picked up a loose ball 40 metres out and sprinted for the line untouched. 5 pts – 0 pts.

The Vale had selected a powerful eight for the game. The front row of James Hesketh, Matti Davenport and Joe Harrison were clearly going to give the Eagle front row a torrid time. With Josh Mitten and Tim Nicholson locking the scrum, already a difference could be seen between todays game and the previous game. The Vale pack were “screwing” the Eagle eight.
The back row of Kieron Pickup - he never gives up – Sam Walton and Joe Wallbank were putting the Eagle halfbacks under pressure in all phases of the game. Joe W. playing his first game since September was back to his usual self.

At this stage can I call the M.O.M. the match as Tim Nicholson certainly earning this recognition, but there were a number in the side playing on the top of their games.

With the pressure being exerted on the Eagle XV inevitably another score was to be gained and Joe Wallbank after some strong forward play crossed for his try and deservedly so. Now 10 pints ahead the Vale side were looking comfortable but they were playing Eagle. A side that reputation -wise would never fold. They didn’t…..
They came back at the Vale using their undoubted physical strength putting the Vale side under considerable pressure.
Vale scrum half Ashton Sharples was displaying a superb game from scrumhalf – a good player indeed. Using both the blind side and openside to create gaps, spaces were opening up for his partner at fly half -Skipper Jamie Atcliffe – to give him to move the ball wide or indeed to kick into the open spaces.

Outside Jamie A. Matt Ridler was to enjoy a good game (got to say he has the appearance of Damon Hall. “Just an aside with this lads”. His partner in the middle Eddie Abdelguiar was solid – we know he is a good experienced player. On the wing Connor Hall was kept busy and tackled when necessary stopping any Eagle attacks. On the opposite wing Kev Bristow was showing high pace and producing some most elusive attacking options.
To the fulback Hayden Mills undoubted pace – Hayden you must be available at every opportunity. Scoring the sides 3rd try and taking the score to 3 tries to nil and providing the Eagle XV with major problems.

Lee Starkey was using his replacements thoughtfully and Harm Doctor, Josh Sloan Lewis and Tom Miller were entering the field of play giving the lads being replaced much needed rest.
At 15 points to Nil Eagle were to cross for a scrappy try close in, to end the game at the score as above 15 pts to 5 pts.

The side now have a run of home games starting with Sale Vikings next Saturday who are riding high in 2nd place. We know what we are up against lads, please make yourselves available we can move up this League without doubt.

Can’t leave this report without congratulating Eddie Abdelghar (Algebra) firstly on his selection for the Lancashire Royals last weekend but now for his selection for the Sudan International XV where they will gather in Egypt in a couple of weeks time. “ Congratulations Eddie”. Fully deserved ……..
Fred Swarbrick