The Vale Team :-
George Oyston
Matt Mount
Matti Davenport
Josh Longhorn
Joe Harrison
Jake Wilson
Josh Sloan Lewis
Josh McKinnon
Jordan Fern
Harry Finan
Josh Wills
Chris Ramwell
Eddie Abdelghapar
Tom Fox
Kev Bristow
Shaun Stewart
Ryan Busby
The Vale XV were following in the footsteps of their 1st XV who had played their last game prior to Xmas here, and now the 2nds were playing their first game post-Christmas at West Parks’ Red Rocks ground. “Both had returned home with victories”.

Before continuing, must break with tradition and name the Man of the Match before getting into the “meat” of the game. Vale 19 points scored, 19 points scored by Chris – Rammers – Ramwell, who apart from his scoring achievement enjoyed a great game in all aspects. A genuine Man of the Match accolade.

The Vale side arrived early and were settled in their preparations under the guidance of Dave Buchan who was in charge for the day. An inspirational gentleman in charge - then. At their Red Rocks ground the changing accommodation is some distance from the pitch so the Vale lads decided to stay on field for their final preparations.

Looking at the League Table, a close game seemed inevitable Vale 26 points. West Park 26 points. Please note 4 are relegated from this League come end of season so the Vale XV have a lot to play for.
After much deliberation during the morning involving Vales Director of Rugby Dan Rainford at 10.00a.m. they asked for a later deadline regards the game proceeding, at 11.00a.m. the decision came through the game was on. The Vale “lads” were ready. Actually, the pitch was in perfect condition for the game to take place.
Prior to the game Joe Harrison had been selected in the centre. A mouthwatering prospect was in place where we might see Joe taking on the opposition’s diminutive centres. Not to be – after a re-shuffle he was to take his normal position in the pack. Hell, he enjoyed a powerful game.
Kicking off into bright sunlight the game was to follow a controlling pattern in many respects. The combination in the front three of George Oyston – he had a terrific game – Matt Mount at hooker and Matti Davenport were giving the West Park front row a “hiding”. Locking the scrum Joe Harrison and Josh Longhurst were indeed “locking” the scrum, and I don’t think I’ve seen a Vale pack so dominant in the close scrummaging phases in my time at the Club.

In the back row Jake Wilson, Josh Sloan Lewis and Josh McKinnon were using their size and ability to curtail any likely attacking moves created by the West Park XV apart from their needs in attack which were indeed frequent needs. Yes, the scrummaging was overpowering but the lineout work was even, and our Referee for the day – a lady – who enjoyed a great game showing a real authority when handling lads literally twice her size was particularly vigilant in this part of the game. I’m convinced she will rise in the game.
The half backs possibly the most experienced part of the side were enjoying a comfortable time at the scrum with the obvious dominance of the Vale 8. Jordan Fern an unusually big scrum half providing an accurate service to his talented fly half Harry Finan. Jordan does exhibit a lengthy pass providing room outside. Doesn’t quite achieve Steve Vose’s pass – you might ask who the hell is Steve Vose ??- I’ll tell you over a pint !!

Then there was Rammers and Eddie “Algebra” outside. Certainly, a most experienced coupling in the middle of the park. Josh Wills and Tom Fox on the wings were to show their pace at times as the dominance in the game proceeded. Young Kev Bristow now at full back was to enjoy the open spaces generally occurring from that position.
The game progressed and within 10 minutes the Vale side were awarded a penalty just outside the 22. Rammers kicked the three points. On 25 minutes he again was successful from a similar distance. 6 points to Nil.
On 28 minutes West Park were awarded a penalty successfully taken and then a further one on 30 minutes successfully taken to equal the scoring.

On 38 minutes and after a massive forward drive to the West Park line Rammers after a mesmerising run crossed for 5 points inevitably converting his own score.

“The Story of the Boot” Not sure regards this tale and only became aware of it when who else but Rammers walked past carrying an extension ladder. The ball had been kicked onto the roof of the stand followed by one of our lads boot, deliberately thrown onto the roof when it came off, on the field. The game stopped, Rammers using his firefighting experience climbed on the roof retrieved both ball and boot and the game was able to progress. An unusual incident.

On the restart an ensuing penalty was successfully slotted by Rammers. Buzzer and Shaun Stewart had now entered the fray and were to add that little extra energy.

West Park were not finished but were looking a little ragged incurring two yellow cards and reducing the side to 13 or was it 14 . The referee sorted the numbers out after some confusion and awarded the West Park lads a disputed try in the corner to take the score to Ramwell 19,,, West Park 11 points.
Looking ahead the side needs to move out of the Relegation position but two tough games to come. A coach trip with the 1sts next week to Sandbach followed by a home game v St. Edwards the following week. Both tough games needing all available to provide victories against both these oppositions, and move away from the “bottom four” in the table.….

Fred Swarbrick

Chairman

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