The Baines Plumbing Division One in the Impact North West Leagues
Fylde Vandals 69 pts to 17 pts Vale 2nd XV
The Vale XV
15. Lee Starkey-Craven
14. Billy Bolton
13. Jamie Antcliffe
12. Kywel Dempsey
11. Kev Britson
10. Matty Kaye
9.   Orain McMeeking
8.   Thomas Bradburn
7. Josh Sloan Lewis
6. Alistair Hall
5. Josh Longhurst
4. Tom Miller
3 Joe Stevens
2. Matt Davenport
1. Roland Gecci
16. Sam Green
17. Paul Morris
The Fylde Vandals side were playing their first game at home since their successful promotion season last year. Their season had commenced with a clear victory over Manchester 2nd XV away in their opening game.
 
The Vale side today managed off field by Dave Buchan a most knowledgable reader of the game and on field by Lee Starkey. Is he the most versatile player the Vale have seen in their history. Hooking one week and today fullback this following on from many positional changes as last season.
A large crowd were present to cheer this Vandals side on, actually outnumbering the spectators witnessing the Fylde 2nd XV on their main pitch.
 
The game kicked off in glorious sunshine and it soon became apparent that the Fylde side could well prove to be a useful outfit. In 7 minutes they had crossed for a try expertly converted to lead 7 points to Nil. Following this Fylde score the Vale side rallied and Matty Kaye, playing a controlled game from fly half on 15 minutes crossed for 5 points.
 
5 minutes later the Fylde XV crossed for another 7 pointer. They were proving to be a useful side filled with experienced  players.
 
On 25 minutes Kyel Dempsey after some powerful attacking  attacking play crossed for a 7 pointer. The spirited Vale XV were in touch of the Fylde score. 14 points to 12 points – Fylde.
On 33 minutes Fylde after an attacking movement crossed for a further 7 pointer.
The Vale 2nd XV are a resilient lot and heads never went down, after an clever attacking movement Thomas Bradburn crossed for a 5 pointer this to complete Vales scoring for the day this followed by a burst of scoring running up to the half time whistle.

At the trurn round the Vandals spurred on by this large crowd were leading 26 points to 17 points.
 
From the 2nd half start the Fylde XV were immediately on the attack and on 41 minutes added 7 points to their score. On 43 minutes once again they crossed for a further 7 pointer.
 
Whilst it was a sound win for this formidable Fylde XV the Vale lads as is becoming normal never let their heads drop. The front row was holding their own throughout the game and with the support coming through from the locks they were holding the Fylde 8 in the set pieces. The lineout work from the Vale 8 was proving to be a source of possession but the robust Fylde XV literally robust were able to squash any Vale movements, setting up their own attacking efforts.
 
The Vale XV now were approaching a major defensive game. After a first half showing much promise the game was changing. The main attacking point of the first half had Kev Briston showing terrific pace and leaving the Fylde defenders grasping. For his first half display I would offer Kev the MO.M.
Tom Millar had to leave the field with a visible arm injury. Kyel Dempsey was playing under the effects of an injury and ultimately had to leave the field. Sam Green and Paul Morris taking their places on the Park.
 
At halfback Orain McMeeking improves every game and his flyhalf partner Matty Kaye clearly is talented putting in some accurate cross field kicks to his wings in Fin Smiths style.
Jamie Antcliffe using his vast experience was called on the exhibit his defensive needs apart from showing some strong attacking play where possible.
 
The final score at Fylde 69 points to Vale 17 points was possibly a true reflection of the game. BUT they have to return to Powderhouse Lane. Who Knows ???
Fred Swarbrick (an attempt on a disappointing day !!!! ))))
 
Fred S.
 
 
 
 
 
Fred Swarbrick
 
Chairman
 
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