Ruarai Taylor Smith (Rory)
Billy Bolton
Joe Stevens
Louis Brickley
Thomas Fox
Isaac Turton
Reggie Worthington
Oscar Tresham
Orainn McMeeking
Matty Kaye
Kev Briston
Chris Ramwell
Harry Stainton
Harrison Dodge
Ryan Busby
Roland Gecci
Jacob Winder
Callum Hall

⸻

The Vale XV returned home to face what historically would be a strong Widnes XV. Of course, the Vale XV had not won a game to date. Would today reverse that record?

Over the years, the home side in this fixture had won the game. Looking at the Vale side today, it seemed almost certain that situation would continue. A number of new faces were taking their places in the side and expectations were building.

The side included, in the back division, three of the quickest lads in the Club in Kev Briston, Harrison Dodge and, at fullback, Buzza – Busby.

The game kicked off in glorious sunshine and, it must be said, on one of the finest pitches in the country, well looked after by the Vale’s enthusiastic ground teams. Thanks, gents!

To the game, and with only three minutes on the clock, a concerted drive from maybe 20 yards out – note yards, not metres, hell, I am getting old – resulted in Billy Bolton touching down for the first try. Chris ‘Rammers’ Ramwell slotted the two points from wide out.

Chris ‘Rammers’ was going to play a major part in the game, with his ability to weave patterns, avoid being tackled and all at pace. It was good to see him in the side for his first selection of the season. With his partner Harry Stainton, they were going to cause this Widnes XV many problems.

On 14 minutes, Rammers himself crossed for five points, adding the two points with his second successful conversion.

The half backs were providing controlled ball to the lads outside them. Matty Kaye uses the ball extremely well and is an excellent reader of the game, knowing instinctively when to kick for position – and he is the most accurate of kickers – or feed his threequarters, hungry for the ball.

Inside Matty, at scrum half, young Orainn McMeeking, improving each game, was cleaning up and feeding his threequarter line from the set pieces, both scrums and lineouts. Orainn was to enjoy an outstanding game.

To the game, the Vale XV were generally on top and on 25 minutes a shrewd kick from Rammers allowed Buzza to pick up and cross for five points. Inevitably converted by Rammers. Possibly the try of the game!

Coming up to half-time, a penalty awarded to Vale resulted in three points, again from Rammers’ boot. On his first game of the season, he was showing his ‘prowess’. Don’t take this the wrong way, please!

Of course, the opposition were Widnes and on 40 minutes they would run in a seven-pointer themselves.

A most eventful first half had been completed and, from the above, you would think the game revolved around the Vale’s threequarters. It did in many respects, but a successful back division must inevitably rely on a successful eight moving forward.

The Vale eight were successful. From the front row of Ruarai Taylor Smith – Rory for short – Billy Bolton and Joe Stevens, they were providing the strength and ability to hold the Widnes eight in the set pieces. A strong front row was indeed in place.

Behind this front row, Thomas Fox and Louis Brickley were to provide a tight, controlled scrummage. Louis, playing his first game of the season, was particularly noticeable in his blue scrum cap. At times so prominent you’d think it might be Rammers, who was also featuring a blue scrum cap.

Again today, the Vale were fielding a strong, elusive back three in Isaac Turton – never stops running – Reggie Worthington – a man and player to watch – and Oscar Tresham to complete a most useful back row trio.

The Vale XV generally were on top and soon after the half-time whistle, Orainn McMeeking was to cross for five points after a most elusive run.

Referee Simon Keeley had suffered a leg injury and had to leave the field. After some heated discussions, Trevor McMeeking, who had attended the game as a spectator but was a qualified referee in his own right, was asked to take the game over. Note Trevor’s name – his son had just scored his second try.

Following this score, Louis Brickley was to cross for seven points, the successful conversion by Rammers.

At this stage, the Vale were in complete control and Orainn was to cross for a further five points, with two points added by Rammers.

Did the Widnes XV fold? No, they did not!

On 60 minutes they crossed for seven points and were demonstrating their own abilities, moving at pace, and soon on 63 minutes they crossed for a five-pointer, taking their score to 19 points.

At this stage, Dave Buchan and Duncan, both good readers of the game, had used the bench wisely. Roland Gecci was to join the fray and Jacob Winder also took to the field. Jacob was to complete Vale’s scoring at 50 points.

Was it good to see Callum Hall take to the field! Callum is a strong, hard player and hopefully will make himself available over the next few weeks.

For the Vale, it was a resounding victory – the first of the season – but it’s clear that, depending on availability, this side will go ahead to rise up the table in this most competitive Daniel Baines Division One League.

To the M.O.M., and after speaking to one or two people, different names were lauded, but lads, I would nominate Billy Bolton as M.O.M. after a most energetic game from the middle of the scrum, crowned with his scoring of a try.

Next week we move to West Park. Please lads, all of you, please offer your availability. We are in a position to move up this most competitive Daniel Baines League.

Fred Swarbrick

Chairman
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