A shortage of players forced the seconds to make the short journey to Preston Grasshoppers with only 14 and although they defended their corner heroically in the opening twenty minutes to prevent Preston from scoring the pressure increased and with the home side always having a player to spare the final outcome was inevitable.
By half time 'Hoppers had established a 38-0 lead but the floodgates opened ever wider in the second half as the Vale tried desperately to fend off the attacking waves. Preston's combination of a pacey back division, plus a set of powerful, mobile forwards gave the Vale little respite or breathing space as the score began to move ever upwards.
Vale's only points came in the fifty sixth minute when Scott Manning intercepted a pass in the home side's twenty two for a neatly taken try converted by Ollie Dobson.
It was another test of character for the Vale who knew what awaited them with such limited resources on their visit to Lightfoot Green.
Scrum half Taylor Mills's education at the level continues with another battling, sleeves rolled up, energetic performance. Ollie Dodson showed a healthy turn of speed and worked hard to stem the tide. Michael Gorst tackled enthusiastically and covered acres of ground in his attempts to make up for being a player down.
Lock Sam Hadlington claimed valuable line out ball ably and abetted by Tom Cvijanovic. Hooker Richard Hodgson played with his usual consistency, his accurate throwing at the line out was a feature of his game but once again the Vale found the strength of their opponents proved to be a massive factor in determining the final result.