Following this defeat life has become a little squeaky for the seconds as they suddenly find themselves involved in a scramble for points in the nether region of Conference B. On Saturday they travel to Stockport to face a side that collected its first Conference win of the season. A mythical “six-pointer” looms.
Vale will need to improve on their performance they produced against Firwood Waterloo where far too many tackles were missed for peace of mind and for the first time for a number of weeks, the pack failed to impose themselves on their opposite numbers, something of a rarity.
Overall it was a disjointed performance. Sam Hadlington and Isaac Turton worked hard throughout, Tom Slater took his two tries well and Maxine Chevot was alert to any opportunity that came his way but a high error count handicapped all their efforts.
The home side shot away to an ideal start with a score after three minutes. Centre Matt Field, obviously enjoying life out of the scrum, made a decisive inside break to create space for Tom Slater to score a try converted by Aaron Melville.
In the seventeenth minute, the visitor’s influential and talented young stand-off, bust through some ineffective tackling for a well taken try which he converted.
A successful Aaron Melville penalty goal was followed immediately by another Firwood Waterloo try when their winger blasted his way over.
However, despite their frailties the Vale edged into the lead after Isaac Turton had secured possession to provide Tom Slater the opportunity to collect his second try converted, by Aaron Melville. Firwood Waterloo turned round at half time with a 19-17 half time lead after a forward thrust had resulted in a converted try.
The second half started badly for the Vale when a mix up in defence allowed Firwood Waterloo to poach an easy try which was converted in the forty third minute.
However, despite numerous set-backs the Vale’s spirit had not been extinguished entirely, and this epitomised when Maxine Chevot completed a handling move with a scorching run down his wing, sweeping past his opponents on the outside for an unconverted try.
Although the Vale were within a try of Firwood Waterloo’s score they were unable to muster the resources to bridge the gap.
With seven minutes remaining they conceded an unconverted try when the visitor’s centre carved and clattered his way through to leave the Vale balanced one place above the relegation zone , a situation that will provide an extra edge ahead of the trip to Bramhall.