Vale reversed a one point defeat at Rossendale in January in a contest of contrasting styles but because the scrums were uncontested from the kick off the homes side’s cutting edge was blunted slightly but what they were denied at scrum time was offset by some fierce mauling and driving, in particular when they had a sniff of their opponents line.
The reason for the scrums being uncontested was that for the first time since the leagues were formed in 2002, the Vale were unable to select a squad that contained any recognised props and although the Vale secured a deserved victory they were penalised two points for being unable to conform to the regulations.
On a heavy pitch Rossendale opened the scoring with a fourth minute unconverted try. In the build up the Vale struggled to get their hands on the ball as Rossendale’s forwards mauled their merry way to the line.
After their early shock the Vale came into the game and were not afraid to move the ball swiftly away from the grappling, octopus like hands of the Rossendale eight. Vale’s sense of adventure was rewarded with a flurry of points, which included four tries in a blistering twelve minute spell.
Chris Ramwell instigated a counter attack from full back in a thrilling passage of rugby. He drew in the cover before slipping a pass to James Curran who gained valuable metres before returning the ball to Chris Ramwell who crossed for a try which Alex Briggs converted in the fifteenth minute.
Three minutes later Vale’s forwards swarmed out of defence in a move that ended with Tom Rogers, who had maintained a high work rate throughout, crossing for a try converted by Alex Briggs.
The visitors were certainly on a roll and increased their lead in the twenty first minute when lock Adam Foxcroft, who made a massive contribution and was a constant thorn in the host’s side, sent defenders flying in a thirty metre rampaging run for his try, converted by Alex Briggs.
Vale’s scoring spree ended in the thirty seventh minute when James Curran outpaced the cover for a well taken try following a passage of slick, sharp passing, the trusty boot of Alex Briggs again added the extras.
The half ended with a second forward inspired Rossendale try in the thirty seventh minute after the Vale had drifted out of the game.
Chris Ramwell completed Vale’s scoring in the forty second minute when he zipped over for an unconverted try but for the remainder of the game the Vale were unable to carve out any clear cut opportunities to increase their haul.
However, the Vale were able to protect their line against the full force of the Rossendale’s forward power with some lionhearted tackling. Rossendale’s final score came from an unexpected quarter when they surprised the visitors by moving the ball wide for their winger to cross for an unconverted try.
Overall it was a pleasing all round performance from the seconds who faced a side well versed in the arts of forward play. Adam Foxcroft’s forceful performance earned him the man of the match award, his action man runs were guaranteed to rattle the opposition.
Tom Rogers put in a full shift as did David Minikin when he came on as a replacement for “prop” Andrew Garnett. Marl Pits has not been one of Andy’s favourite venues because on his last visit he also suffered a badly gashed head and had to leave the action.
Fraser Spavin performed at his usual high standard in all areas, with his tackling in particular being most effective. James Curran and Chris Ramwell threatened throughout while Olly Dobson quickly picked up the pace when he came on as a replacement in what was a most satisfying outcome for the Vale.
Report filed by Stuart Vernon.
Many thanks to Paul Kilshaw from Rossendale RUFC for supplying the photographs.