An interesting game unfolded at Moorgate Avenue and although there was never any doubt about the outcome, the final score did not reflect Vale’s overall dominance in the forwards. The visitors led 38-0 at half time and there appeared to be more shots still in the locker but the expected bombardment did not materialise.
Vale’s pack produced a polished, powerful performance and was responsible for seven of the eight tries scored. They suffered an early blow when Richard Hodgson was forced out if the action when he suffered an eye injury forcing a reshuffle of the front row with the lion hearted Sam Hoare moving to prop.
The Vale’s forward display was the highlight of the game but unfortunately the threequarters were unable to profit from a steady supply of ball. It was one of those games when they never really clicked, some poor alignment, loose passing and predictable running angles gave Rochdale time to shore up their defensive network and to keep the score within respectable proportions.
Richard Hodgson’s departure was quickly solved and once the once the pack had adjusted the Vale had points on the board. Al Crookall broke through a number of tackles for a fifth minute try converted by Alex Briggs.
In the thirteenth minute Fraser Spavin roared onto a pass to split Rochdale’s defence for an unconverted try. With the Vale pack setting a high tempo Fraser Spavin collected a deserved second try as the game moved into the second quarter.
Adam Foxcroft was a bundle of explosive energy throughout, he thundered over for a try converted by Alex Briggs. The forwards continued to set the agenda and they rounded off a consummate half with two further tries with a brace from the hard grafting Sam Hoare, both being converted by Ryan Fawcett.
In a flurry of activity at the opening of the second half Nathan Manning went hurtling on his merry way but Rochdale’s defence remained firm. The hosts took advantage of some slack Vale defending when they failed to spot the danger of an accurate cross kick to concede an unconverted try in the fiftieth minute.
Seven minutes later Sam Hoare blasted his way through tackles for a splendid hat trick, Ryan Fawcett added the conversion. The threequarters eventually put their names on the score sheet when Scott Manning broke their duck with a sixty eighth minute try converted by Ryan Fawcett.
However, the day belonged to the forwards. Their backing up was superb, handling at close quarters was slick, and they were constantly driving at the opposition to set up an attacking platform. Fraser Spavin was outstanding in all areas, his tackling was clinical, Harry Vause made a massive contribution, Sam Hoare was a formidable presence while Adam Foxcroft grew into the game.