After playing with such vim and vigour against Sale the previous week the seconds produced a disappointing performance at Lightfoot Green. Throughout most of the first half the Vale were very much in contention courtesy of their powerful forwards, but when the scrums became uncontested Hoppers took full advantage and were able to unleash their talented, quick back division on “Mission Plunder.”
Suddenly the Vale were exposed, their tackling was suspect, ball retention weak and the few chances that were created were squandered as the game swung firmly in Preston’s favour.
Vale were without a number of their regular players and before departure there was a mad scramble to assemble a full squad with Alex Batson being called up at the last minute from the third team to play on the wing.
There might have been a host of changes in the threequarters but the forwards were a formidable unit, full of experience, well versed technically and more than capable of exerting pressure on their opposite numbers. Unfortunately uncontested scrums severely manacled Vale’s ambitions which in turn allowed Preston to unleash their greyhounds.
Although the Vale only trailed 7-0 at half time the game soon began to swing in Preston’s favour when two tries were scored before the fifty first minute. Just to make sure the Vale would have a hillock to climb Preston opted for extra insurance with a successful penalty goal in the fifty ninth minute.
Some indifferent Vale tackling was brought centre stage when Hoppers number ten danced his way over for a try in the sixty third minute, followed by a second in similar style six minutes later.
A try from Al Crookall, converted by Ryan Busby in the seventy first minute saved some blushes but with three minute remaining Preston signed off with a converted try.
For the second week in succession Adam Foxcroft was an imposing figure in all areas, flanker Bobby Holbrook was most effective at close quarters, while hooker Olly Cowey marked his return with a competitive performance.
Overall the backs looked ill at ease but full back Chris Ramwell always posed a threat, winger Jordan Fern tried to fashion something from the few scraps that came his way and Ethan Robertson quickly adjusted to life in a number ten jersey.
Thanks to Reg Robinson for his notes.