The seconds were forced to travel to fulfil their fixture at Caldy with only eleven players but the hosts were full alerted about the Vale’s dilemma and were able to loan the Vale four of their players to bring their opponents up to full strength. In addition Caldy ensured that everyone would have a slice of the action including a raft of replacements in an entertaining, sporting contest that spoke volumes about what the game means to those players and officials who operate at grassroots level.
Both teams had players in their ranks from opposing camps which did not in any way dilute the intensity of the encounter. Caldy ran out winners but it was an occasion where sportsmanship triumphed thanks to the generosity of Caldy. This was concrete acknowledgement that the code is all about the players and that a fair and even contest brings with it more satisfaction than a totally one sided game and is certain infinitely preferable to no game at all.
The game at Caldy was reminder that there is respect, passion and a willingness to uphold the spirit and essence of the game that is to found in spades in the Halbro North West Leagues and long may it continue.
Three players from Lancaster University, Freddie Palmer-Jones, Eddie Quinliven and David Wang answered the call to arms at the last minute and they all made important contributions throughout the game. Mark Henderson produced a terrific performance, Ryan Fawcett scored art he will long remember, but whatever jersey the Vale players pulled on they played with the upmost conviction and determination in a game that will live long in the memory, for all the right reasons.
Reg Robinson a passionate follower of the second team over many years voiced his concerns about the shortage of players for the seconds and thirds on their travels. There are many factors involved in this worrying conundrum including injuries, unavailability, and a reluctance of some to travel away.
The shortage of players for away fixtures bedevils many clubs, and has done for many years, hopefully the situation will improve for the Vale in the coming weeks but history has proved that the haemorrhaging of players can bring in its wake serious consequences; once a team is disbanded through lack of numbers it usually signals its end and quickly a club that supports four teams is suddenly down to three. As various supermarkets and other retail outlets are constantly reminding Joe Public; “When it’s gone, it’s gone!”