Vale 2 recorded only their second league victory of the season with a stylish performance at Heywood Road after having an earlier defeat inflicted on them by Sale 2 at Powderhouse Lane, 57-28.
For only the second occasion were the Vale able to put out a full complement of players eighteen players. The whole squad responded with a whole hearted display and apart from a lapse in concentration just before half time, they showed great determination and could feel proud of their commitment after a run of disappointing results.
Dan Rainford had an outstanding game and fully deserved to named man of the match, but Fraser Spavin’s input made him a close contender for this accolade. In a strong well organised pack Petar Aleksov made an aggressive contribution before he had to leave for work at half time. Matt Field again showed what a versatile forward he is, while Bobby Holbrook scythed down anything that came within bone crunching range of any opponent who crossed his path.
In the backs Harry Finan and Will Hunt formed an intelligent partnership which ensured the threequarters were able to construct some interesting and varied lines of attack which in turn created problems for the hosts in the second half.
After twenty one minutes Vale’s sprightly opening brought its reward when Dan Rainford broke from his own twenty two before slipping a slick pass to Fraser Spavin who in turn sent prop To’i Aulitia crashing over by a post for a try converted by Will Hunt.
Although the Vale appeared in control for long periods they were unable to build their score and as the half drew to a close they let their concentration wander and were punished in the thirty seventh and forty first minutes when Sale rattled in two tries one of which was converted.
Changes were made by the Vale at half time but they began by achieving early dominance in the scrums and with it a platform to build on which sent a sense of purpose flowing through the whole side.
Dan Rainford’s momentum took him over for an unconverted try in the forty third minute to level the scores. Kyel Dempsey, now fully recovered from his recent illness, completed a flowing, creative attack with an unconverted try after fifty minutes.
The longer the game went on the more assured the Vale became and they began to play with increasing authority in all areas. Fraser Spavin, who was rarely seen away from the hub of action, looped round for his try which was converted by Will Hunt in the fifty eighth minute.
Another Vale player who made his mark, Bobby Holbrook completed a passage of forward rugby in the seventy sixth minute with an unconverted try.
The game ended with a flourish from the visitors when in the third minute of added time Scott Manning intercepted a pass close to his goal line and then put in a long kick downfield. Kyel Dempsey tracked the ball’s flight path with precision and was perfectly positioned to collect it before flicking a pass to Will Hunt for a thrilling try which Will converted.