The seconds struggled to shackle a well organised Blackburn side that completed the double following their 34-15 home victory in February. Blackburn have grown in confidence in the intervening weeks and successfully restricted the Vale to any clear cut chances while making sure they took maximum advantage of any opportunities that came their way.
Once again the seconds found it difficult to assemble a full complement of players and as they started to pick up injuries in the second half patched up players were called upon to return to the action.
Blackburn shot away to an ideal start with an unconverted try after a misdirected kick was returned with interest in a razor sharp counter attack. Gradually the seconds eased themselves back into contention and in the fifteenth minute they levelled the score when Alex Preston drove powerfully over for an unconverted try.
Unfortunately the Vale were unable to consolidate their position and in the nineteenth minute a series of missed tackles allowed Blackburn’s lively scrum half to touch down for an unconverted try. A successful Blackburn penalty increased the margin which was further extended five minutes later when the number nine again darted through for another unconverted try. Just before half time a well worked, quality, Blackburn attack resulted in a converted try.
In the forty sixth minute Blackburn’s centre created mayhem in a move that ended with a converted try. With the game slipping out of the second’s control they regrouped and began to take the game to the visitors with passages of surging rugby that earned a number of penalties and more importantly they were able to spend more time in Blackburn territory.
A secure platform was developed, the ball was moved around with increasing confidence, Scott Manning spun a sublime pass out to Alfie Bolton who touched down for an unconverted try in the sixty third minute.
With the seconds having to shuffle their bench because of injuries Blackburn reasserted their authority with two tries including one gem from their mobile prop in the sixty seventh minute which was not converted and in injury time a converted try.
For the seconds Ollie Johnson produced an impressive performance and although suffering a shoulder injury he returned to the action in the second half when the Vale were depleted through injuries. Fraser Spavin was yet again to be found in the thick of the action as were Isaac Turton and Joe Wallbank. In the backs Scott Manning worked hard in defence and attack but the second’s inability to field a settled side on a regular basis was a major factor in another defeat.
Many thank to Reg Robinson for his notes.