In what was at times a somewhat disjointed performance from the Vale, due in the main to the changes from their usual line up, Lee Farnworth was unable to celebrate his birthday in style as the Vale returned to Conference B action, but overall the Vale battled hard against opponents who were quick to exploit any gaps in the visitors defensive alignment.

Playing against a strong wind the Vale fell behind to a well worked unconverted try after five minutes. Despite this early set back the Vale remained in touch but in the twentieth minute the first of a number of changes were forced on the visitors. Scrum half Josh Whyke hobbled off with a leg injury. His replacement Issac Thomson easily slotted into the action and his swift passing and energy were much in evidence throughout. Unfortunately the Vale conceded two further tries both of which were converted.

In the closing minutes of the half the Vale came more and more into the game with Lee Farnworth as always setting the bench mark, receiving valuable support from man of the match, Hew Marsden. A passage of ferocious driving rugby from the Vale pack provide the platform and momentum for the ball to be moved wide, Gareth Price touching down in the corner in the second minute of injury time. At this period of Vale ascendancy newcomers James Gibson and James Reeds made strong determined runs at the opposition.

During the interval the Vale had to replace prop Matt Field who suffered a shoulder injury resulting in a reshuffling of their pack. While the Vale were adjusting to the changes they fell further behind in the forty second and fifty first minutes when Altrincham’s lively backs ran in two tries one of which was converted.

Vale suffered another set back when lock Adam Foxcroft retied with an eye injury and shortly after his departure the home sides nippy winger completed his hat trick.

Again the Vale determinedly came back and in the sixty fifth minute James Gibson touched down for a deserved try converted by Price. A minute later James Reeds made his mark with a try following a well balanced break from Kieron Doyle who was beginning to play a more influential role as the Vale took the game to the home side, and although James had to juggle with the ball he powerfully forced his way over.

In the closing minutes the Vale looked ideally poised to close the gap but the Altrincham defence began to whisk the ball away to safety at crucial moments and were able to clear their lines to deny the Vale any further points and Lee an extra candle on his cake.

At the final whistle referee Daniel Taylor was congratulated on his handling of the game by players from both sides in what had been an absorbing competitive encounter to begin a new year.