After losing to Burnage by one point in a monumental encounter two weeks ago a much changed Vale side found it tough going at Varley Park against an uncompromising and unbeaten Burnage side who are undisputed conference B leaders.

Late cry off's forced manger Tony Gilmour to burn the midnight oil and consultant his little black book to search for replacements at a comparatively short period of time that left the mobile phone red hot and vibrating late into the night.

Eventually a squad comprising youth and experience wended their way to Burnage. In the pack hooker Gus McSporran was joined by other players who were returning home from university, Sam Clarkson and Simon Wilson. Prop Gavin Speak, who was hauled out of the Vikings made a major contribution in what developed into a testing game of character.

Playing on the 3G surface the game began at a terrific pace with physio Claire worried at the number of injuries that were being picked up by the Vale players who were having their first outing on this type of pitch.

Sam Clarkson and Simon Wilson showed up well in some early vigorous exchanges and Oli Crater probed the home side’s defence with some accurate kicks, while centre Oli Simmons made a number of determined runs before the league leaders opened the scoring with a breakaway converted try.

Two further tries of a similar nature were scored in succession and with Burnage proving adept at putting away their chances the Vale were stretched and trailed 33-0 at half time.

The second half continued in the same vein but the Vale worked hard to stem the home side’s endeavours at source. Oli Carter used the grubber kick effectively and Skipper Lee Farnworth was as always in the thick of the action, leading by example, urging his lads on, which enabled the visitors to successfully pin Burnage down.

Their efforts were rewarded with a try from close range from Simon Wilson who went over by the posts with considerable help from his fellow forwards, Gareth Price put over the conversion.

Burnage added to their total with passages of flowing rugby but the Vale’s spirit or appetite could not be quenched despite falling further behind. Adam Foxcroft spearheaded a number of Vale attacks with support from Joe and Sam Clarkson and the wide ranging Simon Wilson. Gavin Speak hammered his way to the line but was held up short, Oli Cowey and Gus McSporran were everywhere and eventually the Vale were rewarded with a deserved try from Joe Clarkson, converted by Gareth Price.

Replacements Rob O’Brien and Zac Ashton Hall threw themselves enthusiastically into the mix and although Burnage held an undisputed lead until the final whistle the Vale’s heads never went down against an impressive well drilled, fit, skilful side. At the end referee Alan Graham was full of praise for the efforts put in by both sets of players in what had been a sporting contest.

On Saturday the Vale will entertain Liverpool St Helens 2nds in a must win Conference B fixture and hopefully they will receive plenty of encouragement from the home supporters on the holiday weekend. If the game is played with the same passion that was shown in the exciting, nail biting recent home game against Burnage it will be well worth watching.

Vale A: G Price; C Jones, J Haddow, O Simmons, D Harris; O Carter, I Thompson; O Cowey, G McSporran, G Speak; L Farnworth (Capt), A Foxcroft; S Clarkson, S Wilson, J Clarkson. Reps; R O’Brien, Z Ashton Hall