1. Joe Stevens
2. Oli Cowey
3. Paul Peters
4. Noah Tulley
5. Darragh van Aswegan
6. Rueben Orr
7. Andy Waite
8. Paul Scott
9. Taylor Mills
10. Jamie Antcliffe
11. Adam Hargreaves
12. Matt Thacheray
13. Joe Bebbigton
14. James Unwin
15. Lee Starkey
16. Tom Needham

The Vale side travelled to what is their most distant 2nd team fixture, on the Wirral and at, in fact the Wirral Club. Once again, a side with many changes was going to be involved in a game against an unbeaten side in this League so far this season.
The 2nd XV are now involved in a run of 4 more Away games. Please Gents make yourselves available for these games we are in touch with the top of the League and already we have gained results against these scheduled away fixtures, at home. We must look for some commitment Gents. Must offer a special mention today regards Joe Bebbington travelled knowing he would have to leave at half time for work, the furthest fixture on our list, half time came up and Joe galloped off the field to drive home. A commitment we need from all of the lads.
Reg Robinson informs me to date this season we have selected 40+ players over 5 fixtures. We now don’t have a fixture until the 9th November two weeks to charge batteries and prepare for Waterloo away !!
It was going to prove a difficult day for the side but there is no doubt the effort shown from 1 to 16 was second to none. One or two unfamiliar names pulled on the Vale jersey today to ply their energy against the unbeaten Wirral XV.
From the K.O. Lee Starkey was involved in clearing the ball as Wirral attacked our line. He was to enjoy a good game… Taylor Mills who is developing the art of quick penalty taking did so to move the Vale away from their line. They were under severe pressure for the first 15 minutes but serious defence kept the marauding Wirral side at bay.
After 7 minutes the game went to uncontested scrums after an injury to a Wirral prop. The Vale pack had now moved away from their line with some powerful play from prop Joe Stevens. Andy Waite playing at number 8 was making inroads into the Wirral side. Lee Starkey with a great kick moved the Vale to the Wirral corner. Stout defence from the Wirral side kept the Vale out.
Ollie Cowey using his great experience was grafting well from hooker ably supported by Paul Peters and again by Joe Stevens. Andy Waite made a 40 metre break at this stage but unfortunately ran out of support.
An unlikely partnership in the powerhouse of Noah Tully and Darragh van Aswegan – Noah turning 18 on Friday and Darragh arriving from Zimbabwe were both providing the power to equal the Wirral 8 in the set pieces. By now we were back to fully contested scrummaging.
Andy Waite, who always plays with energy was ably supported by Paul “Scottie “ Scott and Rueben Orr on the flanks, both showing great energy and competitiveness. Rueben scrum half earlier in the season now to back row.
Vale were beginning to take control, and a strong drive by Noah Tully took the Vale to the Wirral line. A penalty goal kick was ignored and a kick to touch moved them to within 10 meters of the Wirral line with the resultant lineout. The ball was lost and Wirral broke away with the chance of an opening try. The field was open for their first score until Adam Hargreaves showing such pace caught the attacker pulling him down some metres from the Vale line “The tackle of the Game !!!” A real 7 point saving tackle ….
Rueben Orr off the flank was also involved in some serious defensive tackling with Paul Scott on the other flank involved in all the close quarter battles.
A bout of loose tackling as the half time was approaching resulted in a Wirral score 5 pts with 2 for the conversion.
James Unwin on the opposite wing to Adam Hargreaves was handling his defensive needs expertly not giving his opposite number room to use his pace.
At this stage unfortunately the best side in this first half, were losing the game. A series of turnover balls was hampering their attacking opportunities. We know loose ball gained will always out bid set piece ball either from scrummaging or lineout possession.
Half Time.. Vale 0 points Wirral 7 points
From the K.O. defence was called upon but once again the Vale side spilled the ball. Joe Bebington who had enjoyed a good first half in the centre supporting his centre partner Matt Thackeray who was playing his normal tight game and in fact no stranger to this level of rugby. Tom Needham moved off the bench to replace the departing Joe Bebington.
In a loose phase of play once again the Vale were turned over, Taylor Mills then nicked a loose ball and made headway. Andy Waite again in the “thick of it “made a powerful break but the Wirral line stood firm.
At this stage James Unwin produce a great defensive tackle but the Vale side by now had not left their half of the field for some 30 minutes.
With 10 minutes to go Wirral crossed again to take the score to 12 points to Nil in fact the final score.
Disappointing result but the lads that came in showed real promise and enthusiasm. If only we could keep a settled side !!!
Gents as last week – We can still win this League with the right support from all.
Ryan Fawcett and Paul Antcliffe are to be congratulated for their management of the side at the Wirral Club !!!
A big thank you to Fred Swarbrick for his report.