BackSat 22 Feb 2020 · Conference C
2nd XVStockport 2nd XV
31
0
SECONDS STEP UP A GEAR.
Stuart Vernon24 Feb 2020 - 09:59
There is no substitute for pace at whatever level of the game, but hard graft is stil required.
The seconds enjoyed the luxury of being able to muster up a full squad for their second Conference C fixture of the season and hopefully this fixture’s outcome will ensure a strong contingent of experienced players will be able to front up for the away game at Firwood Waterloo on Saturday.
With enthusiastic support from the sidelines from the usual loyal band of supporters plus the Director of Rugby, Club Coach and first team captain and with club captain James Hesketh directing operations on the field, the seconds produced a determined performance to nil the opposition for the first time this season and to achieve their first clean sheet since March 2019 when they won at home against Rossendale 12-0, plus their first Conference C victory of the season.
Stockport were no pushover, they arrived with a formidable, strong pack but the Vale had the edge in the threequarters and it was obvious from the opening exchanges which way the Vale’s bread was buttered. Five tries were posted; the total might have been higher but during the second half white line fever swept through the back division.
Following an initial bout of sparing the Seconds registered their opening try in the ninth minute. A full bodied attack gained momentum following an incisive break by Alfie Bolton who linked with Ryan Busby who in turn chipped ahead. Scott Manning carefully nursed the ball over the line with a deft kick before touching down for an unconverted try.
The visitors game plan quickly emerged, they tried to keep everything tight and tie in their opponents but to their credit the Seconds proved equal to the challenge and with Dan Rainford making his presence felt in all areas those around him responded with Rob O’Brien, Noah Tully, Tom Needham and Rhys Randall all working exceptionally hard to thwart Stockport’s aspirations.
As the game drifted into stoppage time the Seconds delivered two heavy blows in Stockport’s direction. Ryan Busby pouched an ill directed kick to scamper through for a try converted by Lee Starkey, who once again worked hard at number nine. Man of the match, Dan Rainford, surged powerfully through on a twenty metre burst before threading an exquisite pass to Jordan Fern who drew in the full back before crossing for his try which Lee Starkey converted.
Vale were forced to make changes at half time which reduced the potential of their line out and early in the second forty Matt Field was forced to leave the action after a collision with a Stockport prop which resulted in the scrums becoming uncontested, a situation that helped the Vale enormously but did little to benefit Stockport.
The game became rather scrappy but the Vale adapted well to the circumstances and went further ahead in the fifty first minute. A flowing, high energy threequarter attack ended with Jordan Fern hurtling between the posts for an unconverted try.
It was obvious that the Seconds had the edge in the backs, the pace they generated caused Stockport problems but at times they held onto the ball too long or tried to go solo. The game bubbled along at merry pace which was well controlled by referee George Nuttall who was spot on with his decision making and quickly stamped on any nonsense from either camp.
Once again as the game moved into huge slice of added time the Vale struck again to end on a high note. Ryan Busby field the ball in his own half, “Buzzer” pressed the right buttons to fire up the after burners to scorch through the opposition on a mazy crossfield, corkscrewing, vapour trailing run for a thrilling try converted by Lee Starkey.
There was still enough sand left in the timer for Stockport to launch a number of rumbustious full frontal forward attacks but the Vale muscled up to deny the visitors in a frantic finale to the contest. All eyes will now be focussed on the squad selected for the trip to Blundellsands which will be no picnic on the coast.
Thanks to Reg Robinson for his all embracing notes.
With enthusiastic support from the sidelines from the usual loyal band of supporters plus the Director of Rugby, Club Coach and first team captain and with club captain James Hesketh directing operations on the field, the seconds produced a determined performance to nil the opposition for the first time this season and to achieve their first clean sheet since March 2019 when they won at home against Rossendale 12-0, plus their first Conference C victory of the season.
Stockport were no pushover, they arrived with a formidable, strong pack but the Vale had the edge in the threequarters and it was obvious from the opening exchanges which way the Vale’s bread was buttered. Five tries were posted; the total might have been higher but during the second half white line fever swept through the back division.
Following an initial bout of sparing the Seconds registered their opening try in the ninth minute. A full bodied attack gained momentum following an incisive break by Alfie Bolton who linked with Ryan Busby who in turn chipped ahead. Scott Manning carefully nursed the ball over the line with a deft kick before touching down for an unconverted try.
The visitors game plan quickly emerged, they tried to keep everything tight and tie in their opponents but to their credit the Seconds proved equal to the challenge and with Dan Rainford making his presence felt in all areas those around him responded with Rob O’Brien, Noah Tully, Tom Needham and Rhys Randall all working exceptionally hard to thwart Stockport’s aspirations.
As the game drifted into stoppage time the Seconds delivered two heavy blows in Stockport’s direction. Ryan Busby pouched an ill directed kick to scamper through for a try converted by Lee Starkey, who once again worked hard at number nine. Man of the match, Dan Rainford, surged powerfully through on a twenty metre burst before threading an exquisite pass to Jordan Fern who drew in the full back before crossing for his try which Lee Starkey converted.
Vale were forced to make changes at half time which reduced the potential of their line out and early in the second forty Matt Field was forced to leave the action after a collision with a Stockport prop which resulted in the scrums becoming uncontested, a situation that helped the Vale enormously but did little to benefit Stockport.
The game became rather scrappy but the Vale adapted well to the circumstances and went further ahead in the fifty first minute. A flowing, high energy threequarter attack ended with Jordan Fern hurtling between the posts for an unconverted try.
It was obvious that the Seconds had the edge in the backs, the pace they generated caused Stockport problems but at times they held onto the ball too long or tried to go solo. The game bubbled along at merry pace which was well controlled by referee George Nuttall who was spot on with his decision making and quickly stamped on any nonsense from either camp.
Once again as the game moved into huge slice of added time the Vale struck again to end on a high note. Ryan Busby field the ball in his own half, “Buzzer” pressed the right buttons to fire up the after burners to scorch through the opposition on a mazy crossfield, corkscrewing, vapour trailing run for a thrilling try converted by Lee Starkey.
There was still enough sand left in the timer for Stockport to launch a number of rumbustious full frontal forward attacks but the Vale muscled up to deny the visitors in a frantic finale to the contest. All eyes will now be focussed on the squad selected for the trip to Blundellsands which will be no picnic on the coast.
Thanks to Reg Robinson for his all embracing notes.
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