Report by Stuart Vernon, pictures by Graeme Hall

Following their thrilling victory at Altrincham Kersal Vale, who were missing a number of their regular players were brought down to earth against one of the leading sides in the Bateman BMW Premier League.

Despite an encouraging performance the Vale were unable to make up the necessary ground after a disastrous opening when they shipped twenty one points in even time. Sedgley Park rocked the Vale back with some powerful purposeful running which early on exposed some indifferent tackling from the home side who struggled throughout to contain the visitor’s impressive, quality full back.

Gradually the Vale crept back into the game and were rewarded with a try. A speculative high kick from Josh Whyke was gathered confidently by the elusive Damon Hall who spiralled his way from the cover defenders to score between the posts, but unfortunately his attempted conversion brought little joy because the ball toppled from the kicking tee as he made contact.

Sedgley added a try before the interval but the Vale played with tremendous spirit in the opening twenty minutes of the second half. Andrew Bargh, who had played with authority at full back, came into the line at speed to score a well executed try in the fifty seventh minute which Damon Hall converted.

Sensing that the Vale were coming into the game an experienced Sedgley side regained control and added a further nineteen points before the final whistle.

In addition to an excellent, mature all round performance from Damon Hall, Harry Fellows literally played himself to a standstill, Issac Turton grafted hard with his usual appetite for hard work, Andrew Wilkinson put in a full shift and Mark Manning showed determination when he came on as a replacement.

Vale A: A Bargh; D Hall, J Antcliffe, J Birchall, J Curran; G Price J Whyke: J Hodgkinson, G McSporran, A Morrison (Capt); A Mason, H Fellows; R Randal, A Wilkinson, T Smith. Replacements used: M Manning, I Turton, D Fletcher.