A much changed Vale side travelled to Bramhall for their opening fixture in Conference B only to find Stockport just as uncompromising on their home patch as they had been on the Vale’s previous visit in October, but missing from the fixture was coach and highly respected mentor, Tony Gilmour, following the death of his father earlier in the week. All our sympathies are extended to Tony and his family at this sad time.
Despite roaring away to a perfect start when in the opening thirty seconds Billy Livingstone, back once again in Vale colours, intercepted a pass to race away for a try which he converted from in front, the Vale were unable to build on this early success.
Stockport played to their strengths throughout, namely a well organised and experienced back row allied to a squadron of skilful, nifty back threequarters, who when they cut loose made life very uncomfortable for their opponents.
Stockport’s two opening tries, one of which was converted, belonged to their street wise number eight and their predatory open side who exploited some hesitancy in the Vale’s defence. The home side added to their score as the game moved into its second quarter with a converted try following a well worked threequarter move that opened up the Vale rather too easy for comfort.
The Vale pack played with commendable spirit in the tight and a sustained rolling maul was rewarded with Phil Watson touching down for an unconverted try. Unfortunately the Vale were outnumbered in defence as the Stockport backs created a situation to exploit an overlap with an unconverted try.
Vale made changes at half time but Stockport forged further ahead with an unconverted try in the forty third minute. When Josh O’Donnell forced his way over for a try converted by Aaron Melville in the sixty fourth minute following a passage of sustained rugby hopes rose in the Vale camp but victory was secured for Stockport with two late tries one of which was converted.
Overall it was a disappointing outcome for the Vale but against a much sharper Stockport side they were unable to dictate the pattern of the game. Dan Rainford and Adam Foxcroft worked tirelessly in the second row, Chris Jones, Olly Dobson and Tom Cvijanovic all grafted hard against a Stockport squad who were quick to seize on and punish any errors and to exploit any opportunity that presented itself.

Vale A: R Bowen; C Jones, B Livingstone, J Antcliffe, C Thomas; A Melville, O Dobson; J Large, P Watson (Capt), M Field; D Rainford, A Foxcroft; T Smith, T Cvijanovic, J O’Donnell. Replacements used: J Ashton-Hill, L Farnworth, D Harrison.