Although the Vale suffered their second successive defeat of the season they bounced back from their mauling at Preston Grasshoppers and were unlucky not to share the points in a stop start frustrating encounter.

Playing against the elements the Vale took an early lead when their industrious and lively new scrum half Poulson shot though a gap for a well taken try converted by the experienced Melville. Playing controlled rugby the Vale were very much in contention until Park's well drilled powerful pack mauled their collective way over from a line out for an unconverted try to complete the first half scoring.

Vale extended their lead when from an untidy Park line out Poulson pounced, hacking the ball through for an unconverted try in the fifty fifth minute. Accurate kicking, determined tackling enabled the Vale to retain a tight grip on the game but with eight minutes reamining the Park forwards clicked into gear and went over from close range following a line out, the try being converted.

With game appearing to heading towards a draw Park were awarded a controversial penalty and from a difficult angle the ball bisected the uprights. as the game moved into injury time the Vale had one last opportunity to draw level but Melville's penalty was off target.

This was much improved performance from the Vale and with a growing number of players now available for selection hopes are building for a change in fortune.

Vale A: D Fletcher; R Dewar, S Moorby, E Thomson, C Strachen; A Melville, M Poulson; M Field, S Harrison, P Dorrington; E Hatton, D Rainford; A Garnett (Capt), R Randal, J Clarkson. Replacements: R Pillow, R Mudd, G McSporran