As chapter one of the Bateman BMW Premier League drew to a close the Vale marked the occasion by rattling in their highest point's total of the season; next week the conference format becomes the norm as the league is divided in half, although the Vale will have to kick their heels because they have to sit out the opening Saturday.

Second in the table Caldy arrived with a depleted side which necessitated their numbers being supplemented by Vale players. Don Lane, who played superbly well for Caldy in the opening forty continued his excellent form when he donned a Vale jersey for the second half.

Ethan Wallace and former first team skipper, Mark Sutcliffe, who swapped his ground duty role for a stint in the visitors colours in the second half, both performed with their usual commitment even though they were facing their comrades in arms. Amid all these comings and goings, colour chances and tries, referee Rob Sheard held a comfortable and firm hand on the tiller.

Playing exciting rugby the Vale took full advantage of the circumstances to boost their confidence after experiencing a testing first half of the season and by half time they had established a 24-0 lead.

Rob Lamerton, whose electrifying pace always caused problems for the opposition, opened the scoring with an unconverted try. Hooker Simon Harrison and Al Crookall extended the Vale's lead with Crookall's try being converted by Sean Coulshed. As the half drew to a close the versatile Scott Foy crossed for a try which Coulshed converted to seal a commanding first half performance from the home side.

Mark Hanson marked his return to rugby after injury in dramatic style at the start of the second half with a visit to the sin bin after ten seconds of play following an illegal tackle when he chased down the restart kick.

However, the Vale were quickly into their stride and although slight changes had been made in the cast the script remained the same as Jamie Antcliffe went racing over for two well taken tries. Foy also showed he is no slouch when he sprinted away for a solo try converted by Coulshed in the sixty third minute.

The Vale remained steadfastly disciplined, their tackling was decisive, and they were iron willed in their determination to keep a clean sheet for the first time since February. Ryan Needham scored a well deserved try and with two minutes left Mike Barker touched down to complete a pleasing all round individual performance.

In addition to the contributions Lane and Barker, Olly Dobson was secure and composed at full back, prop Phil Jackson put in another full shift and Joe Clarkson produced another all action performance. The second row pairing of Needham and Adam Foxcroft continues to prosper in a Vale side that will be hoping to put down an early marker in Conference B.

Vale A: O Dobson; W Blythe, A Crookall, J Antcliffe, R Lamerton; S Coulshed, N Walker; P Jackson, S Harrison, O Cowey; R Needham, A Foxcroft; S Foy, J Clarkson. Replacements: E Wallace, M Hanson, M Barker, D Lane.