Vale opened their Conference B season by failing to trouble the scorer for the second time this season in difficult conditions which suited the visitor's pack who adapted their game accordingly and a composed, diligent stand off who harnessed the tricky wind and controlled the game in the second half.

On paper the Vale had selected an exciting side but unfortunately on the day they were unable strike the right notes, with many of their attacks being picked off by Park who preferred to play in a more direct, unfussy style, not always pretty to watch but on such a day very, very effective.

After making all the early running the Vale fell behind after they had lost possession in Park's half. A long rolling maul ensured which the Vale eventually managed to halt but in doing so conceded a scrum. From the set piece fifteen metres out the visitor's pack set up an unconverted try.

Vale fell further behind in the thirtieth minute and really they were complicit in their own downfall. When a Vale move broke down in Park territory they contested the referee's decision and were marched downfield, unfortunately the chuntering continued within earshot of the official and suddenly Park's number ten was lining up a kick at goal; a beautifully judged kick to ensure his side had the luxury of an 8-0 half time lead.

Park added to their total after four minutes of the second half had elapsed in controversial circumstances, the touch judge did not confirm the penalty had gone over, the referee however, did rule in Park's favour. In the sixty fourth minute another successful penalty goal sealed the Vale's fate in a game of contrasting styles.

The disappointment of the first and A team's defeats, very similar in a number of aspects, was in contrast to a couple of pleasing victories with Vikings wining for the second tine this season, at home against Fylde 4ths and the B team securing a 29-28 in a thriller over at Bolton.

On Saturday Vale A travel to take on Sandbach 2 who are unbeaten in their last five games and have already defeated the Vale, 17-12, in November at Bradwall Road.

Vale A: J Antcliffe; R Lamerton, J Harrison, B Livingstone, C Thomas; S Coulshed, J Whyke; M Hanson, O Cowey, A Morrison; R Needham, A Foxcroft; C Quick, Barker, S Foy. Replacements: P Jackson, J Moorby, R Mudd.

Man of the Match in memory of Peter Atkinson: Mike Barker.