One of the idiosyncrasies of a Conference system is that once the 2nd Half of the season takes place the sides in the bottom half realistically have only one ambition and that is to avoid relegation. Having said that The Bateman BMW Premier League will present a Trophy this season to the winners in the 2nd half. Co-incidentally this will be Birkenhead Park 2nd XV.

The other situation that arises, is that as things draw to a close sides, find with no relegation or championship issues, tend to relax and get on with the game.

Both sides as above were in this situation. You wouldn’t have recognised this. Both sides battling with 110% commitment to garner a result. Some hard gritty rugby being played between two sides who can look forward to the experience of another season in the prestigious Bateman BMW Premier League.

After a heavy defeat on their recent visit to the Sandbach Club Vale were determined to reverse this defeat in this return game. Tony Gilmour – what a fantastic season he has produced, for the 2nd XV - had selected, once the necessary requirements of the 1st XV had once again taken their toll had been able to select a strong side for this fixture.

A strong pack filled with potential. Strength up front, a solid front row, height and ability in the 2nd row and players with a marauding ability in the back row. This allied with a sharp, and fully aware scrumhalf allied with a most experienced fly half was going to provide problems for the Sandbach side.

In the threequarters sheer pace was evident and this allied with an elusive sidestepping fullback would help the Vale’s cause. On many occasions the absolute pace of the threequarters was demonstrated.

Apart from the strength up front and the obvious and acceptable pace in the side there had to be a degree of committed defensive needs as the excellent Sandbach side threw everything at the Vale, especially in the final minutes when they were attempting to overcome what was a tenuous 2 point gap.

Tony Gilmour has instilled into this side, firstly a terrific spirit, whichever side he was able to select on any given Saturday, but also a never say die attitude and this was clearly evident on the sides last fixture of the season.

In the first 15 minutes Vale exerted tremendous pressure on the Sandbach line but failed to break through. Sandbach broke away from a Vale error and with a flowing move through their threequarters they scored from their fist visit to the Vale half. Conversion was successful score 7 points to nil after 16 minutes.
On 20 minutes Alex Morrison seemed to score after a barn storming run but try was disallowed. Some poor defence by the Vale allowed the Sandbach XV back into the game and after a dis-jointed ruck they came away to score. Conversion successful so 25 minutes into the game the Vale side 14 pts to 0 pts down.

In the 38th minute a break from scrum half Harry Bartle from a quick penalty split the Sandbach defence and with a strong physical run he scored under the posts. Neil Walker completed the conversion to bring half time. 14 pts Sandbach 7 pts Vale.

At the start of the 2nd half once again were in command and at 46 minutes Alex Morrison after a strong run in the visitors 22, scored and with Neil Walkers conversion the scores were level at 14 pts each.

A period of defensive rugby followed this score with neither side being able to take command. In the 66th minute Vale were penalised. Sandbach decided to go for goal, successfully to take them 3 points ahead at 17 pts to 14 pts.

In the 71st minute, following a flowing movement from their pacey threequarters and engineered by some quick ball from scrum half Charlie Lomas on to Kieran Doyle the ball was moved out to Jimmy Birchall who crossed wide out. Sandbach 17 pts Vale 19 pts.

Sandbach with 7 minutes to go put Vale under severe pressure but some tremendous defensive work from both forwards and threequarters held Sandbach out.

A great win for these lads to complete their season and move into 3rd place in the prestigious Bateman BMW Premier League.

Tony Gilmour with severe problems regards player numbers during the season must be commended for keeping this 2nd XV filled with pace, youth and potential in this top League playing against some of the top 2nd XVs in the North of England.

Alex Morrison was named Man of the Match and deservedly so in what was his last game in a Vale jersey. He has been a great servant of the Vale both on the field and off. Hopefully he will now continue top develop the next wave a good Vale players.

Team ;- 1 M. Field, 2. A Morrison. 3. A. Cowey. 4. R. Needham. 5. T. Summers. 6. B. Mudd. 7. M. Parker. 8. O. Cowey (Capt) 9. H. Bartle. 10. K. Doyle. 11 J. Moorby. 12. N. Walker. 13. J. Harrison. 14 J. Birchall. 15. C. Thomas 16. C. Lomas 17. J. Marsden. 18. T. Smith.

Report kindly provided by Fred Swarbrick.