Burnage completed the treble over the Vale who took on the visitors without any replacements and shortly after the kick off were reduced to fourteen players when the talented Rob Lamerton was taken off with an ankle injury. The arrival of Mark Sutcliffe in the second half did help their cause but further injuries reduced the Vale's compliment at various times, a situation that Burnage were able to exploit late in the game.

Following Burnage's opening score, a converted try, the unfortunate Lamerton limped off after being injured in a tackle. In the fourteenth minute Burnage increased their score when their nippy left winger went over for an unconverted try.

Vale responded immediately when newcomer Chris Lomas, an industrious scrum half broke away for a well taken unconverted try. The final try of the half which was converted, was posted by Burnage's right winger.

Eight minutes into the second half, skipper Olly Cowey, who led from the front with his usual customary zeal went over for an unconverted try to bring the Vale back into contention. However, Burnage had the added luxury of being able to introduce fresh legs off the bench and they began to stretch the Vale.

Gaps started to appear as the Vale tired and with space being created out wide the Vale were forced to chase. Burnage eased their way to victory with five further tries, two of which were converted.

Ryan Needham was a worthy recipient of the man of the match award following another robust performance from the hard working lock. Lomas impressed on his debut and his partner at half back, Aaron Melville used all his experience in a testing encounter. Isaac Turton secured important ball when it went to ground in a game where Vale's thin resources were a constant handicap.

On Saturday the Vale travel to Wilmslow in what is on paper a vital fixture for both sides as they battle to find a safe harbour away from the turbulent waters of relegation. On their last visit to the Memorial Ground the Vale were involved in a contest that ended all square 48-48, it is doubtful if such a staggering score line will be repeated but history suggests there will be a few tries flying around as both clubs have a reputation for giving the ball air.

Vale A: S Coulshed; R Lamerton, J Antcliffe, J Birchall, J Marsden; A Melville, C Lomas; P Jackson, O Cowey (Capt), J Rowan; R Needham, T Summers; R Clarke, I Turton, D Lane. Replacement: M Sutcliffe.