This was never going to be an easy fixture for the Seconds because not only were they facing an arm wrestle with the league leaders in Dan Baines Division One but following an agreement between the two clubs it would incorporate a tie in the S.A.T. Limited Cup, competition.
There was no disguising that this “double header” would test vale's resources to the limits for their longest away venture of the season. All week manager Dan Rainford and Paul Scott had burnt the midnight oil finalising the squad. Eventually they were able to assemble a starting fifteen plus two replacements, one being Paul Scott, but there was a downside with so many players being unavailable that the Third team fixture had to be called off.
With Dan Rainford at the wheel of the mini bus the Seconds set off for Thornton Common Road knowing they would be facing a formidable pack and a threequarter line packed with fierce pace and an abundance of talent.
However, Wirral's much vaunted pack did not have it all their own way, true they were a real handful but Vale's plucky forwards adopted a “do or die” attitude; they were certainly not going to roll over and have their bellies patted.
Evan Hutchinson, Dan Griffiths and Adam Newton bent their backs and grafted hard at the coal face, while Tom Needham and Louis Evans in the second row helped to bring stability in the sets and worked aggressively in the loose. Matt Field, at wing forward was back after an 18 month lay off, he was quickly into the heart of the action. On the other side of the back row Dan Clare hardly missed a tackle throughout and was named Man Of the Match, at number 8, although playing out of position was Richard Hodgson, who produced a totally committed performance from the very beginning.
When Tom Needham had to leave the action through injury and on the advice of the referee, replacement Freddie Bartle never took a backward step when he entered the cauldron. The same could be said about “Scottie” when he came on, he was his usual bundle of high voltage electricity.
Vale's backs, like their fellow forwards refused to throw in the towel and stuck firmly to their guns until the final whistle.
Scrum half George Clare and stand off Jamie Antcliffe worked in harmony despite the pressure they were under, with Jamie standing strong throughout and using his experience to good effect. Centre Ryan Fawcett made excellent use of the few chances that came his way and like Matt Thackeray he tackled everything that came in his direction without flinching. For the bulk of the game, wingers Harrison Turner, who later swapped place with George Clare, and Harrison Dodge were unable to embark on too many dashes down the touchline but their work rate in defence could not be faulted. At full back, Joe Wills, who is normally to be found in the number 10 jersey, was another player who ensured that the high stepping Wirral outfit had to work hard for their victory.
At the end, Vale's hardy band of travelling supporters, Fred Swarbrick, Reg Robinson, Cliff Huck and the fathers of Joe Wills and Dom Griffiths were immensely proud of all the players, plus the efforts of Dan Rainford and Paul Scott who did everything they could to ensure the fixture was fulfilled.
On Saturday the Seconds entertain Chester 3 having won at Chester at the beginning of October, 14-12.

Many thanks to Fred Swarbrick for his report.