As was to expected any meeting between these two long standing adversaries there would be local pride at stake with the final outcome being possibly the highest Vale points victory over Kendal.
Vale travelled to Mint Bridge with a strong squad that included a number of experienced campaigners plus a complimentary blend of younger players who are beginning to make their presence felt at this level.
Following their usual full bodied pre match work out Vale immediately threw the gauntlet down at scrum time. A powerful, chunky front row of Joe Stevens, Matti Davenport and James Bonia were at it from the opening exchanges. Behind them Adam Foxcroft and Joe Harrison locked up the scrum to add to the host's problems. Bobby Holdbrook, a natural number 8, held everything together which allowed flankers, the ever improving Louis Evans, and Connor Cook to make life uncomfortable for Kendal's half backs.
Although it was never going to be an armchair ride Vale's scrum half Jacob Thomas and stand off Harry Finan were able to direct operations with a degree of freedom thanks to the hard graft put in by the forwards.
In front of a large crowd Vale found themselves on the wrong side of the referee early on and following one of their misdemeanours Kendal nipped over for an unconverted try.
Attacking the River Kent end Chris Ramwell kicked a penalty goal in the 12th minute. Following this score Vale's pack had Kendal on the slide. Jacob Thomas fizzed the ball out to Harry Finan who in turn shifted the oval into the hands of Jordan Fern for an unconverted try.
Kendal levelled the score with a penalty goal but with Vale's line out working efficiently they provided the perfect launch pad for the visitors next score. Isaac Quarry showed blistering pace, he linked with Alfie Bolton who embarked on a powerful run before sending “Flash” Jordan over for his second try.
Joe Harrison used his strength to thunder over for a converted try as Vale upped the ante. Zac Elderton was growing in confidence as the game unfolded, he used the wide open spaces excellently. In the 38th minute Jordan Fern hit the red button again to collect his hat trick to complete the scoring of what had been a productive half from a Vale point of view.
Kendal, after licking their wounds and gulping down their energy drinks began the second half with a converted try scored by their talented number 6 to underline the fact that the Cumbrians would not settle for second best and if Vale thought it would be a forty minute jog over the bridge they would be in for a surprise.
Vale responded to this wake up call with a score in the 55th minute. Following hesitancy in Kendal's defence Harry Finan hacked the ball towards the line, a trio of Vale's players swarmed on the ball, each one claiming the try. Following a noisy meeting of the grand council in the bar afterwards Jordan Fern claimed the try although there was some mutterings from the back benches.
Dan Rainford shuffled the cards at regular intervals. Richard Hodgson went onto to pastures new in the vicinity of the wing, Tim Singster went into the centre, Shane Weed slotted into the front row, and Jack Ayrton moved into his accustomed position in the back row.
After a period of loose rugby Vale's pack put the hammer down and following a well managed line out Jordan Fern belted past a couple of defenders for his 4th or 5th try.
Overall it was a most compelling, adventurous, bustling performance from Vale in which all played their part. Connor Cook was voted Man of the Match, but points poacher Jordan Fern must have been in frame, along with his abacus.
It was an impressive victory which confirmed a fifth place in the league for Vale and with it the ideal send off for Manger Dan Rainford who, after years of dedicated service to the club, had decided to retire. Every club needs a Dan Rainford, how lucky Vale have been! Best wishes for the future Dan.

Vale 2: J Bonia, M Davenport, J Stevens; A Foxcroft (Capt.), J Harrison; C Cook, L Evans, B Holdbrook. J Thomas, H Finan; J Fern, I Quarry, A Bolton, Z Elderton; C Ramwell. Reps: T Singster, S Weed, R Hodgson, J Ayrton.

A big thanks to Fred Swarbrick for his match reports over yet another busy season for Fred.