Vale knew they faced a difficult task as they prepared to take on Wirral 2 who were sitting at the top of “The Baines Plumbing Division One,” and with their senior side plying their trade in the higher reaches of the National Leagues their pool of players was to be envied.
Team Manager, Dan Rainford made a number of changes, mixing youth with experience and as was to be expected Wirral went onto the attack immediately and scored a try within five minutes courtesy of their speedy winger. It was to be a testing time for Vale's winger, Harrison Dodge, but he stuck to his task and his defensive abilities ensured his opposite number did have a free rein.
Vale competed well in the early stages with the pack getting involved and gaining an advantage over the Wirral eight at critical times. The front row of Ewan Hutchinson, Matty Davenport were much in evidence in both the tight and the loose, and along with the ever reliable, Joe Stevens they caused Wirral problems.
The second row powerhouse of skipper Luke Kettlewell and Dom Griffiths gave little away, particularly in the tight as did Vale's experienced back row. Isaac Turton, Bobby Holdbrook and Richard Hodgson, this trio rarely took a backward step.
After their early set back Vale gradually got into their stride and began building pressure close to Wirral's line. A jinking run from Alex Batson, with his family watching, ending with him touching down wide out, his try being converted by Ryan Busby from the touchline in the tenth minute.
At this stage of the game Vale were dominating and four minutes later Ryan Busby sprinted away, evaded a defender on the changing room touchline for his try which again he converted from a wide angle.
Wirral came back immediately with a converted try to narrow Vale's lead and on the half hour mark the visitors punished a series of Vale errors with a converted try to take a five point lead.
During the half time break Dan Rainford worked hard to raise Vale's spirits but unfortunately one minute into the second half Wirral increased their lead with an unconverted try.
Jacob Thomas at scrum half, was in fine form obviously benefiting from his recent games in the first team. Jamie Antcliffe was back in the number ten jersey, a most versatile, authoritative player, he settled in immediately and as the season unfolds he contributions will be invaluable.
Vale pushed to one side their disappointment of conceding early points with an unconverted try from “Buzzer,” who again rapidly went though the gears. Alfie Bolton and Alex Batson formed a useful partnership in the centre and were playing with increasing confidence.
Following “Buzzer's” efforts the forwards began to take control and after exerting tremendous pressure on Wirral's line Joe Stevens crossed for a try a fully deserved score from this club stalwart.
Shortly after Dan Rainford rang the changes with Dan Clare, Adam Dalton and Shane Weed, who was returning after his recent discretion, joining the fray. All three stepped into the thick of the action with Dan Clare providing a most spirited performance, a player to keep an eye on.
As Vale appeared to be tiring a pacey Wirral side came back strongly and scored between the posts after some weak tackling from Vale. Wirral did not ease off and taking full advantage of their speed and physicality posted another converted try to complete the scoring.
Fred Swarbrick, who compiled this report, offered the following advice. “We-the Seconds- have the nucellus of a good side and there are some exciting games on the horizon!” He also thought that “Numerous turnovers, spilled passes at regular intervals disrupted the flow of Vale's game.” Words of wisdom indeed and well worth considering.

Team: E Hutchinson, M Davenport, J Stevens; L Kettlewell ©, D Griffiths; I Turton, R Hodgson, B Holdbrook. J Thomas, J Antcliffe; L Starkey, A Bolton, A Batson, H Dodge; R Busby. Reps: A Dalton, D Clare, S Weed.

Referee: S Duncan (Manchester & District Society)