Vale found it tough going at Ansdell and although they only trailed 15-3 at half time they were swept aside in the second forty as Fylde opened up the taps to score six tries in a total of nine, five of which were converted, with some quicksilver play from their threequarters to leave the visitors trailing in their wake.

It was not the usual performance from the Vale but there were a number of plusses. Prop Richard Clarke, a student at Lancaster University, made an instant impact when he came on as a replacement prop in the first half. He brought stability to the pack and late in the first half he was unlucky not to have been awarded a try.

There was another impressive performance from Danny Lin. He was fearless under the high ball, he tackled everything in front of him and received excellent support from his fellow back row forwards. Unfortunately the threequarters struggled to find any continuity, any error was punished by the home side who had the pace to counter attack from anywhere on the field.

Fylde's speedy back division ran in two early tries before Neil Walker kicked a penalty goal in the eleventh minute but three minute later Fylde added another try to complete the first half scoring. The Vale's pack ensured they remained in touch but a flurry of points in the second half made it well nigh mission impossible for the Vale.

In the opening eleven minute of the second forty Fylde ran in three tries in close order as they punished any Vale error. After the initial assault the Vale's resistance stiffened some control was exerted by the forwards but Fylde's potential to collect further points could not be ignored and once the Vale lost possession, or the wrong option chosen the hammer came down. Three further Fylde tries were scored at regular intervals courtesy of a rampant back decision.

On Saturday league rugby takes a back seat as the Vale travel to Park Lane to take on league leaders Sedgley Park for the first round of the Brooke Edgley Specialists Technical Service Cup.

Vale A: K Doyle; J Alker, S Foy, W Blythe, j Antcliffe; N Walker, H Bartle; T Smith, M Field, A Morrison (Capt); A Foxcroft, D Rainford; R Randall, D Lin, J Clarkson. Replacements: R Clarke, R Needham