The outcome of this vibrant, jaw dropping encounter, bristling with intensity ended on a dramatic note and with it disappointment for the Vale in their final round of fixtures in the normal format of the Bateman BMW Premier League before it splits into a conference system in the New Year.

In the fourth minute of injury time with the score favouring Chester who led 19-18 the Vale were awarded a penalty but with the pressure on him and the tension twanging like over tight violin strings at his muscles, Jamie Antcliffe was unable to direct his kick between the uprights.

Defeat means that the Vale will complete the remainder of their season in Conference B, ironically they are due to meet Chester 2 at Powder House Lane in a semi final of the Brooke Edgley Specialist Technical Cup on March 14. Will it be another heart breaker?

Throughout the contest the Vale battled resolutely in particular their cadre of younger players who answered the call of duty, some being drafted in at the last minute. Colt, Aiden Yates, donned the hooker's number two jersey and produced a simply outstanding performance, not only scoring a superb try but taking a vital ball against the head.

There were also magnificent contributions from third team skipper Ben Murphy, who literally played himself to a standstill, Alex Hill, Joe Wallbank, Dan Helme and replacement James Alker. All these players could walk tall at the final whistle.

Conditions were soft underfoot at Hare Lane but the Vale were quickly kicking up their heels and made an ideal start. Tom Crookall, who has made a massive impact on his return to the Vale, used his strength in all areas, constantly hunting for the ball and popping up on the most unlikely positions, purloined the ball from under Chester's noses to charge away for an unconverted try in the thirteenth minute.

Vale searched for more avenues, constantly probing the home side's defensive network but an error in alignment let in Chester for a converted try, the only other score in a value for money half.

The half time break did not appear to benefit the Vale who were slow to pick up the pace and they fell behind to another converted try in the forty fifth minute.

However, the Vale quickly found their place on the hymn sheet, the first half harmony returned and in the fifty third minute the dynamic Aiden Yates touched down for an unconverted try after his fellow forwards had grafted hard in the build up.

With the Vale's star in the ascendancy, Tom Cvijanovic topped another pugnacious performance when he dived over from close range for another unconverted try in the fifty ninth minute. Jamie Antcliffe extended the lead eight minutes later with a penalty goal.

The prize at stake ensured there was not let up in the fervour shown by two committed sides and as the game moved into its final thrilling pinnacle Chester dealt the Vale a mighty blow. They squeezed the Vale deeper and deeper in their twenty two to post an unconverted try. Vale's chance of victory came and went in the eight fourth minute followed by the final whistle to end a compelling game of rugby. Take a bow all you players from both sides, pity there had to be a loser.

In addition to the effort put in by Vale's "Young Guns," skipper Dan Rainford led by example, a real lighthouse, his second row partner, Ryan Needham was a veritable colossus, while the back row of Tom Cvijanovic, Joe Wallbank and Joe Clarkson were outstanding in a team performance that deserved at least a share of the spoils.