Vale of Lune 3rd XV v 12 Kirkby Lonsdale Development XV( Report By Fred Swarbrick)

The Vale XV

Glen Summers
Sam Walton
Tom Greaves
Archie Watson
Brett Cooper
Paul Scott
E.D.T.
Dan Blenkharn
Koran Banga
Ollie Cousins
Mark Bower
Matti Short
Joe Wallbank
Dave Hodgson
Mark Ashton
Ben Wallace
Ben Simms
Ollie Sherrington
Rich Dewar ©
Dave Penrice
The Kirkby Lonsdale XV were returning to Powderhouse Lane for a second time in two weeks. A double header was offered on last week’s game but they felt they should return today to play the Cup game as a single commitment.

After atrocious weather over the previous 24 hours the game kicked off in remarkably calm Autumnal weather. The pitch as to be expected was in first class condition a real tribute to the voluntary ground lads who spend many hours preparing the fields for the games.

Richard Todd our Referee for the day arrived early for the K.O. – he enjoyed an excellent game – and prepared the sides with the normal safety check ups.

Having said the weather as above was relatively calm there was in fact a slight breeze which the Kirkby side took advantage of from the K.O. To this end much of the first half was spent in the Vales area with the occasional break out.

Referee Richard Todd was keeping a tight control on the game. It was a Cup game and was being played as such, his control was required. Kirkby were pressing, but a high tackle cleared the game up field. Following this clearance and on 20 minutes a high tackle on EDT resulted in a Vale attack when they crossed for a 7 pointer with the successful conversion.

The Vale scrummage was providing good ball for scrum half Koran Banga to feed his threequarters some measured ball. The front row of Glen Summers, Sam Walton and Tom Greaves were giving their opposites an uncomfortable ride and locking the scrum tightly were the 2nd row of Archie Watson and Brett Cooper.

A most mobile back row of Dan Blencarn, EDT and Paul “Scottie” Scott were continually putting the Kirkby threequarters under considerable pressure.

Sam Walton made a clean break through the middle to create an attacking phase, but Kirkby reacted and were to move the ball up the field evading some slack tackling to cross for a 7 pointer.

With a driving run and showing usual grit EDT was to cross for a 7 pointer, the ever reliable Matti Short converting to make the 7. “An unusual situation his brother actually playing in the Kirkby XV”.

The second half was to change completely with the breeze in their favour the Vale were on regular attacks Sam Walton was showing a real ability in some attacking runs and he was rewarded with a try again converted by Matti Short.

Ollie Cousins playing his first game of the season moved into the centre with Matti Short moving into his place at fly half. He openly admits this is his favourite position !! Skipper Rich Dewar had now come onto the field, Joe Wallbank had departed to feature with the 2nd XV on the main pitch and Ben Wallace, Ben Simms and Ollie Sherrington were to take their positions on the Park. Dave Hodgson was proving to be a nuisance to the Kirkby threequarters as they attempted to attack the Vale through the middle.

Sam Walton made a swerving break through the Kirkby defence to score with Matti Short converting to take the score to 21 points to 7 in Vale’s favour.

A penalty was converted before a break by Kirkby resulted in an unconverted try before Matti Short converted a penalty to close the game at 24 points to 12 points, and moving the Vale into the next round of this competition.

EDT was outstanding throughout the game but I must offer the M.O.M. to Sam Walton who made a number of elusive breaks putting the Vale on the front foot regularly. As a hooker he reminded me of a past player who used to play a similar game !!! You all know who ????

Stop Press :- Vale will now play Northwich or Didsbury Toc H away in January in the next round. New territory lads …..