Vale 3rd XV 55 – 0 Skipton 2nd XV

The Vale Selection

Eric Woodhose
Paul Rowlands
Rob O’Brien
Stu Middleton
Shaun Stewart
Colm Stewart
Josh Sloan
Lewis Kieron Sharples
Liam Stirzaker
Ollie Cousins (Skipper)
Gareth Hennedy
Simon Wilson
Dave Minikin
Richard Whittaker
Josh Mitton
Brett Cooper
Mark Bower
Will Knight
Will Aleu
Jack Capstick
Shane Weed
Leon Fisher

The Vale 3rd XV this season will be operating under the guidance of skipper Ollie Cousins and Karan Banga, ably assisted by Shaun Stewart, offering his experience as the side moves into the league phases.

Already, a major change had been made, with the training night moved to Wednesday, where specific information could be passed directly to this group of lads. Numbers attending are exceeding 30 for this group, and the season ahead is looking promising.

Kicking off with an away game against Bolton 2nd XV, the first of many 2nd teams in this Rainford Electrical League, will provide a stern test for this XV, followed by Fleetwood Wyresiders at home the following week.

A selection of 22 names was in place for this warm-up fixture — a sign of the enthusiasm being created. Sat on the bench amongst the players eager to get onto the park, you could feel the inbred keenness to get onto the field.

Skipton had brought a good side over to Powderhouse Lane and were going to offer a real test to the Vale XV. On the wide-open spaces of the Vale’s pitch, looking remarkably brilliant with the work clearly being expended on it, they were in for a real test.

Society referees were appointed to control the game, with referee Trevor McKeeting supported by Richard Beveridge on the touchline. Both are vastly experienced gentlemen in the game.

Skipper Ollie Cousins was to start the game. Ollie, of course, is a talented player in his own right and was going to enjoy a controlled game. The pressure of taking the reins as skipper clearly wasn’t going to affect his game.

To the game itself, and a number of players were there to stand out during the proceedings.

A first mention must be the partnership of the second row, with father and son Shaun Stewart and Colm Stewart. A remarkable situation and achievement for both.

The game moved on, but the continuous changing of personnel was proving difficult to follow. From the start it was clear the Vale side was going to exhibit some superiority.

Within five minutes, Josh Mitton, who lives, eats and sleeps rugby, was to cross for Vale’s first try. This was to be followed up with a hat-trick as the game proceeded.

On 10 minutes, Liam Stirzaker, playing a most elusive game from scrum-half, was to cross for a seven-pointer, with Dave Minikin converting accurately. Liam was to enjoy a good game at scrum-half, supplying his skipper with some accurate, controlled passes.

Never to be outdone, Dave Minikin himself was to cross for a seven-pointer, his try being converted by himself, of course. Dave, a talented player in his own right, was to make many probing breaks as the game progressed.

Josh Mitton was on hand to cross for the second of his three-try contribution, again converted by Dave Minikin.

Clearly, the Vale XV were in total command at this time and the Skipton XV, whilst not giving up, were feeling the full effect of a most enthusiastic and talented Vale XV.

Actually, in the set pieces they were performing well and providing some stiff opposition for the Vale eight. A most experienced front row, with Eric Woodhose, Paul Rowlands and Rob O’Brien, were looking strong in the set phases.

The game was proceeding and Karan Banga was using his replacements well and, considering the heat of the day, offering rest where required. Skipton did not have this luxury of numbers.

Inevitably, Mark Bower was to cross for his normal try, again converted by Dave Minikin.

Does Mark score in every game he plays?

The score was clearly getting beyond the needs of the Skipton XV.

Kieron Sharples was to cross for a five-pointer. Kieron was enjoying a good game, not only in the depths of the scrum but also showing some deft moves for a prop forward in the loose play.

Gentlemen, for this I would make Kieron the M.O.M., knowing there are many others that might warrant this award.

The game was moving on and the Skipton side was wilting visibly. Liam Stirzaker was to cross for a further five-pointer, followed by Josh Mitton’s hat-trick try, kindly provided by a generous pass from skipper Ollie Cousins.

The final try was scored by Shane Weed, hopefully with us for the season. He is a good player.

So, the season ahead could be approached with some confidence on the basis of this display.

The Rainford Electrical League is filled with Clubs’ 2nd XVs. In fact, I think the Vale 3rd XV are indeed the only 3rd XV in the League but, “hell”, a most useful 3rd XV filled with talented players in all sections of the side.

The league phase starts on 26th September at Bolton, followed by Fleetwood Wyresiders at home. They will provide stiff opposition, and then on 17th October a Cup/League double away at Leigh 2nd XV.

It is going to be a most exciting season for these lads but, under the guidance of the team in place, providing experience and enthusiasm, the season is looking good.

Fred Swarbrick
Chairman, ‘IMPACT’ Rugby North West Leagues
Sponsored by IMPACT RUGBY UK