The breezy Manchester 'sunshi-i-i-ne' warmed a wet week to host this final preseason fixture for the Vale Vikings. A squad bursting with character end enthusiasm was on show. It contained a wealth of experience playing alongside those new to senior rugby. Whilst prop Kyron Sharples sat it out with a leg injury, Paul Morris and Jack Capstick each made a welcomed return to the fold.

The kick-off set the home team in motion, pinning the Vale in their own twenty-two metre area. Dodgy handling was punished by the referee. The Vale's Simon Wilson was binned for a deliberate knock-on, then two Dukinfield men were similarly sidelined. During this reduction in staff, the Vale put together some swift passing to set up Kevin Briston to open the scoring on the left flank.

Dukinfield's forwards were well-drilled in scrums and lineouts. They claimed the soaring missile and drove over to equalise. This triggered a productive spell for the home side, gaining a fourteen point lead. Captain Olly Cousins marshalled the Vale backs to support each other to rectify the deficit. Ivan Mankind steered a course through the Dukinfield defences, and Capstick tackled with fire and determination in midfield. A try from Richard Whittaker and a second from Briston brought the half-time tally to 19 points apiece.

Widespread changes ensued, but with nine on the bench, it was all done with an eye on future games. Dukinfield also shuffled their cards, bolstering their backs with some pace and confidence, and some silver wisdom in the front five. A long clearance kick by the home stand-off fell infield and was not dealt with by Vale defenders, who promptly paid the price. Vale answered emphatically when Tom Verlaque jinked and side-stepped (like a young Paul Scott) to score under the posts. Ivan Mankind converted to claim a narrow lead.

Dukinfield's pack asserted their dominance and, from set scrums scored three tries in quick succession. The slide had to be stemmed and that fell to Billy Bolton, who made his presence felt by breaking the Dukinfield line and setting up Mankind to score and bridge the gap. With ten points in it, all possibilities remained open. however, this bubble popped when Wilson's second yellow card turned the mood red, and a penalty try was awarded. The last word went to the home team to reach their half century.

The score was less important than the turnout. To take twenty-four players, and many more supporters, away for a friendly is most encouraging. Vice-captain Shaun Stewart observed, 'We needed to face tough opponents. That's how we will get better.'

The Vikings travel away to Bolton RUFC next Saturday for their first league encounter of the 26/27 season. Kick off at 3pm.

Team: E. Woodhouse, T. Verlaque, P. Rowlands, A. Hill, S. Stewart, K. Parker, J. Sloan-Lewis, J. Antcliffe, O. Wilson-Sherrington
O. Cousins, K. Briston, S. Wilson, R. Whittaker, L. Stirzaker, I. Mankind. Reps: J. Mecklenburg, F. Bartle, G. Hennedy, J. Capstick, B. Bolton, P. Morris, D. Penrice-Zied, T. Millar, L. Batty.