Vale 3rd XV v Leigh 2nd XV(Report by Fred Swarbrick)

The game to be at Powderhouse Lane today would in fact be a double header game which would result in League Points in the Wayne Lord Division 2 North League but also a Preliminary Round in the Cotton Traders Trophy Competition.

The Vale Side for the day :-

Glen Summers ©
Kyron Sharples
Tom Greaves
Paul Rowlands
Stuart Middlehurst
Dan Blenkharn
Matt Thackeray
Tom Summers
Koran Banga
Sean Pedder
Dave Penrice
David Hodgson
Joe Summers
Den Wallace
Mark Bower
Martin Pike
E.J, Marchment
Andy Muir
Marione
The Vale 3rd XV were meeting problems in the League after taking a promotion from last season, the step up where this League included many 2nd XVs was proving difficult. This with continuous changes being experienced in the Club to date was not helping the situation.

“Today was to be different the Vale sides as a whole were able to provide 3 complete sides with the necessary compliment of replacements.”

An eye had been kept on the weather forecasts and rain had been set to commence at 3.00p.m. on the Saturday. After a clear morning allowing the volunteer ground lads to mark out the pitch, (8.00a.m. they were there) down came the rain as predicted virtually, as the game kicked off.

The Leigh XV arrived early to carry out their warm up routines on the training pitch while the Vale side knowing the importance of this game both Cup-wise and League wise were extending themselves in a strenuous warm up routine. Richard Dewar in command ensuring that a definite game plan would be in place.

Referee Aaron Goodlad had arrived and was to enjoy a good game in the middle not helped by the conditions causing numerous errors in both sides play.

A good crowd had gathered for the game and in fact Leigh had brought a number of supporters knowing the importance of this game on two accounts. In the Cup a home game v The Kirkby Lonsdale Development XV beckoned on October the 21st. but also valuable vital League points.

The game kicked off and immediately the Vale were pressing on the Leigh line. Pressure from the Vale 8 resulted in a try wideout and on the Crem side of the field. A successful conversion took Vale to 7 points. (Apologies in the mist didn’t see who crossed) This after 10 minutes play.

On 20 minutes Tom Summers using his height and undoubted strength crossed for a 5 pointer. The Vale XV were at this stage in command.

The front row of Glen Summers, Kyron Sharples and Tom Greaves were clearly in control in the scrummaging department ably supported by a most experienced second row partnership of Paul Rowlands and Stu Middlehurst. The Vale 8 were in fact a sizeable unit and with experience of a back row Dan Blenkharn, Matt Thackeray and Tom Summers, with this formation they were never going to take a backward step in the tight phases of the game.

In the loose Dan Blenkharn was continually driving into the midst of the Leigh defence – does he ever take a step backwards ( he clearly enjoys his rugby), Matt Thackeray after plying his trade in the 2nds in recent weeks was proving to be a valuable link between a marauding 8 and the threequarters. He is a good player. At No.8 Tom Summers was using his size and strength taking on the Leigh 8 at times almost single handedly.

At this juncture must mention the Summers family Dad Glen and lads Tom and Joe all playing in the same side. (Wonderful). They were to enjoy a family grouping in the Clubhouse post game ….

Back to the game, on 20 minutes Tom Summers with a massive heave crossed for a 5 pointer to open a gap before Leigh were awarded a penalty to post 3 points.

The weather was not letting up and the game was interrupted by a series of injuries, and the relevant benches were consequently emptied. Leigh down to 14 men enjoyed the magnanimous gesture of Vale providing a player to even up at fifteen a side.

A sweeping move before half time resulted in Joe Summers crossing for a much, deserved try converted by fullback Mark Bower. Mark was to enjoy a good game from fullback and was showing some real pace as he sought out the open spaces before linking up with the support.

At this stage David Hodgson had to leave the field with a calf injury followed by Stu Middlehurst equally with a calf problem. The benches were being emptied … Was it the onset of Autumn and the resultant cold !!

Kyron Sharples was certainly enjoying the close phases of the game and was continually taking on the Leigh 8 almost single handedly at times in the close phases.

The game was moving at a fast pace and discussions were ongoing regards the actual score. Got to admit this scribe had lost count and at half time asking the referee even he wasn’t sure. From the Vale point of view did it matter they were clearly in the lead.

Matt Thackeray always a vital part of any Vale 3rd XV had left the field with an arm injury. Koran Banga was probably playing his best game to date from scrum half and sending out some accurate passes to his fly half Sean Pedder who himself was reading the game knowing just when to tighten the game or indeed let loose to his centres. Joe Summers and Ben Wallace.

The game kicked off for the second half, Vale had offered a lad to the Leigh side to even up at 15 a side.

A similar pattern of play was emerging and it was felt the score was 17 -10 to Vale. A Leigh member was keeping a close watch. On 42 minutes Leigh converted a penalty to bring them within a score of the Vale total at 13 points.

Vale at this stage were pressing and Andy Muir crossed to make it 22 -13 to Vale. Kicking duties had been taken on by Marionne but in this instance the points were not added.

The day was becoming to say the least miserable and in fact had that Autumnal feeling. Not conducive for good running rugby. Leigh XV were awarded a further penalty but Vale had a comfortable lead at this stage.

A superb individual try by Joe Summers (what pace Joe possesses) resulted in a five pointer and the try of the day.

There was still time for Dave Penrice to cross for it was said to be his first try in Vale colours. It was indeed a moment to enjoy. Dave will turn out anytime anywhere any side a true Vale member. A just reward on the day.

There were some outstanding players on the day with Joe Summers showing such pace and ability outside but the work and graft that goes on the tight phases of the game must result in some reward and I felt Kyron Sharples must be awarded the Man of the Match for his continuing battling in the loose phases of the game taking on the Leigh 8 as a whole at times. Sorry Joe were were magnificent !!

Roll on the 21st October and Kirkby Lonsdale but next weekend only one game at the present time. The mighty 3rds travel to Sedgely Park for a re-arranged League game v their 3rds. They are looking for a 2.00p.m. K.O. More on this in a couple of days.

All support welcome !!!!!

Pictures of Todays game by Vale Photographer Tony North with thanks. These pictures will also be placed on The Halbro North West Leagues Web Site …