Aldwinians 2nd XV 27 pts v 0 pts Vale 3rd XV(Report by Fred Swarbrick)

Vale Team

Freddie Bartle
Brett Cooper
Connor McFarlane
Stu Middlehurst
Shaun Stewart
Isaac Thornton
Tom Millar
Robbie Skelton
Paul Scott
Ryan Busby
Richie Dewar
Josh Mitton
Dave Penrice
Mark Bower
Harry Agar
Simon Middlehurst
E J Marchment
Kyron Sharples

One of the longest travel games was faced by this Vale XV. Into the depths of East Manchester in the area of Audenshaw to meet an Aldwinians XV who were enjoying a remarkable season placed in the top echelons of this competitive Wayne Lord Division 2 North.

Due to the distance involved the Vale XV were late arriving and their warm up routines had to be severely curtailed. Vale had no 2nd XV game today but in true fashion and the need to be straight -honest – a genuine 3rd XV had been selected for the game today.

Rich Dewar had been able to select 18 lads to travel, and whilst the Aldwinians XV were riding high in this Wayne Lord League the Vale XV were up for the fight. Actually as the season has progressed there is no doubt the spirit in both the 2nd XV and now the 3rd XV is there to be seen. Never a foot backwards !!

The Aldwinians side actually had a good following and from the outset it became clear that the Vale eight were going to be put under severe pressure in the tight phases of the game. Up against a solid front row, Freddie Bartle, Brett Cooper and Connor McFarlane were to come up against a most experienced threesome in the Aldwinians scrummage. Stu Middlehurst and Shaun Stewart finding it difficult to lock the scrum with the power coming through from the Aldwinians 8. Must mention the back three who were having to play a completely defensive game as the Vale scrum was moved back at times – at pace. Isaac Thornton, Tom Miller and Robbie Skelton consequently being forced into a defensive situation unable to show their undoubted attacking ability as a threesome.

After 5 minutes the Aldwinians side showing remarkable pace were to cross for their first try. Not converted !! At the base of the scrum Scottie was struggling with the retreat – any scrum half would do so – and unable to feed useful ball to his fly half – this week non-other than Ryan Busby (Buzza) who at times was to show his undoubted pace and talent but at fly half and a pack in retreat his opportunities were somewhat limited.

The Aldwinians side playing behind a scrum moving forward were showing great pace and eventually crossed for a further 5 pointer. The Vale threequarters were reduced to a defensive role at this stage, but as above they never stopped and to see the four of them Rich Dewar (Skipper), Josh Mitton – I think Josh improves week on week as we move on – Mark Bower and Dave Penrice producing a strong unyielding defence was to be seen. Behind them Harry Agar at fullback was I think playing his first game of the season but was displaying his undoubted talent when taking the ball forward and generally into the wide areas of the field.

With the Vale at times in retreat the Aldwinians XV crossed for a further try and at half time the score 15 points to Nil. Actually this being a reflection of the effort being put in by the whole Vale XV as the pressure mounted.

As the half time whistle was approaching the Vale forwards were attacking the Aldwinians line showing great strength with Robbie Skelton to the fore taking the Aldwinians eight on in this close quarter play. They could not break the Aldwinians defence. Would a score at this stage have produced a lift to the Vale 18 as a whole ??

Note I say 18 because on the line, Simon Middlehurst, E.J, Marchment and Kyron Sharples were anxious to join the fray. Chomping at the bit !! Connor McFarlane left the field with a thigh strain and Kyron moved on but they were taking on a strong Aldwinians 8.

The game moved on as the 2nd half commenced. The Referee, who in fact was enjoying a good game, played with an understanding manner, after penalising the Vale side against 10 penalties to one reversed his thoughts and was amenable to the Vale XV as the second half progressed.

Talking about honesty in the game !! As mentioned in my second paragraph, the Vale side, as many have done against them, might have resorted to uncontested scrummaging. The injury to Connor could have allowed this but with a replacement prop on the side in Simon Middlehurst they continued with a contested scrum. Of course Kyron had also at this stage entered the field.

The second half was set at 0 -0 for 30 minutes. Any penalties awarded were driven on by Shaun Stewart into the midst of the Aldwinians 8. He was receiving massive support from his compatriots and the spirit in the Vale 8 was to be seen at this stage. If only they could have crossed …. but again a turnover occurred and with a stretched defensive need Aldwinians crossed for a fourth try converted, this after holding them to no score with 10 minutes to go on the clock.

It was great to see the undoubted spirit in the Vale XV. This Wayne Lord League is a strong League with some good 2nd XVs and soe undoubted talented players producing strong opposition each week. I’d like to offer two men of the match – Tom Millar who never takes a step backwards and clearly enjoys his rugby, always noticeable with his lime green scrum cap – and Josh Mitton who seems to improve every game I see him play.

The Vale XV as a whole displayed the “renowned” never give up spirit of a genuine Vale XV….

The side displayed in true fashion the motto of the Halbro North West Leagues “ Hospitum, Forum atqe Confidum” (Friendship, Fairness and Trust….

Must move on