Southport 2nd XV 31 pts v 29 pts Vale of Lune 3rd XV(Report by Fred Swarbrick)

The Vale Squad :- Robbie Skelton

Harm Doctar

Connor McFarlane

Stu Middlehurst

Josh Mitton

Paul Scott

Ben Keenan

Matt Thackeray

Ollie Wilson Sherrington

Henry Clifton

Koran Banga

Chris Ramwell

Rich Dewar Captain

Mark Bower

Jordan Fern

Kev Bristow

Ben Wallace

Dave Minnikin

The last game of the season, culminating in this game at the Southport Club. The Vale XV arrived knowing that only last weekend this Southport XV had registered a 131 pts to 5 pts win against Garstang Blues the previous Saturday. Touchline talk suggested it could have at least been 180 points. A confident Vale XV were prepared for a battle under the guidance of Manager Mr. Paul Peters.

The Vale 3rd XV had undergone a difficult season and had been up against many 2nd XVs in this Wayne Lord League some involving distance travel which they had found difficult when striving to produce a constant XV. Was today going to produce a finale worth talking about ??

A youthful looking Southport XV with a number of experienced old heads was about to test the Vale XV’s resolve. Within the first 10 minutes the Southport side registered a three pointer from a penalty awarded, followed immediately with a try after some speedy breaks through the middle of the Vale defence.

The Vale side needed to react and they certainly did. A weaving break from his own half took Chris Ramwell within reach of the Southport line, at this point linking up with Ollie Wilson Sherrington to allow him to score wide out. Chris Ramwell converted taking the Vale to within one point of the Southport score.

The Vale scrummage always a main part of any game particularly when dominating was going well. The front row of Robbie Skelton, Harm Doctar anf Connor MacFarlane were holding the Southport eight up in the front row. The Southport three being obviously experienced. Behind the front row Stu Middlehurst and his partner Josh Mitton were locking the scrum solidly. Josh was to feature in a number of open moves and produced a couple of tactical kicks to make ground.

The back row of Ben Keenan – he loves his Rugby – Paul Scott – what a break by him to almost cross. It would certainly have been just reward for the work he was to put in. He has done so throughout the season …. At No.8 Matt Thackeray was to play his usual strong game and was looking fit after a serious injury mid season.

The flow of the Vale XV was affected by a number of decisions on the day and in fact the side were given 5 yellow cards over the 80 minutes. Clearly having a marked effect on the fluidity of the Vale XV.

At scrum half Ollie Wilson Sherrington was working hard and passing accurately to his half back partner Henry Clifton. Henry was to enjoy an excellent game and with the most experienced Chris Ramwell outside him he would receive sound advice. The centre partnership of Chris Ramwell and Rich Dewar (Skipper) was to work well both in attack and defence. Clearly the emphasis on defence was vital.

The Southport side were attacking and awarded a penalty within kicking distance to consolidate their lead. Not to be outdone the Vale XV came back at the Southport side and Ollie Wilson Sherrington was to cross for a second try. At this stage the Vale XV had been reduced to 14 on two separate occasions. The latest Mark Bower who to this day couldn’t understand how or why this might have been awarded. Prior to Marks yellow Chris Ramwell had also received a yellow for a high tackle. A most apologetic Chris left the field for the statutory 10 minutes.

The Southport side were taking advantage of these disruptions and a try saving tackle from Mr. Jordan Fern prevented a try from them after bungling the Southport attacking player into touch with a most physical heave !!

Half time arrived and the game was moving into a stop/start mode. A powerful sweeping move up the field allowed Jordan Fern to use his undoubted pace as he raced to score leading to a 7 pointer with Chris Ramwell’s conversion.

Paul Peters was emptying his bench and Kev Bristow, Ben Wallace along with the elusive Dave Minnikin entered the fray. After some speedy Southport moves the Vale XV were gaining some limited control. Paul Scott produced one of his attacking side stepping, swerving moves and just failed to cross the line. Robbie Skelton was using his weight and strength to attack the Southport line but again just failed before he again received a yellow card.

The Southport side were indeed an elusive XV with pace and the score was moving on. At 31 points to 29 points to Southport the Vale were offered a penalty, - yes a penalty to the Vale – some 30 to 35yards out. They had to go for goal and the always reliable Chris Ramwell stepped up to win the game. It failed producing disappointment throughout the side a deserved victory on the day which would have been remarkable after the Southport side victory over the Blues last Saturday.

It is hoped that with any re-organisations the Vale side could well maintain their place in this Wayne Lord 2 North. Good news had filtered through in that Waterloo had won at Broughton Park which meant that the seconds would keep their place in The Baines Plumbing Division One League.

From my personal point of view I’ve enjoyed every minute of the season seeing both the seconds and the thirds battle out their games, never taking a step backwards. There is some real talent coming through in the sides which augurs well for the future. Many will feature in the 1st XV as they progress.

Fred Swarbrick….