The Vale XV
Rob O’ Brien
Paul Rowlands
Tom Verlaque
Stu Middlehurst
Kyron Sharples
Paul Scott
Josh Sloan Lewis
Joe Harrison
Dave Minnikin
Si Wilson
Mark Bower
Dominic Hart
Matt Thackeray ©
Karan Banga
Kaine Winder
Brett Cooper
JoSh Mitton
Dave Penrice-Zied
Jacob Meckleburg

Referee for the Day Charlie Higson. (Manchester & District Society.

The Vale team had opted to play on the vast expanses of the Vales’ main pitch. It must be said they do not often get this opportunity so understandably the decision was taken. Manager Paul – Paulie- Petrers had some good players to work with and as is his usual efficiency he used each and all effectively as the game progressed.

The Warrington XV are riding high in the 3 North League and could well be promoted come the end of the season. The Vale side were aware of the talent in the Warrington side having gone under heavily in the first fixture. This the return would turn out better !!??

After an even start it took Warrington 18 minutes to cross the Vale line. The scrummaging with an experienced front row of Rob O’ Brien, Paul Rowlands and Tom Verlaque were equalling any efforts from the Warrington threesome. Stu Middlehurst and Kyron Sharples – two highly experienced Gents in the second row – were to lock the scrum effectively. Yes the Vale 8 were equal in these set pieces, and at this stage of the game. With Paul Scott – Scottie never stops – Josh Sloan Lewis – a tremendous asset in the lineout – but struggled with the timing of the throw in today. More training required….. To complete the pack Joe Harrison with his massive bulk was to offer some driving attacking play into the midst of the Warrington defence. He is indeed a powerful lad….

The first 15 minutes were equal and it was after 18 minutes that the pacey Warrington threequarters broke clear to post 5 points. Kaine Winder at fulback a most fearless fulback was found out of position and Warrigton crossed the line. On the 25 minute mark the Warrington XV after some elusive movements in the centre of the park crossed for a further 5 points plus the 2 for the conversion. The Vale XV were under some pressure. And the Warrington side crossed soon after the last score to post anoth 7 pointer.

The half time whistle was approaching but still Warrington had time to add another score to their total. I have watched many games this season and am fully aware that no Vale side throws in the towel. Defensively always reliable in any tackles as required, and always ready to attack at any possible opportunity.

Scrum half Dave Minnikin was enjoying a first class game and it was to him that the Vale put on their score. Actually a penalty try was awarded by Referee Charlie Higson after a high tackle was seen as Dave headed for the line. VALE 7 points.

The whistle sounded the completion of the first half and Vale clearly had some work to do to bridge a large gap. The half backs were going well with Si Wilson and as abov Dave Minnikin working well in their partnership. Behind them Dominic Hart and Skipper Matt Thackeray were working hard in the centre. On the wings neither Mark Bower ( usually showing great pace) and Karan Banga were not allowed much space to show their wares.

At fulback Kaine Winder was a lone defensive line, we know a most reliable tackler and no mean enthusiasm, succumbed to an injury early in the second half proceedings.

Manager Paul Peters needed to use his replacements shrewdly and he did so… Josh Mitton,Brett Cooper, Dave Penrice – Zied along with Jacob Meckleburg took their place on the field.
By this time the Vale 8 had upped their game in the set scrummaging phases and were driving the Warrington 8 backwards regularly to gain reasonably good ball for scrum half Minnikin.

The Warrington side outside these tight phases were beginning to take control and using their undoubted pace and in some cases bulk they began to widen the gap score-wise. The Vale XV were clearly under a lot of pressure.
It was soon clear the gap as posted denied any possibility of overtaking the Warrington score.

Heads never went down and the Club must appreciate the effort and resilience the XV provided. Next week the 3rds move onto Trafford MV two places above them in the League Table. Note Vale have played the least number of games in the League so can move up quickly with a couple of wins.

To the M.O.M. Joe Harrison had put in a shift in the tight phases of the game regularly moving forward with two, three Warrington players hanging onto and from him, but I must award the M.O.M. to David Minnikin after his weaving run through the Warrington defence to post Vales’ only score of the game.

Going against the trend of reporting games I must mention the control of the game shown by Charlie Higson, 17 year old Charlie, watched by Dad Ian, Mum Becky, and Grandad Bill. He enjoyed a fine game his first at this level. Watched by assessor David Bateman he will progress rapidly in the game !!!!!

Fred Swarbrick…

Fred Swarbrick

Chairman

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