The Vale XV
Sam Green
Tom Levadle
Tawana Mandsodza
Shaun Stewart
Stuart Middlehurst
Paul Scott
Connor Cook
Matt Prestshaw
Orainn McMeeking
Ollie Cousins (Captain)
Dave Penrice -Zied
Dom Mart
Richard Whittaker
Mark Bower
Josh Mitton
Josh Sloan Lewis
Si Wilson
Kyron Sharples.

Is there anyone in the game with the unbridled enthusiasm of Vale’s 3rd XV manager and experienced physiopherapist than Paul – bearded – Peters. He nurses his players at all times offering 100% support whatever the circumstances might call for. It is a pleasure to see him operating from the pitch side on any given Saturday gameday.

Yesterday was no exception as his 3rd XV battled with what was a strong fit Blackburn XV who whilst in mid-table in this strong Rainford Electrical League looked a good side. The Impact Leagues have been good for junior Rugby in the North West proving an 85% fulfilment of fixtures at the junior levels in our Clubs. At this stage of the season some sides have completed their programme leaving the possibilities of players wanting a game to indeed get a game.

Some unusual results occur………………

Apart from Paulie Peters as above, must mention our Referee for the day our own Steve “Rally” Ralston. He was seen to have a real understanding of the game at this level and refereed the game fairly and evenly as in certain instances tempers flared. You won’t be surprised to know he always does at whatever level he might operate.

Breaking with tradition I might offer the M.O.M. accolade at this stage, to the Vale Skipper on the day Ollie Cousins. An experienced player operating at fly half and providing many accurate clearances as the Blackburn XV attacked the Vale line.
From the K.O. the Blackburn XV were showing their undoubted strength and ability and within 5 minutes had crossed the Vale line for 5 points 7 with the conversion. The Vale pack were equalling the Blackburn 8 in the tight phases. A solid front row of Sam Green, Tom Levadel and Twana Mansodza were holding their own in the scrummaging phases. A strong second row of Shaun Stewart and Stuart Middlehurst – his 100 % energy in the game allowed him to utter some “uncalled for expletives” at times – clearly he was wound up for the game.

The back row of Paul Scott – always plays at 100% - Matt Pretshaw and Connor Cook – supported enthusiastically with his parents – were continually halting any building, Blackburn attacks. On 12 minutes once again Blackburn crossed the Vale line to take a 12 points to nil advantage.
Young Orrain McKeeting on his first senior game was exhibiting real talent and I think enjoying his introduction to senior Rugby. He certainly has a promising future. He was guided by his experienced Skipper Ollie C. On the wings David Penrice Zied did not receive many opportunities as the Blackburn side bottled up the midfield. Mark Bower on the opposite wing did receive more opportunities but the Blackburn cover were well prepared and halted any progress. Mark of course has real pace !!

The game was moving on and the Vale XV were under extreme pressure. Blackburn were to cross for 5 points on the 25 minute mark creating a 24 point lead in the game. At this stage and moving onto half time, concerted pressure from the Vale 8 took them to the Blackburn line allowing Connor Cook to touch down for 5 points wideout but reliably the Skipper converted to a 7 pointer. This on 39 minutes was to be Vales final and only score.

The Vale centres Dom Mart and Richard Whittaker were called on for a defensive role and were halting the strong, regular Blackburn attacks in the middle of the park. Inevitably with the size and mobility of the Blackburn side the damn was to burst. Josh Mitton at fullback was left to stem the tide, possibly the most experienced member of the side, but in the end he was overcome by the mobility of this good Blackburn XV.

Manager Paul Peters was to use his replacements expertly and with experience, and Josh Sloan Lewis – seen him a number of times – he is a good player, Si Wilson – same applies – and Kyron Sharples - same applies - joined the fray.
The game was moving out of reach of this gallant Vale XV and now they will complete their season next Saturday at home against a North Manchester XV resting in mid- table of this strong Rainford Electrical League.
You might know 3 games at home next Saturday 1sts v Sandbach, 2nds v West Park St. Helens and of course 3rds v North Manchester, their first visit to Powderhouse Lane I think.

Fred Swarbrick…

Fred Swarbrick

Chairman

‘IMPACT’ Rugby North West Leagues