Kyron Sharples
Tom Verlaque
Tawana Mandisodza
Shaun Stewart
Stuart Middlehurst
Paul Scott (V.C.)
Connor Cook
Matt Prestshaw
Orainn McMeeking
Oli Cousins (Skipper)
David Minnikin
Si Wilson
Dom Hart
Richard Whittaker
Josh Mitton

Glen Summers
Kaine Winder
Mark Bower
Dave Penrice-Zied
Si Middlehurst

The Vale 3rd team were now facing the North Manchester XV this being their final game of the season. Playing away at the North Manchester ground on the 20th September of the season they got “stuffed” 62 points to 0 points. Clearly this Vale XV were set to respond to that result and from the first minutes they were on top. Sitting on the North Manchester line after two minutes into the game Tom Verlaque using his full physique crossed for Vales first try confidently converted by Dave Minnikin. Dave Minikin was to convert all Vales’ tries apart from one later in the game.

The North Manchester XV had a number of huge experienced players and in the early stages were using this size to good effect and after settling on the Vale line their physique allowed them to cross the Vale line to post 5 points. The Vale forwards were holding the N M pack with an experienced front row in Kyron Sharples- Kyron uses his undoubted strength to good effect, Tom Verlaque was to put in a great performance which he maintained throughout the game, Tom needs watching he has real natural ability and could well climb up the sides in the Club. The solid other prop Tawana Mendisodza was certainly making his size count later to be rewarded with a try.

The experienced Stu Middlehurst and Shaun Stuart were locking the scrum expertly and causing uneasiness as they drove the N M pack backwards. Certainly, this Vale XV were going to repay the NM side for the heavy defeat they incurred early season. In the back row vice captain, Paul Scott was enjoying his usual foraging game, alongside him Matt Prestshaw and Connor Cook were using their pace and energy to provide the NM XV with many problems. Connor Cook playing at No. 2 in the lineout was producing some accurate possession to his scrum half Orrain McKeeting. Connor was to score later in the game.

On 17 minutes Connor was to cross for a try after a break in the middle of the park by Dom Hart. Again, Dave Minnikin was on hand to convert.

The heat was affecting both sides although the youth in the Vale side was bearing up in relation the more mature NM players. At scrum half Orrain McKeeting watched by dad Trevor McKeeting was enjoying an excellent game and Orrain must, will have a good future in the Club. Last week I nominated Skipper Ollie Cousins as M.O.M. he again enjoyed a controlled game, clearing the Vale lines with some astute kicks, and playing a real Skippers role. The Vale side after a clearance kick from the Skipper moved up the park to safety. After some powerful forward play Tawana Mandisodra was to cross for a try. “Manni” to all his team mates.

On 22 minutes Tom Verlaque was to cross for his second try ably converted once again by Minni. Moving into the second half the N.M. XV were upping the pace and using their vast physique they crossed for 7 points on 45 minutes. 5 minutes later they crossed for another 5 points. Were they on the verge of a real fight back. Not a chance with this Vale XV Si Wilson and Dom Hart were controlling the centre of the park expertly with Dave Minikin and Richard Whittaker on the wings, with Josh Mitton playing a sweeping game locking out any NM attacks but driving any ball at times into the midst of the NM defence.

As usual manager Paul Peters was to introduce his replacements expertly and Glen Summers took to the park along with Kaine Winder and Mark Bower. Both of these lads exhibit real pace and were to use this with new energy to inflict considerable pressure on the NM XV.
Where would Glen be placed?? Yes, in the front row to offer his strength to the Vale scrummage.

NM were to cross for a 5 pointer this followed by Connor Cooks second try converted by you know who -- Minni. Minni was to score a try converted by himself before Matt Prestshaw crossed for the final try of the game.

Looking at the score, the Vale XV had repaid the NM XV for the heavy early season defeat.

“The final game of the season” and a milestone for memories as Paul “Scottie” Scott announced he was retiring. Paul has been a real stalwart of the Vale plying his trade mainly in the junior sides of the Club but always with so much energy and fun. He has been a mainstay on many end of season tours and will probably climax on the one upcoming in the next few weeks. Scottie has been a real Vale player, available every week home or away and I don’t think he ever complained about any situations he might face. A great Club member.

With the permission of the players today I would nominate him as the M.O.M. and wish him all the best in his retirement thanking him for the many contributions he’s made to the Side, the Club, and all, throughout his playing career.

WILL HE RETURN ???!!!!

Fred Swarbrick…

Fred Swarbrick

Chairman

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