Vale overcame a very good Penrith team by playing attacking rugby in beautiful conditions and on the firm First Team pitch at Powderhouse Lane. Early on Penrith's large backs looked as if they might cause Vale a lot of problems, however superb tackling from Tom Smith and Joseph Hutton (who had his best game of the season playing at flanker)kept the early attacks at bay. Rucking has been a major problem for the Vale lads this season but not today. Vale rucked with real ferocity and won a lot of turnover ball. The breakdown will always be a difficult area to referee and can make a significant difference to the nature of the game and the result, however today consistent refereeing at the breakdown helped and allowed the game to flow. Vale were dominant in the scrums and won several strikes against the head.

The first try came as a result of good handling with the ball being moved quickly along the line allowing Tom Smith to use his speed and run in from 40m. Penrith quickly hit back with a try and conversion, the manner of which suggested Penrith were in for a tough game. Adam Woodend relishing his return to action after a broken collar bone had a fantastic game in the loose and it was his surging run that set up Simon Cody to score. Penrith kept applying the pressure and having won the ball against the head Joseph Hutton escaped with the ball. Joseph committed his marker and launched Simon Cody on a run in for his second try with a superbly timed pass. James Dobson converted. Joseph really put his hand up for inclusion in the Cup Squad for next weeks game. Sadly Joseph is going to watch some team play in Cardiff next weekend and won't be available.

Another good Joseph Hutton tackle and a good run from James Bethel, making his first start this season, freed the ubiquitous Simon Cody for his third try. Penrith hit back with another try after a strong forward effort. Another Adam Woodend surge created the space for Henry Connolly to run in a try. James Bethel then got a richly deserved try after all the running he had done. Simon Cody finished proceedings to make the final score 37-14. Special mention must go to Ciaran Sutcliffe who showed a return to form in the loose and to Euan Hutchinson who was making his debut and who really put himself about.

If the lads can replicate this tackling and rucking and if all the forwards contribute to making the hard yards as they did today then (with all other things being equal) we should have a good chance in the next round of the Cup.