Despite the weather during the preceding week Vale were able to host Sefton in the 4th Round of the Blacksticks Blue Challenge Cup and both teams served up a great game of rugby. Playing with the wind Sefton's big forwards made early inroads and they took a 12 nil lead. However, Vale, for the second week in a row, fought back and with Ike Eastwood playing at Fullback for the first time Vale were soon on the scoreboard. Relishing the space and the opportunity to come into the back line Ike raced over following a scrum on the Sefton 25m line. Then following a kick and chase Ike collected the ball and ran in. Sefton hit back and after some poor tackling they scored their 3rd try which they converted. The first half ended 10-19.

With the strengthening wind behind them Vale looked kick long and camped in the Sefton half. Unfortuantely the Sefton forwards broke free again and extended their lead to 10-24. The Vale lads stuck to their game plan and marched downfield. After a strong forward effort Kyle Barton was able to crash over and Ike Eastwood converted. With time running out Vale once again kicked for position and from the resulting pressure Ike was released score his third try of the day. Unfortunately just as Ike crossed the line the desperate Sefton Full Back was able to push him over meaning the conversion to draw the game would have to be taken from wide out. Now the wind conspired against Vale and the ball would not stay on the tee. The resulting kick fell short and Vale were left to rue another cup loss that could so easily have gone the other way.