MATCH REPORT: Vale of Lune 26 - 33 Leek RUFC

Vale of Lune RUFC were narrowly defeated by Leek in North West Division 1.

Barry Lees reports.

Sunshine and clear blue skies enveloped Powder House Lane for the first home game of the Season. Following a flying start away the previous week, the Vale encountered strong opponents from Staffordshire. Life in NW1 was always going to be tough.

Sam Walton was still nursing a knock, so some adapting took place. Josh Sutcliffe moved to the back row, and Mike Bradshaw to hooker. Ben Gould got his first start at scrum half, and a 1st XV debut for the talented teenager Isaac Cook was a glimpse of encouraging things to come.

From the off, Leek launched their artillery with sustained possession. The Vale struggled to contain this surge, as Leek's heavier pack took control. Two tries from rucks and mauls were soon notched up and the Vale found themselves 14 points adrift before they got the ball in their hands.

Ben Gould

Vale had been in this situation before, and they knew not to panic. The fightback began with a forwards' try driven over with composure and confidence, and finished by Mike Bradshaw. The Vale's backs switched to overdrive, when Jordan Dorrington set up Jack Macfarlane to go over on the left.

With the scores level and the Vale hitting their stride, the home support breathed easier. Leek played to their strengths once again when their juggernaut pack drove over the line for their third try on the stroke of half time.

As before, Leek came out in combative fashion. Vale nullified the threat well, turning over possession in open play several times. Leek's elusive centre evaded tackles to find the line for another try. Vale answered with a pinpoint Mayall chip over the Leek defence for Jordan Dorrington to chase. He had the speed and the timing to gather the bobbling ball for the Vale's third. When winger Ben McGarvey scored in the right corner, there was only 2 points between them.

Jamie Mayall

Leek kept to the script and their pack were on centre-stage. From a lineout, they drove over for their fifth try. The conversion attempt went astray and there was only one score in it. A long penalty kick by Leek would have killed off any chance or redemption, but it fell short, leaving the final score at 26 - 33 to the visitors.

This Vale team are used to winning, and this disappointment showed on their faces. By was of consolation, they take a league point for scoring four tries, and another for finishing within seven of the winning score. There was much to admire in their overall performance. At this level, the margins between winning and losing are narrow indeed.

Sam Wallbank

Anselmians RUFC from Birkenhead are the Vale's next opponents. It is also at Powder House Lane, kick off at 3pm next Saturday.

Team: (D indicates Debut.) J. Crompton, M. Bradshaw, T. Butler, A. Ryder, L. Procter, J. Sutcliffe, J. Ayrton (C), S. Wallbank, B. Gould, A. Briggs, B. McGarvey, J. Mayall, E. Abdelghafar, J. Macfarlane, J. Dorrington. Reps: T. Verlaque, R. Taylor-Smith, T. Fox, H. Clifton, I. Cook (D)