Vale of Lune secure play offs after second place finish

MATCH REPORT: Firwood Waterloo 26 - 32 Vale of Lune – Regional 2 North West

Vale of Lune will compete in the end of season play offs after victory on the final day of the season secured second place in Regional 2 North West.

The final scheduled match of the season took the Vale to sunny Merseyside, where each team had their own distinct aims. For eighth-place Waterloo, one league point would put them clear of the drop zone, whilst Vale needed five to secure second place, and with it, prime position for the play-offs.

Early play took place in the Waterloo half, mainly under the control of Vale pack. Composure and safe handling brought them in range for prop Joe Crompton to batter his way over the try line to open the Vale's account.

Waterloo found their pomp and used similar tactics to gain ground. A penalty on the five-metre line was taken quickly and the scores were leveled. Stand-off Ratcliffe converted for the lead.

A penalty at the other end allowed Jamie Mayall to add three points for a narrow lead. The pendulum swung once more for Waterloo to replicate their earlier quickly taken penalty, and claim their second try. Half-time came with the home side 14 - 8 ahead.

Winger Kevin Briston came on for Dan Leighton, and he was soon in the thick of the action. Briston kicked a long ball down the left flank and into space. Vale stand-off Henry Clifton was first to the ball, which he gathered at pace and finished for Vale's second try.

With one point in it, tensions were high for the Vale faithful. Anything other than a win and a bonus point for scoring four tries would affect their play-off campaign. Scores in matches elsewhere were being discussed on the terrace. Nerves were settled somewhat by Joe Crompton's second close range try of the afternoon.

A stylish move on the right flank looked like the elusive fourth, but the flag was raised for a foot in touch in the build up. No. 8 Sam Wallbank tackled a Waterloo player illegally and was dispatched for a ten minute hiatus.

Waterloo used the advantage to stretch Vale with a passing move across their back line from left field to right. They too sought the benefits of four tries. Harry Fellows took a knock and had to sit it out. Mark Goodman came on to keep up the output.

Vale's fourth came from more dogged forward work. Ruck, after ruck, after ruck in the Waterloo five metre area wore down the defence for Walton to strike.

At the other end, a last ditch tap-tackle by Briston saved a certain score. Waterloo's fourth came along and with it, league safety. With Wallbank restored to action, the Merseysiders were one point ahead and five minutes left on the clock.

Vale kept their heads and, through several courageous carries up the spine of the pitch, found space on the right for the energetic Eddie Abdelghafar to steam past his marker and score a flamboyant, swallow-dive try for the match and league runners-up status. It capped off a splendid team effort with just rewards.

Next week sees 1st XV action return to Powder House Lane, with the first round of the play-offs. The Vale's opponents will be Douglas I.o.M. Kick off at 3pm.

Team: M. Bradshaw, H. Dokter, J. Crompton, H. Fellows, J. Sutcliffe, S. Walton, S. Wallbank, J. Ayrton (c), B. Swarbrick, H. Clifton, E. Abdelghafar, J. Mayall, A. Bolton, D. Leighton, R. Busby. Reps: K. Briston, A. Fowler, M. Goodman.