Vale Vikings snatch victory against Garstang

MATCH REPORT: Vale of Lune 3rds 26 Garstang 2nds 24

It was a local derby to remember.

Vale started strongly, claiming loose ball and applying offensive pressure to the Garstang back line. Vale's backs, Dom Hart and Ryan Busby put the 'cherry and whites' in range for the one-man power station, Joe Harrison to blast across the line to open the scoring.

A determined Garstang pack exerted pressure on the Vale in midfield. A careless high tackle gave away a penalty kick for touch, a catch-and-drive move from the lineout in the Vale's 22 area, and the try to equalise ensued. 

Vale took back the initiative with big efforts from Liam Hall and Joe Summers, making the hard yards with ball in hand. Scrum half Dave Minnikin produced Vale's second try, which he converted, and the lead was restored.

Again Garstang came right back with a try, after finding a gap in the Vale's defences. The momentum remained with the visitors, as they took the lead from some slick passing play and an unconverted try, bringing the half time score to 14-17 to Garstang.

A full Vale bench permitted tactical personnel changes. These included the senior debut of home grown Thomas Bradburn.

Usually in the back row, Bradburn had to swiftly adapt to the second row. The adjustment was called for as captain Shaun Stewart experienced blurred vision from a clash of heads, perhaps a throwback to his boxing days, and had to go off for treatment.

Vale reorganised themselves, but Garstang stretched their lead with another try. The Vale's workrate and output remained high and the earlier threat soon returned. Positive, probing runs by Will Senior gained the space for winger Jacob Meklenburgh to score his first senior try for the Vale. 

With the game poised for a big finish, it was the man-mountain Liam Hall who provided it.

The lead had been snatched back from Garstang, but there remained more work to do to keep it. Try-saving tackles, particularly by the returning stalwart, Rich Dewar, held off attack after attack.

A relieved, yet jubilant Vale crowd celebrated victory in a game which had everything: cohesive forward play, stylish passing at speed from the backs, last-ditch tackles in defence, a never-say-die team ethic and a nail-biting ending.

The supporters from both teams enjoyed a great spectacle of grass roots rugby, bringing together experienced, the flamboyant, and the young stars of the future, embarking on their journey in the senior sides. 

Next Saturday sees an away fixture for the Vikings against Warrington 2nd XV. Kick off at 3pm. 

Team:  Sam Green, Tom Verlauqe, Joe Harrison, Shaun Stewart (C), Will Senior, Freddie Bartle, Paul Scott, Liam Hall, Dave Minnikin, Ryan Busby, Mark Bower, Joe Summers, Dom Hart, Rich Dewar, Kaine Winder.     Reps. Karan Banga, Thomas Bradburn, Paul Rowlands, Jack Capstick, Jacob Meklenburgh.