Vale win on the Wirral

MATCH REPORT: Birkenhead Park 17 - 53 Vale of Lune (Regional 2 North West)

The week's wet weather abated to allow the Vale to show off their new away kit. Some observers said 'aquamarine,' one mentioned 'teal,' but most opted for 'blue.'

Early sorties into the Birkenhead half tested their defences, looking for fissures to exploit.

A penalty kick from fifteen metres out brought the first points, but the home side struck back instantly with a forward surge over the Vale tryline. After only fifteen minutes, prop Ross Pillow took a knock and had to retire, allowing the multi-skilled Joe Crompton to join the party.

Vale's pack claimed the initiative, relentlessly driving for the line. Illegal impediments brought a penalty try for the Vale and a yellow card for the transgressor. A Birkenhead penalty kick made the score even, but as half time approached, scrum half Billy Swarbrick darted like a pinball from hapless tacklers to score a try and retake the lead at 10-15.

Poor light activated the floodlight sensors but the drizzle failed to dampen the spirits. Vale claimed possession and kept it in the forwards through the Birkenhead danger zone. Prop Mike Bradshaw finished the move in the right corner and Damon Hall converted.

At the other end, a surprise break in the Vale's defence was cut out by determined tackling from captain Jack Ayrton. In sustained possession, full back Ryan Busby and winger Jack McFarlane combined to menace the Birkenhead backs. Some tempers flared but the Vale remained composed and professional. Matters were soon smoothly contained by the referee, Callum Folan.

Changes to personnel brought on Alex Briggs and George Oyston for a seamless transition. With possession restored, Hall shrugged off tackles to chip and chase from his own half, all the way to a try which electrified the travelling support. With the Vale firmly in the driving seat, more daring attacks ensued.

Stand-off Kurt Gledhill burned a trail up the spine of the pitch to score, and winger Dan Leighton was first to a loose ball, which he kicked and chased over the line for Vale's seventh try.

Birkenhead were not done yet. A forwards move caught the Vale out and a try in the right corner reminded the Vale that their day's work was not finished. Hall had the final word when Alex Briggs skilfully lobbed a ball toward the posts, hitting the inside of the upright, below the crossbar, and settling in the dead ball area, where Hall was quickest to react. He was also named by the home side as Man-of-the-Match.

The scoreline was impressive enough, but there was more to this performance than mere numbers.

Head coach Mark Goodman has instilled an attitude of positivity in the minds of this collective. Each man having the confidence to try adventurous tactics, knowing that those alongside him will have his back.

Thirty-five league points from a possible fifty, and all done before the end of November reflects a winning mentality. Vale take this momentum into their home fixture against Winnington Park next week. Kick off at 2.15pm.

Team: R. Pillow, H. Dokter, M. Bradshaw, H. Fellows (c), J. Sutcliffe, S. Walton, J. Wallbank, J. Ayrton (c), B. Swarbrick, K. Gledhill, J. McFarlane, A. Bolton, D. Hall, D. Leighton, R. Busby. Reps: A. Briggs, G. Oyston, J. Crompton.