Bonus point only for Vale of Lune in defeat at Bowdon

MATCH REPORT: Bowdon 50 Vale of Lune 31

It was a fine September day for the Vale's first road trip of the campaign, and as hospitable as the Cheshire club were, this largesse did not stretch to their performance on the field.

Bowdon narrowly missed out on promotion last season, and every chance was to be hard earned by a Vale side, managing injuries to key players.

Early play took place in the Bowdon half. The Vale probed and pushed up to their 22m line before Sam Wallbank powered over the line to to show the home side that they had a challenge on their hands. Stand-off Henry Clifton converted smoothly, and the die was cast. 

Bowdon found their rhythm and replied with some rapid passing to score an unconverted try soon after. A penalty goal from Clifton kept up the pressure, but Bowdon's cohesive forward efforts paid off with another pair of tries. Injury forced scrum half Ryan Busby off the pitch, so Harrison Dodge came in from the wing to deputise. Clifton found a gap in the Bowdon defence and made the most of it. His try brought the half-time score to 24 -17 to Bowdon. 

Replacements Ross Pillow and debutante Shanon Morgan came on to bolster the output. The versatile Morgan announced his arrival with a thrilling run through the Bowdon minefield as though he was immune from their tackles. Again, Bowdon regrouped and pressed to good effect, extending their lead before centre Eddie Abdelghafar stretched an arm to place the ball onto the white line to narrow the score again. 

Some heated exchanges of opinion brought about the temporary departure of second row Joe Wallbank, giving the Cheshire men an advantage they did not need.

The remaining 14 found another gear and took the phases into the Bowdon half for prolonged periods. There was a palpable sense of the possible among the travelling faithful, as the Vale brought the score-line close again and again.

However, when the ball bounces your way, that's great, and it did just that for the Bowdon backs. Another two tries put the game out of reach for the Vale, but there was a prize on offer. Henry Clifton secured a 'fourth try' bonus league point with his second try, which he converted. The final word came from the home side with a try to reach their half-century. 

Notable performances came from Morgan and pack leader Mark Goodman, and man-of-the-match was playmaker and placekicker Henry Clifton. Some of the Vale's less experienced players stepped up to show some of their potential, whilst the Vale's roll of absentees, remains a source of frustration.

Once repaired and restored to the lineup, and with the dogged determination on show on Saturday, the Vale's NW2 campaign can go from strength to strength. 

Next week, the Vale plays host to Crewe & Nantwich at Powder House Lane, Kick off at 3pm. 

Team:   A. Fowler, H. Dokter, M. Mount, G. Oyston, J. Wallbank, M. Goodman, I. Turton, S. Wallbank,  R. Busby, H. Clifton, H. Dodge,  E. Abdelghafar, C. Murrell,  T. Bell, C. Ramwell.    Reps: S. Morgan, R. Pillow.