Champagne rugby as Vale of Lune backs put on a show at Altrincham

MATCH REPORT: Altrincham Kersal 26 Vale of Lune 43

The spring sunshine filtered through the high branches in leafy Cheshire, warming up the pitch at Stelfox Avenue for this NW2 clash of old rivals.

Vale coach Mark Goodman had made changes to the team: some due to injury, some to suspension, some strategic, and some for tactical development with an eye on next season.  

The Vale came out with evident intent. Hogging the ball and denying the home side a touch. When they did claim it, the ball was fumbled forward on the half way line.

The loose ball was kicked on and a mass chase ensued. Vale scrum half Jack Batty was the sharpest, controlling the ball at his feet at pace over the line to score in the right corner.

The AK forwards took the initiative and performed sustained phases of possession, leading to a try and conversion. The lead had changed, but the effort levels remained. 

Vale reclaimed the lead with some slick, cross-field passing from left to right, allowing full back Ryan Busby announce his return to the side with a try, after a spell out with injury.

The Vale backs were having a party for themselves. Busby registered another try, swerving hapless tacklers with poise and balance. Macfarlane, Leighton and Abdelghafar set the pace, which was hard for the Cheshire men to cope with.

The Vale's relentless pressure in the AK 22 area forced errors which resulted in a penalty try, taking the half time score to seven points to 29 to the rampant visitors. 

Back-row powerhouse Joe Wallbank sustained an ankle injury requiring an ice pack. Josh Sutcliffe stepped up to maintain the forward campaign.

Batty found a gap in the AK defence and he took off for the line, covering 40 yards and leaving the chasing pack in his wake. AK came back by containing the ball up the jumpers of their forwards. This tactic brought them a brace of tries. 

Flanker Ben Keenan came on to add his pace to the Vale forwards. Macfarlane and Abdelghafar relished their chances to run at the AK backs.

Cutting through with the speed and balance of downhill skiers to the delight of the travelling support.

Vale prop Archie Fowler took a tweak to his ankle, triggering concerns over his Lancashire call up for next weekend.

The Vale's seventh try came from a startling sprint by Macfarlane, passing inside to Busby to apply the finishing touch.

Ben Keenan endured a yellow card and he concluded his contribution from the sidelines.

A final try by AK gave them a consolation league point, but the real spoils were the Vale's.

It was champagne rugby, performed by a team with smiles on their faces.

Positivity abounds in the Vale of Lune first XV, and the result is terrific to watch.

Of the many deserving candidates, man-of-the-match was four-try man and returning hero, Ryan Busby.

A blank Saturday follows.

The next NW2 league game for the Vale takes place on the 15th of March, at home to Burnage. Kick off at 3pm. 

Team:    A. Fowler, H. Dokter, M. Mount, H. Fellows, A. Powers, J. Wallbank, M. K. Pickup, J. Ayrton (c), J. Batty, J. Silverwood, J. Macfarlane, E. Abdelghafar, C. Ramwell, D. Leighton, R. Busby.     Reps:  J. Sutcliffe, B. Keenan.