Vale of Lune A outdone by Eccles

MATCH REPORT: Eccles 2nd XV 26 Vale 2nd 7

Once again a much changed Vale XV took field in this the return game at Peel Green, Gorton St. the home of the famous Eccles Cakes.

The return came after a heavy defeat when the Eccles XV played at Powderhouse Lane,

The Vale XV were lying two places below Eccles in the League table so expectations were high.

The Vale side was a mixture of youth and experience. It was great to see young Colts taking their place in the side - Jake Wilson and Jason McDonald in the central positions. Equally Dave Buchan and Joe Harrison were back from injury.

The game kicked off on the Eccles back pitch with the roar of the M60 only yards away.

The side was looking good and after only five minutes a sweeping move up the field had Dave Buchan crossing the Eccles line under the sticks with Rory Briggs converting comfortably.

The Vale had a most experienced front row with both Matti Davenport and Harm Doctor propping Karan Banga who had been drafted into the hooking position.

Soon after the Vale's opening score the Eccles XV gathered and were exerting pressure on the Vale scrummage winning the ball and with some slick passing by their threequarters allowed their winger to score wideout. Five points.

No way would he convert – he did… to take the score to seven points across the board...later to miss one in front of the posts!

On 25 minutes Vale were offered a penalty easily within kicking distance but opted for the option of going for the lineout which failed. 

Kev Bristow is quick and in full flight, always good to see, and going for the line, with cover arriving threw out a wild pass taken up eagerly with the Eccles defence leading to them scoring at the opposite end of the field.

The scrummaging phase of the game was proving equal - neither eight overpowering their opposites.

The second row of Josh Mitton, as he moved from wing to centre and now in the midst of the scrum, along with Joe Harrison, were proving to be a steady partnership in the engine room.

Joe of course using his undoubted strength not only in the set phases but battling strongly in the loose phases of the game at times taking on the Eccles 8 almost single handedly.

The back row of Ben Keenan - lineout work terrific – as usual, Josh Sloan Lewis battling in the loose and Eddie Abdelghafar were equalling the Eccles scrum with Eddie making some strong forages into the Eccles defence.

To half time and this Vale XV were battling hard against this Eccles XV filled with experienced players but also some speedy players and it was this speed that undid the Vale side in the second half.

Lee Starkey team manager and skipper for the day playing at scrum half was picking up many balls in the loose play.

At fly half Rory Briggs displaying his kicking ability was putting the Vale XV into attacking positions. Jake Wilson and Jason McDonald were not seeing much of the ball in needed, attacking positions and Jordan Fern possibly the most experienced player on the Park was not given room to display his undoubted pace.

Ryan Busby at full back was always a threat and secure under any high balls. At one time and using his undoubted pace he split the Eccles defence from his own line and headed for the Eccles line - a bit like Marcus Smith in the England game – only to be pulled down yards from the line.

At this stage the Eccles XV were showing a degree of control and were scoring regularly using the wide open spaces and getting the ball along the line to their speedy wingers. Tom Miller entered the field moving off the bench but the Eccles XV at this stage were in control.

A tough game is now on the horizon with Sandbach at the Vale next weekend which promises to be a hard game for these lads but we can stuff them as we move from a mid-table placing.

Harm Dokter, Karan Banga, Matthew Davenport, Joe Harrison, Josh Mitten, Ben Keenan, Josh Sloan Lewis, Eddie Abdelguafar, Lee Starkey (Capt), Rory Briggs, Jordan Fern, Dave Buchan, Jake Wilson, Kevin Bristow, Ryan Busby, Jason McDonald, Tom Miller.