Liverpool St Helens 29

Vale of Lune 21
T: F Spavin, M Kellett
C: J Hodder
P: J Hodder 3

North One West


Back in October Liverpool defeated the Vale 36-19 at Powderhouse Lane, so some comfort can be taken from their defeat; a 17 point deficit had been reduced to eight, no mean feat against a club that is handily placed for a tilt at promotion.

Of course all Vale eyes were focussed on their latest recruit, Darren Wilson from Preston Grasshoppers.

The scrum-half did not disappoint, he was a bundle of energy throughout, his distinctive style of hair cut picking him out where the action was thickest, a quality player who is certain to play a major role for his new club in the coming weeks.

Experience and know-how are vital ingredients, in particular in a side that has so many young, talented players in its ranks.

Wilson fits the bill exactly and with imminent arrival of two Samoans it appears that the Vale are setting their stall out to haul themselves clear of the possibility of a dog-fight at the wrong end of North One West.

Clubs below and just above the Vale continue to lose, but sooner or later some are bound to put together a winning run which will turn the season around, just one win for Tyldesley, Vale, Leigh, New Brighton and Wilmslow could ease their situation considerably as all clubs seek the sanctuary of a position in the middle of the table.

As was to be expected both sides looked a little rusty after weeks of indoor training and down loading fitness guides, but at least the waiting was over and for the Vale and Liverpool a six had been shaken and part two of the season could get underway despite some lingering fog on a chilly afternoon.

Liverpool were the first to go racing up the ladder with two penalty goals from centre Greg Smith in the fifth and 10th minute respectively.
But in essence the first half lacked any real fluidity as both sets of players tried to pick up the reins that had lain neglected since December 12.

James Hodder produced one of his skipping elusive runs out of defence, not easy on a heavy surface, before he confidently clipped over a penalty as the game moved into the second quarter.

Liverpool began to exert some pressure, winger Ian Stanley appeared to have scored on the blind side but the referee ruled otherwise, but the home side extended their lead with a Smith penalty in the 25th minute.

As the game moved in to the final 10 minutes there was a noticeable increase in tempo from both sides.

Hodder's successful penalty crept over the bar and Liverpool should have increased their score after an attack had shredded the Vale's defence but the ball was dropped with the line beckoning.

However, in the first minute of the second half Liverpool put behind them their error when full-back John Pape touched down for an
unconverted try.

Six minutes later the Vale hit back with a well taken try. Fraser Spavin caught the ball cleanly at a line and darted over for an unconverted try.

Play from both sides was far more structured and fluid. Centre Dave Cunliffe rounded off a well constructed Liverpool attack with a try in the 51st minute converted by Smith. Again the Vale brought themselves back into contention with a third penalty from Hodder.

The outcome was still within the Vale's reach, a situation that the home side were fully aware of as they tries to increase the margin but they had to wait until the seventh minute of injury time before they could breathe more easily and even then the Vale hit back.

A huge overlap was created for Stanley to score his second try but the Vale ensured that the scoreboard truly reflected their efforts with a try from Marc Kellett.

The centre pounced on a loose ball and propelled it towards Liverpool's line, a deft pick-up allowed him to race between the posts to loud cheers from a group of family supporters, Hodder converted with the last kick of the game.

Vale of Lune: M Stevens, A Richards, M Kellett, I Bird, J Hodder, N Bennetts, D Wilson, A Cowey (D Schuyler 53) J Hesketh, L Jackson, L Acton (capt), L Farnworth (A Garnett 50), F Spavin, L Ford, S Wallbank.

RUGBY ROUND UP

* TOP of the table, Lymm, who play the Vale of Lune on Saturday at Powderhouse Lane, were home winners against Tyldesley, 41-0.

Bottom of the league Blackburn lost at Broughton Park, 43-12, while fellow strugglers Aspatria were defeated at Burnage 22-7.

Northwich, in second spot, were home winners against Wilmslow, 25-7, and Altrincham Kersal won away at Leigh, 28-11.

New Brighton lost at home to Sandbach, 21-16.