The 26-15 defeat at Sandbach consigned the Vale to the drop meaning that for the first time in their league history, they will play below level seven in the structure.

But coach Mark Sutcliffe was in a positive mood for the new season, despite huge disappointment at Saturday's result.

In the end, the defeat did not matter as Northwich won.

He said: "We were all gutted. The only consolation was that Northwich won.

"We had a good chat after the game and all the lads were positive for next year. We will come back stronger and I expect us to bounce straight back up."

The Vale's destination for next season will not be confirmed until after all the league play-offs are completed.

They could go into North Lancashire and Cumbria – alongside Kirkby Lonsdale – or Euromanx South Lancashire and Cheshire One.

Sutcliffe has already had meetings looking ahead to the start of the next season, aiming to avoid the mistakes made this year.

"We will be the 'big team' next season and it is massively important that we start well and make a big statement from the first game of the season.

"We have got to be ready for the first game and there are no doubts that we will be. Let's blow teams away from the word go.

"We got relegated this season because we lost 11 out of the first 12 games. We won six of the last 10 games and that is not relegation form at any level."

Sutcliffe took over the coaching duties when coach Dave Kidd left the club having lost the first four games of the season.

Sutcliffe has been assisted in the coaching by Andy Higgin and Steve Swarbrick. The trio were due to discuss arrangements for next season on Monday.

Adam Armstrong is leaving the area but Sutcliffe does not expect huge upheaval on the playing side.

"We may lose one or two others but the majority will be around, you lose a couple every season no matter how well you do."

Craig Orrick and Neale Foster both joined the club midway through the season and have both indicated they will stay for another season.

Malcolm Fowler will be continuing, having battled with a neck injury to have an outstanding season. Fellow stalwart Neil Bennetts should also feature more having had an injury-ravaged season.

And young players like James Hodder and Dan Perry will continue to develop, said Sutcliffe.

"They will be better for this and for playing a season of first team rugby. They are only going to get better.

"I am excited for next year. We were relegated, which is disappointing, but it is done now and we have got to plan for September."

Sutcliffe takes encouragement from Broughton Park, who like the Vale suffered relegation and developed their ground at a similar time.

"They got relegated, have been promoted and are flying now – with a new clubhouse as well."

The Vale had a great start on Saturday with a Craig Orrick try in the fourth minute but fell away.

Sutcliffe said: "For the first time since Christmas we panicked a bit in the second half and got a bit excited.

"Our discipline let us down and we tried to force things that were not really on. We played some good rugby at times and credit to Sandbach, so did they."