Having lost only once in their previous 8 (NW2) league outings a confident Vale side looked forward to confronting Douglas and keen to avenge a heavy early season defeat by the visitors.
The Vale took an early lead when after a forward midfield thrust the ball was released for winger Jack Macfarlane to sprint 30 metres for the opening try converted by Chris Ramwell. Douglas committed an indiscretion on their 22 metre line and from the resultant penalty the Vale pack orchestrated their trademark catch and drive line-out move for Andy Powers to score.
Sam Wallbank and George Oyston combined to make thrusts up field and although under pressure in the scrums and culpable of numerous handling errors the Douglas defence held firm with Vale not extending their lead until Harry Fellows scored from a catch and drive move with Ramwell converting. Douglas replied with an unconverted try from their pacey left-winger giving a half-time score of 19-5 to the home side.
With Matt Mount, Shannon Morgan and Alex Briggs having entered the fray fresh impetus was added to the all-round team effort and from a scrum close to the Douglas line Wallbank pounced for the bonus point try. The 3rd quarter of the game saw Vale penned in their own half and grateful for Briggs' long clearance kicks. Douglas pressure was rewarded when a width of the pitch move saw their winger outflank the Vale defence for his second try.
The score of the day went to MacFarlane who having fielded a high kick and seeing the open Douglas defence turned on the after burners to power through would be tacklers for a 60 metre try. Douglas' cause was not helped by a yellow carded player and with confusion reigning near their line Jack Batty scampered over for a final try converted by the boot of Ramwell bringing up a final score 36-10.
A settled side, commitment and good defence augurs well for the rest of the season. All qualities necessary for next week's fixture at Firwood/Waterloo. Bring it on!

Team: Fowler, Powers, Pillow, Fellows, Oyston, Wallbank, Goodman, Ayrton, Batty, Silverwood, Leighton, Bolton, Murrell, MacFarlane, Ramwell.

Rep: Mount, Morgan, Briggs.

Tries; MacFarlane 2, Powers ,Fellows, Wallbank, Batty.

Con" Ramwell 3.

Photo of the Vale's George Oyston, taken by Tony North.