The Vale of Lune 1st XV hosted Widnes RUFC on a mild yet fresh afternoon at Powder House Lane. With the Vale poised at 4th and Widnes at 6th in the NW2 league, it could have been a well-matched contest, but the Vale's recent run of good results gave them the edge in the pre-match assessments. Newly appointed head coach and player Mark Goodman's work in training had raised the confidence of the side, bolstered by the return of second row powerhouse Joe Wallbank. The result was a treat for the Vale faithful.

Initial possession was claimed by the visitors, pressing the Vale deep into their own back yard. Dogged defending enabled a pendulum swing. Widnes felt the weight of the Vale's forward prowess. Phase after phase ensued and the Vale backs ultimately struck in the left corner. Winger Jack Macfarlane finished the move and the first blood was drawn. The second of the cuts came from a central thrust by the Vale backs, culminating in centre Alex Briggs popping up the sweetest pass to Chris Ramwell to sidestep over the line to score.

Second row Harry Fellows sustained a knock, making way for Josh Sutcliffe to enter the arena. The play edged to the right flank, where Damon Hall tore a hole in the Widnes line, finally going to ground inches from the try-line. His pop-up pass to the ever-alert Bolton brought the third Vale try. Widnes' frustrations resulted in a yellow card for an improper impediment to the Vale's attacks. From the penalty, a trademark driving maul try by Andy Powers capped off the half with a score of 24 - 0 to the imperious Vale team.

Widnes came out fighting. A sustained period of advancement allowed their left winger to stretch the Vale defence and open their account. The Vale retook possession of the ball and a series of sharp passes gave centre Alfie Bolton the chance to punch some holes. The referee did not approve of Bolton's raised elbow in one close exchange, and off to the contemplation seat he went. A man down but not in any diminished, number eight Sam Wallbank sprinted from the halfway line down the spine of the pitch, fending off all challenges to score to the right of the posts.

Widnes again responded with purpose. A melee of arms and legs came to a halt on the Vale try-line. The referee hesitated before allowing the try. The Vale's sixth try was a crowd pleaser. Briggs darted from the centre spot, passed to Bolton, regained the ball, then passed again to Murrell to cross the line in the right corner. The final flourish gave Alex Briggs a stylish try under the posts, which he fully deserved.

Man-of-the-Match was Jonny Silverwood, who's passing had been at the heart of everything. The spoils include elevation to the third spot in NW2. Who would have predicted that back in October? Next week sees a scheduled break. The next Vale first XV outing will be away at Firwood Waterloo, for a rearranged game on the 8th of February.

Team: A. Fowler, A. Powers, M. Mount, H. Fellows, J. Wallbank, M. Goodman, J. Ayrton (c), S. Wallbank, J. Batty, J. Silverwood, J. Macfarlane, A. Bolton, A. Briggs, D. Hall, C. Ramwell. Reps: G. Oyston, J. Sutcliffe, C. Murrell.

Pictured: Man-of-the Match Jonny Silverwood (Photo by Tony North.)