Match Report by Fred Swarbrick.

The Bowness Bay Division 3 North in The Halbro North West Leagues

9th Nov. 2024

The Vale Team

Joe Harrison
Brett Cooper
Robbie Skelton
Shaun Stewart
Tom Needham
Freddie Bartle
Josh Shaun Lewis
Jamie Antcliffe
Karan Banga
Ollie Cousins
Mark Bower
Dave Minnikin ( Skipper)
Chris Thomas
Ben Wallace
Kev Bristow
Francis Sucbang
Harry Fretwell
Shannon Morgan
Kyron Sharples, Tom Millar, Josh Mitton started with Colne and Nelson.
Management Mr. Paul Peters and Mr. Paul Scott

The Vale arrived at Colne and Nelson’s Holt House grounds with a complete side and indeed with the Colne side being short on numbers, three Vale players were asked to play for them. Willingly Kyron, Tom and Josh turned out for the Colne and Nelson side with Kyron and Josh playing the full game, Tom coming over to the Vale XV when Colne players arrived.

We know Kyron tends to be vociferous but he was actually proving to be Colne’s “pack leader” urging them on throughout the game. What a man !! The game was to take place on Colnes top field, and I’m reluctant to call it a pitch it was indeed a field. Heavy and glutinous…..

Skipper Dave Minnikin – will someone give him a pair of black shorts please – was directing the warm up moves and setting the tone for the game. The Vale XV were prepared fully for the start. A minutes silence observed before the game in respect, before Referee Lewis Courtney blew for the start of the game. “Lewis of course one of our renowned Association Referees”.

From the start the Vale XV were proving to be a strong side and the Vale 8 a strong well drilled set. Driving up the park within 5 minutes Jamie Ants had crossed for a first try. He seemed to be wallowing in his new found position in the back row of the scrum. Enjoying a good game in that position until reverting to his norm in the 2nd half.

The Vale 8 were proving to be dominant in all phases of the game particularly in the set scrummaging where with a powerful front row of Joe Harrison, Robbie Skelton and Brett Coope, backed up by Tom Needham, great to see Tom back in the side, and Shaun Stewart locking the scrum were giving the Colne 8 a difficult time. The back row of Jame A, Freddie Bartle and Josh Sloane Lewis were enjoying the freedom the dominant Vale pack were providing.

Joe Harrison, playing a hard physical game was to score under the posts after a massive surge towards the Colne line. Skipper Dave Minnikin slotting the 2 points. 12 pts to Nil pts to the Vale.

The pitch situation wasn’t helping the Vale side and some untidy scrums were affecting the feed from Karan Banga to his fly half Ollie Cousins. Ollie of course simply has natural talent, and was to play a big part in the game not only in the attacking phases but also in the defensive situations, his kicking clearing the Vale line on a number of occasions.

The game was moving into a “calm” phase. Mark Bower was pulled down short of the line, his efforts did deserve a score. If only ?? On half time Jamie Ants was to cross once again with the Skipper adding the two points. The Vale XV had indeed controlled the first half of the game.

Playing alongside his Skipper, Chris Thomas was receiving limited ball but in defence was a safe pair of hands. Ben Wallace on the wing, again was receiving limited ball to display his undoubted pace. Kev Bristow at fullback in the conditions was not able to show his pace which he has in abundance but was proving sound in defence.

The Colne XV whilst under pressure never let their heads drop, and with Kyron Sharples urging their forwards on they were indeed taking the game to the Vale XV, crossing for an unconverted try. On 50 minutes Colne added to their score with another 5 pointer, but Vales’ Skipper Dave Minnikin had stretched the Vale lead with a second score accurately converted by himself.

The management at this stage in the second half were to change the side. Confident the game was out of reach of the Colne XV. Tom Miller returned from his stint in the Colne XV Francis Sucbang moved into the front row and Harry Fretwell moved into the fray. Was it Harrys first appearance in the side ??

Shannon Morgan moved into the centre and immediately displayed his undoubted ability. Shannon a big presence in the middle of the park, running or should I say gliding, through tackles and when in possession always putting the Colne XV on the back foot with some accurate passing to his support.

Closing in on the Colne line he offered an accurate pass to fullback Kev Bristow for him to score which indeed became a 7 pointer with the Skippers conversion. The Vale XV now move on and are indeed in touch with the top of this most competitive League. Next Saturday will see the appearance of Orrell at the Vale which will prove to be a firm test of this Vale XV. Will this game be played on the main pitch ???

Must offer the Player of the Match lads. Most difficult with a number of contenders but this week goes to Dave Minnikin for his efforts throughout the80 minutes….