Miller Homes Leagues Division 2, 12th January 2008

Vale of Lune 3rds 14 v 17 Oldershaw 2nds

Oldershaw were paying their first ever visit to Vale. On my arrival they were already warming up on the main Vale pitch. On enquiry they informed us they could not provide a complete front row. The decision was taken to play un-contested from the start of the game. Oldershaw were enjoying the experience of playing on a pitch which is regarded as being one of the largest in the country particularly with dead ball areas of 22 Metres. From the start Vale were clearly the more successful side, this turned out to be the case and within 10 minutes Vale had scored their 1st try. In fact at half time Vale were in command and the score at the turn around was 14 points to Nil to Vale. At the start of the second half Oldershaw brought on a borrowed Vale prop forward the game changed dramatically. In fact the Vale's borrowed player proceeded to score a converted try near to the posts. Building on this and never giving in, Oldershaw took the game to Vale and scored a further two tries to overhaul the Vale score, turning out winners 17 to 14 points. Spectators coming into the Clubhouse after the game opined they had witnessed a terrific game of Rugby. The Vale lads were despondent but grateful that Oldershaw had played at Vale probably their furthest fixture under difficult circumstances. It is in the spirit of the games in The Miller Homes Leagues that Oldershaw travelled under difficult circumstances to their furthest Fixture and in the event came out victors. Thanks to their Skipper and his players and also to their Club which both Reg Robinson and myself have first hand knowledge of being a true Rugby Club. Fred Swarbrick