In the programme for the Tony Hodgson Memorial Day, the President of Blackburn remarked that there had been a certain amount of chaos behind the scenes, not least when Fylde withdrew from the event.

"How Hodge would have loved it," he wrote, "Typical chaos."

Vale of Lune, one of Tony's former clubs, stepped into the breach, but somewhere along the line wires had become crossed because instead of facing a Vale Vets team, the hosts had to contend with an all-singing, all-dancing Vale squad full of potential and legs that could run and run as the final scoreline confirmed.

However, it did not detract from a memorable day. The esteem felt for Tony, who had become an iconic figure at Blackburn Rugby Club, was reflected in a packed clubhouse at Ramsgreave Drive, a day of non-stop rugby followed an evening of entertainment into the wee small hours.

Hodge, as he was affectionately known, died last year aged 43, and was a character both on and off the field. He was a lock forward who never took a backward step, intensely competitive, but at the end of the game would be the first to shake hands and buy his opponent a drink.

Tony has become a folk hero in the history of Blackburn; his untimely death has not only left a void in his club but in the wider rugby world.

A free-flowing Vale side rattled in 11 tries, which included a hat-trick from Matthew Whittaker, and two apiece from Andy Muir and James Hodder; seven of the tries were converted.

In a fast moving game Lee Acton, on his return from Australia, looked sharp and hooker Phil Watson produced a performance that reminded the present incumbents of the number two jersey that they need to keep on their toes.

Both Andrew Sutcliffe and Danny Lin showed their versatility by playing at wing forward and number eight respectively.

Muir opened the scoring with a try after an overlap had been created but Blackburn came back strongly with a try from Mick Cottam, the full-back bursting through, Nick Westhead converted from in front.

But the pace of the Vale began to slice open Blackburn's defence.

Whittaker opened his account with a solo run, Neil Bennetts converting.

Alex Cowey forced his way over from close range and Muir completed the first half scoring with another sprint that took him clear of the chasing defenders, Hodder converted.

Despite the biting wind and the odd flurry of snow, a large crowd packed the terraces, although one sensed that they would have liked to see Blackburn giving the scoreboard operator more to do.

As it happened it was the Vale who set the digits moving after Ashley Bolsover cheekily darted through for a try, converted by Hodder.

Joe Clarkson powered his way down the wing for an unconverted try and just after the hour mark Blackburn doubled their score with a converted try.

For the remainder of the game the Vale added to their total virtually every time they crossed the gain line.

Hodder scored his tries in quick succession, converting one; Whittaker added to his haul, converted by Hodder; Sam Holroyd calmly took his opportunity and the free-ranging Whittaker completed the scoring with the conversion of his hat-trick try.

Vale of Lune: J Hodder; A Muir, S Holroyd, L Wallace, W Bylthe; N Bennetts, O Hughes; P Jackson, P Watson, A Cowey; D Perry, L Acton; A Sutcliffe, J Clarkson, M Whittaker. Reps used: D Halliwell, G Speak, D Lin, A Bolsover, M Sutcliffe, S Wallbank.