Vale seconds set for cup final

Vale began the journey to the final at Bradwall Road with a victory at Sedgley Park, 22-21 when they became the first club to inflict a defeat on the hosts.

They then went onto record another nail-biting victory on the road with at 12-8 win at Stockport, before accounting for Chester, 36-17, at The Lane in a fast moving, competitive sporting encounter.

The final completes what has been a most exciting season for the Vale, who initially had a number of difficulties to overcome, in particular as the first-team’s injury list mounted to alarming proportions.

Despite a rocky road, a blend of new and old, youth and experience emerged; team work, plus an ever expanding spirit, where playing for each other came to the fore, were crucial factors when they entered Conference B for part two of the season.

Early successes built confidence and from Valentine’s Day until April 11 they went undefeated for seven Conference and cup games.

Unfortunately defeat at Birkenhead Park ended any hopes of finishing in top spot, claimed by Stockport 2, with a stern test now ahead against Grasshoppers, who finished in third in Conference A.