Vale sides have winning feeling

Ryan Needham returned to the action after recovering from a back problem, the squad being augmented with two players from Lancaster University, Elliot Burton and Will Field.

Neil Walker opened his side’s account with a penalty goal after three minutes and although the fly half was off target with his next attempt his trusty boot converted the three tries scored by James Curran in the 24th, 33rd and 39th minutes, the winger gleefully taking the opportunities that came his way.

The visitors fully deserved their half-time lead, their forwards provided a sold platform, Walker orchestrated a lively back division which played with pace and confidence.

Changes were made in personnel for the second 40. Replacement Tom Cvijanovic made an instant impact with an unconverted try in the 45th minute when he quickly and powerfully peeled off the back of a well directed rolling maul, an important asset in the Vale’s armoury.

Four minutes later Malcolm Fowler collected a pass just outside Burnage’s twenty two to race clear and round off excellent passage of interpassing in the forwards, for an unconverted try.

Burnage’s first score in the 55th minute when their number 12 cut through the Vale’s defence for a converted try. A second try came in the 63rd minute, some lacklustre Vale defending was punished by the home side’s winger.

Hard working scrum half Harry Bartle touched down for a deserved try with five minutes remaining which Walker converted, but the final points went to Burnage with an unconverted try as the Vale relaxed.

An emphatic home victory by the Vikings, 43-0, at home against Leigh 4ths, took them to the top of the league and completed a winning Saturday for all Vale’s sides.

The have now won four games out of five this season under the guidance of manager Tony Jackson.

Man of the match Alex Morrison was in fine form with captain Ben Murphy continuing to lead the side with aplomb.