Gutsy reverse at the Vale

The Maroons travelled to Lancaster at the weekend with 16 ready to take on the opposition. A few changes from the last few weeks meant it was a put together team but none the less still a team. Led by Jim Smith the team wanted to take it to a VOL who have had the bragging rights at home the last few times we've met.

VOL got off to a flying start with 2 unanswered tries. Only one converted. 12-0. The maroons had to knuckle down to save embarrassment. Some great runs from Smith, Taylor, Farnsworth and the Mitchell Brothers saw the game taken to VOL. Some great phase play from the forwards allowed Taylor to quickly peel of the back of a ruck, break his tackle and sprint over the line in what would be the only try of the day for the maroons. 12-5 half time.

The second half is where VOLs bench proved vital. The Maroons held their own but injuries to two of the back line meant some shuffling had to be made. Taylor who started at prop was then positioned at flanker/winger depending on play.

Smith stayed in the pack and Matt Mitchell also joined the back line. Penney donning the jersey for a run out. The second half did not go the desired way but the effort applied was fantastic. The fresh legs and hearty bench of VOL took full advantage of a weakend team but with all due respect were happy to lend two players to Clitheroe.

A solid performance from the 16 players who played and best wishes to those injured. 55-5 to VOL.

Report by JT