Vale of Lune outdone by Glossop in the Peaks

Rugby Union Match Report: Glossop 51 Vale of Lune 27

In Scrabble or on Countdown, the word 'Glossop' can give you 'gloss' or 'loss'.

In the Vale of Lune 1st XV's away fixture in the picturesque Peak District town, the 'loss' was endured by the Vale, whereas the 'gloss' was all afforded to the home side. 

The rain showers came and went, as did the passages of enterprising play produced by the Vale.

From the whistle, Glossop came out with urgency, pressing a static Vale defence and crossing the line to score a converted try within the first minute.

The Vale responded instantly with an inspired move initiated by full back Chris Ramwell.

In his 100th Vale first team match, Ramwell took a high clearance in his own half and dashed through the stunned Glossop backs to reach the five metre line.

A sharp pass to winger Sam Peters allowed him to touch down to the right of the posts. Ramwell converted to level the scores. 

A couple of accurate penalty kicks by each team followed some slippy ball handling due to the rain.

The Vale relied on some strong scrummaging play to maintain possession and, as a result, the Vale forwards had the edge in the hard yards.

The Glossop back line excelled in their organisation and movement, both in defence and attack. This proved a to be a hand-full for the young Vale backs.

Probing runs from forwards Sam Wallbank and Mike Bradshaw lifted the spirits of the travelling supporters as well as those of their teammates.

The Glossop defence took too many liberties for the referee's liking and a penalty try was awarded, giving the Vale the lead.

Despite the 10-minute absence of a Glossop player, the Vale were unable to capitalise and half time arrived with an encouraging tie at 20-20. 

The second half began with a series of high kicks from each side, neither going anywhere near the posts.

It would inevitably result in a combined desire from both packs for some proper rugby on the ground.

Some changes of personnel followed, some strategic and some due to injury. Pillar of the front row, Matt Mount left with a pained expression and co-captain Harry Fellows incurred a significant headache.

Alfie Bolton, Louis Evans and James Bonia came on but by then the Glossop onslaught was underway. The home side's points were amassed from all quarters: six tries, as many conversions and penalty goals in between put the Derbyshire men in an unassailable lead.

A consolation try, the second from Sam Peters, made it respectable but the day belonged to Glossop. 

The home side nominated Chris Ramwell as the Vale's best performer on the day. However, it was largely a forwards' game with Jack Ayrton marshalling his troops with composure and passion.

The Vale are not short of effort, but a winning spell remains elusive. With two home games to come, perhaps they can begin to realise some of their considerable potential. 

Team:    M. Bradshaw, M. Mount, R. Pillow, H. Fellows, J. Wallbank, A. Powers, J, Ayrton, S. Wallbank, J. Thomas, J. Silverwood, J. Fern, D, Helme, I, Quarry, S. Peters, C. Ramwell,   Reps:  J. Bonia, L. Evans, A. Bolton.