Vale of Lune's cup dream ends at Waterloo

MATCH REPORT: Firwood Waterloo 36 Vale of Lune 17

As Storm Bert raged and the north-west coast took a hammering, the hardy souls of rugby union chose to press on and fulfil this Lancashire Cup fixture at the Merseyside home of Firwood Waterloo RUFC.

Vale debutantes Chris Thomas and Cole Donnelly, both fleet-footed wingers, added to the energy of the lineup, whilst experienced campaigners: Powers, Ramwell and Fellows brought their seasoned composure and confidence to this cup-tie. 

If the NW2 league is anything to go by, it was the visiting underdogs who were to have the uphill task. However, cup fixtures are different, and a rude awakening transpired as the well-coordinated Vale pack forced their way over the try-line to open the scoring.

Captain Jack Ayrton applied the crucial placement, and the gauntlet was thrown down.

Waterloo's response was instant and purposeful. Their equaliser was followed by the first of many accurate place kicks, and the lead was theirs. Vale came back strongly, forcing some handling errors, but they were unable to capitalise. 

Play was halted as Vale's new find Chris Thomas received a running repair to his bleeding ear. Once the action began again, it was the Waterloo backs who jinked, danced and swerved all attempts to tackle them. Their second try was a stylish move, and it took them clear at the half time break at 14 points to 5. 

Reshuffles run the risk of disruption, but when the Vale restarted with all of the finishers on the pitch, there was no let up in their output. Shannon Morgan, Eddie Abdelghafar and Cole Donnelly, all hit the ground running, and took the play to the league leaders.

Some promising moves in midfield came up short, and Waterloo were always ready to fight back. Their third converted try created daylight between them on the scoreboard.  

The versatile Morgan gathered the ball in retreat from a ruck, turned in a wide arc and made twenty-five yards before being stopped. The surge began a chain reaction, and after a dozen phases, the lineout-and-drive routine paid off as Andy Powers forced his way over the line to narrow the gap.  

Waterloo showed their class, and the Vale were under the cosh. Accurate clearance kicking kept the wolf from the door, but a lack of fingertip control enabled the ball to fall into the hands of the lively Waterloo centre, who ran in their fourth.

Ramwell cut a swathe through the green wall, setting in motion a repeat of the earlier pattern, which was finished by the determined Abdelghafar. All doubt was eliminated when Waterloo ran in their fifth try.

A late yellow card for Morgan, had no impact on the score, and the final Waterloo penalty kick was a mere sprig of garnish to the meal.

Encouragement can be gained from the Vale's persistence and positivity. As Waterloo deservedly go on to the next round of the cup, the Vale had again proved to be worthy opponents of any side in their bracket. Jack Ayrton was nominated as top performer on the day. Preparation for the NW2 clash at home to Altrincham Kersal next week is already under way. Kick off at 2.15pm. 

Team:    A. Fowler, A. Powers, R. Pillow, H. Fellows, G. Oyston, H. Dokter, J. Ayrton (c), I. Turton, J. Batty, J. Silverwood, D. Leighton, C. Ramwell, A. Bolton, C. Thomas, A. Briggs.     Reps: E. Abdelghafar, S. Morgan, C. Donnelly.