Tough But Encouraging Start Against Champions

Reigning North West champions Vale of Lune hit the road running with a clinical performance, taking every opportunity that came their way, topped off by a perfect conversion record to again set the pace in this year’s league.

Manchester’s performance was very creditable however, with all Vale’s points being scored from loose play which unfortunately allowed the hard and direct running Vale backs to break Manchester’s line far too frequently. It was ironic that the message at the end of the first period was that Manchester were “controlling the game but not the ball”! Territory was being gained quite easily from good long kicks by Jess Johnson but the pressure was not sustained and Vale were repeatedly allowed to pinch the ball back and launch attacks from defence.

In truth, the seven-a-side format of the game didn’t suit Manchester with the wide and short pitch allowing Vale to convert any missed tackle into a try. The game was refereed fairly and sympathetically and the format had been mutually agreed between the coaches so Manchester can have no gripes about that. Lessons will certainly have been learned from the way the match (and scoreline) developed however. A bigger squad will allow the coaches more flexibility with the match formats as the season progresses.

We are pleased that we already have more new players in training that have committed themselves to Manchester We also look forward to Casey Thompson getting back to fitness. The team spirit was certainly helped by Casey and Helena Edwards making the long trek North to support their team mates even though they couldn’t play – that was really appreciated.

There were many positives to take from the day which meant that there was no sign of deflation in the Manchester ranks despite the result. The scrum was first class with Rachael Jones, Jess Davids and Caitlin Knight dominating their opposite numbers; half backs Ellie Davidson and Jess Johnson linked well as expected; a brand new back line (to the game not just Manchester!) of Olivia Farrow, Chloe Snape and Georgia Miskelly put in plenty of brave tackles and deserved more from some excellent runs with ball in hand.

The consolation try by Rachael at the very end of the game, following a determined run to the line by Olivia, was so well deserved that the applause came from both sides. In fact, a late arrival would have thought that Manchester had just got the winning score! It certainly was an important one and something to build on for a long season ahead. We expect this team to improve steadily and can look forward already to the re-match with Vale at home in January.

This is a fledgling team, with new recruits who put their hands up to play their first match against the top team in the region after only a few training sessions. Every single player acquitted themselves well and deserved the praise of the coaches and parents for their character and no shortage of ability.

Captain's Player of the Match: Rachael Jones