Vale of Lune 33
Stoke-on-Trent 3
Powergen North Two West

AFTER a week's break, the Vale of Lune secured a five-try victory against bottom of the table Stoke-on-Trent, Andy Garnett converting four tries as the Vale moved into fourth place.

Vale started by putting pace on the ball and opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a try from man of the match James Bryan.

Next, Andy Miller drifted through for a well-taken try just after the mid-way point.

With Vale in control, the forwards then pointed the way for a Danny Lin try just before half time - the only score for which Garnett failed to add the extras.

Although struggling Stoke put over an early second half penalty the Vale were well in control as Dave Halliwell brushed aside the opposition for a try from close range in the 53rd minute. and then centre Ian Bird went searching for a slice of the action and ended up being bundled over the line.

On Saturday the Vale travel to take on Lymm, who are in second place. Vale will be hoping to erase the memory of a poor performance against the Cheshire outfit back in September when they lost 31-8 at Powder House Lane.

Vale of Lune: A Miller; J Bryan, A Garnett, I Bird, J Curran: N Bennetts (Capt) (Rep R Thorn 56), J Bleasdale (Rep A Bolsover 62); P Jackson, D Schuyler (Rep G Barton 58), A Cowey; D Halliwell, D Perry; L Ford, D Lin, M Fowler.

* Vale B ended a seven-game losing sequence with a 61-0 home win against Bury, their highest of the season.

* After their exciting victory at Altrincham Kersal the A team lost at Lymm, 27-7.

* Vikings recent run of good form ended with defeat at Waterloo, 26-11.

* Ryan Fish and Jonny Silverwood have both been selected in the Lancashire under-14 squad. Ryan captained the side in a recent 43-2 victory over North Wales, scoring two tries in the process. Both players are now looking forward to March 11 when Lancashire take on Leicestershire.

* At the Manchester and District Referee's Society Annual Dinner John Gill proudly accepted The Whistlers Trophy' on behalf of the Vale for 2006/2007.

The award is presented annually in recognition of good standards of hospitality, organisation and discipline.

It was a busy night for John as he also received a presentation to mark his 35 years membership of the Society.