Gutsy Vale dig deep to secure home victory

Swindon took the early lead following an infringement by the home side and the three point advantage lasted until well after the half time interval although Vale’s barrage of pressure for almost the entire first period deserved reward and they were unfortunate not to have crossed the Swindon line on a number of occasions.

Avonvale’s first score came almost three quarters of the way into the match from a well-rehearsed penalty move, the bulk of the forwards used as a decoy whilst second row Steve Ball took the ball into the corner and squeezed through the bodies to give the skipper the first try of the match.

Despite the difference in league positions, it seemed just a matter of time before the home side doubled their lead, another strong period of pressure resulting in a halted attack in one corner but the quick ball found good support across the park and prop Dean Hulin was on hand to give the perfect pass to full back Adam Welch, who out-sprinted his opposite number to cross for the points.

Swindon however responded by utilising their three quarters and an enterprising cross field kick bounced favourably for their winger who had enough advantage to reach the try line before the desperate tackles could halt him.

The conversion brought the scores level but Vale sealed the victory when a catch and drive from a short line-out forced the visitors to offend 5 metres out, Ball reacting first and his quick tap and pop pass allowed fly-half Matt Monckton to ground the ball between several defensive bodies.

Swindon once more tried to spin the ball wide in response but Vale’s resilient defence held out and the referees whistle brought celebrations from the exhausted players and well deserved applause from the large home crowd.