Vale to kick off season against Cumbrian rivals

Their odyssey begins with a home game against Penrith on Saturday followed by a visit to another Cumbrian club with aspirations, Kendal.

Runners up in the league last season, Kirkby Lonsdale, rock up to The Lane on September 19 and an undeniably busy month ends with a trip to Warrington before Eccles travel to the Vale at the beginning of October,

Altrincham Kersal will provide formidable opponents at Stelfox Avenue, as will Wilmslow who will travel to the Vale on October 17.

Vale can expect a severe examination when they face Blackburn on their home turf at Ramsgreave Drive.

The Vale have are at home in the first two Saturdays in November against Leigh and Broughton Park.

An away fixture at Rochdale, who finished third in North One East last season, will be far from a stroll along Moorgate Avenue.

The home game against Kendal on December 19 marks the half way point after two tricky festive fixtures, home against Widnes and away at Carlisle.

nMatt Rogerson, who made four appearances for the Vale of Lune first team, has joined Sale Sharks.

Matt, a former pupil of Ripley St Thomas, was an inspirational player in a very successful Vale Colts side.

His education continued at Loughborough University where his attributes as a very versatile forward were quickly recognised and his efforts were rewarded with a place in the first team, playing with distinction in the fiercely competitive National League One.

Matt, who is the son of Vale Secretary, Phil, was a member of the Shark’s sevens squad that reached the finals of the Singha Premiership Rugby 7’s Finals at Harlequins’ ground at The Stoop.