Vale of Lune’s Vikings made the pre-season trip to Dukinfield on Saturday.

Vale of Lune’s thirds completed their pre-season preparations with defeat at Dukinfield’s seconds on Saturday, writes BARRY LEES.

A squad bursting with character and enthusiasm was on show, containing a wealth of experience playing alongside those new to senior rugby.

While prop Kyron Sharples sat it out with a leg injury, Paul Morris and Jack Capstick each made a welcome return to the fold.

The kick-off set the home team in motion, pinning the Vale in their own 22 before dodgy handling was punished by the referee.

Vale’s Simon Wilson was binned for a deliberate knock-on, while two Dukinfield men were similarly sidelined.

During this reduction in staff, the Vale put together some swift passing which set up Kevin Briston to open the scoring on the left flank.

Dukinfield’s forwards were well drilled in the scrums and lineouts, claiming the ball and driving over to equalise.

This triggered a productive spell for the home side, who gained a 14-point lead.

Captain Olly Cousins marshalled the Vale backs to support each other and rectify the deficit.

Ivan Mankind steered a course through the Dukinfield defences, while Capstick tackled with fire and determination in midfield.

A try from Richard Whittaker and a second from Briston followed to make the half-time scoreline 19-19.

Widespread changes ensued but, with nine players on the bench, it was all done with an eye on future games.

Dukinfield also shuffled their cards, bolstering their backs with some pace and confidence as well as wisdom in the front five.

A long clearance kick by the home stand-off fell infield and was not dealt with by Vale defenders, who promptly paid the price.

Vale answered emphatically when Tom Verlaque jinked and sidestepped to score under the posts, with Ivan Mankind’s conversion establishing a narrow lead.

Dukinfield’s pack asserted their dominance though and scored three tries in quick succession from set scrums.

The slide had to be stemmed and that fell to Billy Bolton, who made his presence felt by breaking the Dukinfield line and setting up Mankind to score.

With 10 points in it, all possibilities remained open but the bubble popped when Wilson’s second yellow card turned the mood red and a penalty try was awarded.

The last word went to the home team, who reached their half-century, though the score was less important than the turnout as an encouraging 24 players and many more supporters travelled to an away friendly.

Vice-captain Shaun Stewart observed afterwards: “We needed to face tough opponents. That’s how we will get better.”

The Vikings travel to Bolton RUFC on Saturday for their first league encounter of the 2026/27 season (3pm).

Vale of Lune: Woodhouse, Verlaque, Rowlands, Hill, Stewart, Parker, Sloan-Lewis, Antcliffe, Wilson-Sherrington, Cousins, Briston, Wilson, Whittaker, Stirzaker, Mankind. Replacements: Mecklenburg, Bartle, Hennedy, Capstick, Bolton, Morris, Penrice-Zied, Millar, Batty.