THOMAS, CARROLL SOUTH-EAST WALES LEAGUE

VALE put their feet up last weekend and watched the wonderful world of Division Three pass them by, writes Tony Poole.

Neither the firsts nor seconds made it out into the middle last Saturday, as they followed the western trend of mass postponements.

However, there was an outside chance of firstteam some action at Creigiau – and it was left until the last moment for it to be added to the list of July 15 casualties.

Next up for the Corntown boys on Saturday is a home fixture against bottom club Machen.

On paper at least the odds favour Jonathan Davies’s side, but cricket isn’t a game that is ever played on paper.

Machen will be desperate for points to dodge a further slide down the massive South-East Wales League ladder that extends to nine rungs.

They remain in touch with the likes of the clubs immediately above them like Monkswood, Barry Wanderers and Creigiau - and the call will go out not for Vale to take anything for granted.

With no realistic chance of catching the division’s big-two clubs – leaders Crumlin and closest challengers Sully Centurions – Vale must remained focussed in order to secure a lofty finish.

After the home clash with Machen on Saturday, they visit former South Wales Premier League champions Sully Centurions on Saturday week.

Vale then visit Barry Wanderers on August 5, and the remainder of their fixtures during the month are home to Monkswood (12th); away against Dinas Powys (19th) and the visit of Monmouth (26th).

The curtain comes down on another Vale campaign on September 2 with new Monmouthshire super club Pontymister & Cross Keys visiting leafy Corntown.