VALE were never at the races as league high-fliers Cleckheaton visisted Powder House Lane on Grand National day.

The Yorkshiremen needed a win to secure home advantage in the end of season promotion play-offs and set about securing them from the word go.

They had built an unassailable 29-7 lead by half time - with the Vale points coming from a Neil Bennetts try converted by Andy Miller - and never looked like surrendering the advantage.

A second half try from replacement Kit Rickerby as Cleckheaton took their foot off the gas only served to spark them back into action to run in another 12 points.

The final try was scored by former British Lion John Bentley as he completed a hat trick of touch downs.

This was a disappointing game for Vale following their dramatic victory in the Lancashire Cup semi final a week ago. And it was doubly so for skipper Ian Bird as he made his 200th first team appearance.