VALE of Lune suffered their second league defeat and still remain pointless after their visit to West Park St Helens.

Once again the Vale competed well but only in phases as they allowed the home side to pick up relatively easy points at critical stages of the game.

Although the Vale gave away an early try, scored by full back Andy Soutar, who also added a second later in the game and converted all his sides five tries, they came back strong.

James Moore kicked a penalty goal after eleven minutes and five minutes later Rob Myler scored a try after splendid work at a line out by John Bowskill and Lee Farnworth, Moore added the conversion.

A second try from Myler following a neat pass from Neil Bennetts again converted by Moore gave the Vale a healthy and deserved lead in the 25th minute.

A penalty from Soutar late in the half nibbled intro Vale's total and in the second minute of injury time the home side drew level. Weak tackling allowed Liam McLoughlin to touch down.

Early in the second half another West try scored by Carl Newman highklighted problems in defence.

West added to Vale's worries when Ian Callaghan rounded off a quick passing movement for his try in the 48th minute.

Gavin McHugh was well positoned to score his try, converted by Moore, ten minutes later and to bring the Vale back into the game and to within seven points of the home side.

However, Soutars try and conversion on the blind side completed the scoring.

In the closing stages, the Vale worked hard to find a way through a compact West Park defence but with little success.

On Saturday the Vale take a break from league action when they entertain Bae Barrow at home in the first round of the Powergen Intermediate Cup at 3pm.

Vale of Lune: N. Bennetts; K. Gardner; R. Myler; M. Hulse; I.Brookes; J. Moore; J. Bleasdale; W. Lord; K. Rickerby; B. Latham; J. Bowskill; L. Farnworth; B. Fischer; G. McHugh.