VALE of Lune were unlucky to crash out of the Lancashire Cup in difficult conditions against a side from the division above.

Vale came back from 12-3 down to finish just two points behind West Park St Helens at Powder House Lane and could have snatched a dramatic victory had Dave McFall not missed a penalty attempt in the dying seconds.

Martin Strett opened the scoring for West Park within the first 20 minutes with a penalty, the only score of a first half, which was dominated by the drizzly conditions and a sin binning on each side.

Street doubled the total early in the second half and kicked a second penalty on the hour to make the game, apparently, safe.

However, most of the scoring took place in the last 10 minutes, with a McFall penalty for Vale giving the home side a glimmer of hope.

Street wasn't to be denied and scored a drop goal, leaving Vale needing to cross the line if they had any hope of staying in the cup.

That was exactly what they got, with the power of their forwards finally breaking through the West Park defence for Robin Boor to touch down.

Mcfall converted and Vale attacked again from the restart, but when McFall's chance came, he was unable to take advantage.

Vale will now return to league action.

They currently hold second place in the North Two West and have high hopes of promotion.