VALE of Lune's first North One victory of the season catapulted them up the league four places and away from the danger zone.

After two league defeats, Vale needed a win to restore confidence and straight from the whistle took the game to the visitors by playing some up-tempo and stylish rugby.

By half time they had built up a 25-0 lead and were in full control with both forwards and backs producing attractive, flowing rugby.

The second half was a rather scrappy affair. Too many stoppages in play disrupted Vale's fluency, but apart from conceding an early try, they successfully contained any Aspatria attacks.

Changes in the Vale line-up saw the mercurial James Moore resume at scrum half with Neil Bennetts at stand-off - a productive combination in all parts of the field.

Skipper Ian Bird was in the starting line up and made another massive contribution, as did James Bryan on his return after injury - celebrated with a well-taken try.

Vale's pack was magnificent in the first-half. Anthony Ireland was a real powerhouse at wing forward and the talented Sean Cose scored two tries to fully deserve his 'man of the match' tag.

Moore converted two of Vale's four tries in addition to kicking two early penalty goals, which helped steady any nerves, and full back Stuart Blackburn impressed with another solid performance - and converted James Bryan's try.

Ben Fischer, whose work-rate was high throughout, collected Vale's other try in the first half following a well organised five-metre line out.

Aspatria stand-off Steven Stoddart scored and converted his try early in the second half but the visitors were unable to upset the rhythm of a hungry Vale side.

Vale of Lune: Blackburn, Brookes, Hulse; Bird (C), Bryan, Bennetts, Moore, Lord, Rickberry, Latham, Cox, Farnworth, Fischer, Ireland (rep McHugh), Fowler.

* On Saturday Vale Travel to Bradford and Bingley to take on the undefeated league leaders in what promises to be a demanding encounter.