IN what is to be Wilmslow Wolves’ final game for the foreseeable future, their clash with Vale of Lune was not one for the purists.

Games between these two old protagonists are usually free-flowing affairs with the emphasis firmly place on attack and point-scoring.

However, under rainy skies and upon a muddy pitch, this was simply not possible as the game descended into an old-fashioned arm wrestle.

Only one try was scored and fortunately for the hosts, it came their way to leave them with a 7-6 victory.

With all rugby union activity from the professional game downwards now suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak, the Wolves sit safely inside the North One West’s top six.

The game's only try came after 10 minutes, before the heavens had opened.

Wilmslow ran the ball out of defence and winger James Coulthurst stayed on his feet long enough to pass inside to supporting scrum-half Sean Street, who ran clear to cross the whitewash.

Both sides missed good opportunities, with Vale having only themselves to blame for kicking away good possession to Wilmslow's back three.

Having already missed with an ambitious penalty attempt from halfway before Street's try, Vale did boot three points just after the midway point of the first half to bring them to within a score.

Vale dominated the remainder of the half as conditions worsened, but Wilmslow's defence was proving too much for them to break down.

The penalty count stacked up against the hosts after the break and as the hour mark approached, the visitors kicked another penalty to bring the deficit down to a single point.

Both sides had their moments thereafter as they scrambled through the mud in search of further points, but none were forthcoming as Wilmslow held on for victory.