VALE of Lune hit the new rugby season running with a six try haul against Doncaster-based Wheatley Hills in the qualifying round of the prestigious Powergen Cup.

Skipper Ian Bird collected two tries while fellow centre Donovan Sanders scored a try on his debut.

The South African also made a significant contribution in the build-up to two more of Vale's scores in an impressive opener.

It was Wheatley Hills who scored first through a penalty goal in the 10th minute as Vale made a nervous start.

But Vale quickly took control as their pace around the pitch and better overall fitness proved critical against a team who would have preferred to play at close quarters.

Bird was first to touch down after a flowing move along the back line on 25 minutes and Sanders extended the lead foillowing good work by forwards Andy Sheard and Phil Jackson as half time neared.

Vale opened the second period with a superb try from Andy Miller, and when the same player added a penalty goal they were in the comfort zone.

But in a devastating final 10 minutes they underlined their superiority as Bird scored his second try and lock forward Keith Yates also went over to score under the posts - with Miller adding the extras both times.

The reward for Vale is a game at West Park St Helens in the next round this Saturday.

VALE: Blackburn, Miller, Bird, Sanders, Gardner, Bennetts, Smith (Richardson 72), Jackson, Allen (Baines 58), Huck, Sheard, Yates, Hoyle (Darwen 66), Schweller, McHugh.