VALE of Lune's Thwaites Lancashire Cup hopes disappeared like a Waterloo Sunset at Blundellsands as a youthful side crashed out of the county cup.

Waterloo was anything but paradise for Vale, who fielded seven debutants, as they slumped to a 63-7 reverse.

But they didn't go down without a fight against a strong Waterloo outfit. Skipper Paul Wilkinson led the side well and there was joy for the locals with a score following the best move of the day.

Vale were trailing 19-0 when quick hands at a line-out opened up Waterloo for full back Leon Gierke to send highly-rated winger James Curran scampering over the whitewash.

Gierke booted the conversion but Waterloo then responded with three tries of their own to make the game effectively safe with a 34-7 interval lead.

The only real chance for Vale after the break came via the boot of Gierke but he was off target with a penalty chance as Waterloo ran in regular scores.

The exit from the cup means that Vale can now focus on the main priority of the season, staving off relegation.

They have the perfect chance on Saturday when Sheffield come to Powder House Lane.

VALE OF LUNE: Gierke; Felton, Mudd, Hayes, Curran; O'Denovan, Smith; Allen, O'Leary, Wilkinson; Ainsworth, Clarkson, Baines, Hoyle, Welsh. Replacements used: Speak, Lord, Lin, Melville.