VALE of Lune hoisted themselves out of the North One drop zone with a crucial win over fellow strugglers Sheffield at Powder House Lane.

The 30-19 win was anything but routine and the game was tense and tight throughout against the rock-bottom side from the Steel City.

But Vale are clear of the trapdoor for now though they still have to work hard to stay in the division with five games remaining.

Three players returned to the Vale first team and their experience proved top be invaluable as they raced into a 15-0 lead with the wind at their backs.

Wing forward James Hoyle was at his combative best, prop Peter Huck was rock solid and scrum half John Bleasdale performed with authority and discipline throughout.

Skipper Gavin McHugh will also remember his 150th appearance as his side recorded just their fourth win of the season.

With nerves jangling, Matt Jones booted an early penalty before Simon Barton skipped in for a try after breaking from the base of a scrum. And when Tyrone Sorour went over to make it 15-0 Vale appeared to be on Easy Street.

That score became 22-0 shortly after the re-start when Jones went in at the corner and then converted from the tightest of angles.

But Sheffield started to take advantage of some loose Vale tackling and covering and suddenly they began to eat into the lead.

The Tykes were even down to 14 players after Dan Porter was sin-binned but that didn't stop them scoring 19 points in 14 minutes to set up a grand-stand finish.

Jones lifted a spot of the tension with another penalty before Sorour scampered over for his second try to seal the win.

Vale's nerve held firm but their roller-coaster ride towards safety continues on Saturday when they face another War of the Roses at Scratcherd Lane, Morley.

VALE OF LUNE: Blackburn; Bryan, Bennetts, Sorour, Curran; Jones, Bleasdale; Jackson, Watson, Huck; Farnworth, Crous; Hoyle, McHugh, Barton.