Kirkby Lonsdale 39 Vale Of Lune 26 KIRKBY Lonsdale completed the regular season with a local derby victory over Vale of Lune to remain unbeaten at home all season.

But Vale did not come just to make up the numbers and pushed Kirkby all the way - ideal for Saturday's National League Three North play-off decider with Sheffield.

Kirkby dominated the early proceedings but a breakaway try gave Vale a 7-0 lead.

A Tom Pickthall penalty put Kirkby on the board and the points began to tick over.

Winger Harry Ralston crossed wide out but got the ball down near the posts with Pickthall on target with the conversion and Kirkby extended that lead when Dave Barton grabbed a second try on the half hour, again converted by Pickthall to make it 17-7.

The second half started with a real bang, Vale caught the Kirkby kick off then threw a careless pass, the ball went loose bouncing awkwardly but Kirkby winger Ralston picked up beautifully to sprint clear and score in the corner inside the first minute to make it 22-7.

The try prompted Vale to throw caution to the wind they rediscovered some old fashioned Vale flair and launched everything they had at Kirkby.

Number eight Ben Dorrington barged over to make it 22-12 before second row Alex Baines also touched down for Vale and with the try converted it was suddenly 22-19.

It was crucial Kirkby scored next and they did just that as a Barton drop goal made it 25-19 to check Vale's comeback charge.

Dan Amistead then hacked ahead and offloaded to Chad Spence to score by the posts under a pile of Vale bodies.

Pickthall’s conversion made it 32-19 going in to the final quarter.

Vale were still in it though until with ten minutes but Pickthall, who was having an inspired afternoon, set up the try of the game, weaving his way throgh the Vale defence before passing to scrum half Ben Walker who scorched in under the posts.

Pickthall’s conversion made it 39-19 but there was still time for one last Vale try almost on the final whistle