The green-and-yellows took an unassailable lead at the top of the table on Sunday when they overcame neighbours North 7-2 at the Corbet Field, although they had to come from behind to claim the all-important three points.
The chocolates-and-blues took the lead when Will Gibson tapped in from close range after good work down the right by Matt Jackson and they doubled their advantage 20 minutes in when a corner was only cleared as far as Eddy Blond-Roques who fired in at the back post.
As the game entered the second quarter, though, Vale Rec started to find their rhythm and by the half-hour mark they were back on level terms.
Sam Gregson headed home a Riley Tyrrell corner to halve the deficit and then Tyrrell himself got on the scoresheet when he met left-back Oliver Penney’s pinpoint cross on the volley to make it 2-2.
Rec took the lead a few minutes later when Tyrrell converted from the penalty spot after Dylan Graham had been fouled in the box.
Just before half-time, Rec found a fourth when a diagonal ball put Tyrese Kelly in behind the North defence and he crossed for Alfie Torode, who was denied by an excellent Seb Jennings save, only for Graham to knock in the rebound.
The hosts were in complete control in the second half and two quickfire goals from Kelly extended the lead before an incredible solo goal from Gregson completed the scoring.
‘It’s been a real collective effort,’ said Vale Rec coach Craig Tyrrell of his team’s title success.
‘We were close to winning the league last season with a very young team, and we’ve carried that into this year with a few strong signings added in at the start of the season.
‘The attitude in the group has been spot on and everyone has contributed in their own way.
‘We look forward to playing St Paul’s now in the Upton – we played them a few weeks ago in Jersey and although we lost, it gave us a good chance to have a look at them.
‘With a full squad, I believe they are beatable, so fingers crossed everyone stays fit now into May.’
