Trafford Mv Gave It Everything But Lost Out To A Very Good Aspatria Side

Only three weeks ago Trafford suffered a heavy 73-31 defeat away at Aspatria and the omens did not look good for them when the visitors took only 37 seconds to open the scoring.

Trafford kicked off and the ball found No8 Atkinson who charged down the right flank, skittling defenders left and right before eventually being stopped, Aspatria recycled the ball quickly across field to find centre Akehust who weaved his way towards the try line. A last-ditch tackle stopped him short but fullback Miller was on his shoulder to pick up the loose ball and scramble over the line to provide an early 0-5 lead.

The early score proved to be no indication of how the game would eventually play out with the next 79 minutes all about grinding out a result in cold, damp conditions and a slippery pitch.

With Trafford MV fighting hard to avoid the relegation places this performance can be taken as evidence that they do not intend to give up their league status without a fight, MV roared back at Aspatria and for the next ten minutes played deep in the Aspatria half.

With 7 minutes gone the home pack were held up over the try line and kickable penalties were declined as the search for tries continued through a forward led assault. The visiting defence did well to hold out under the pressure.

Having stood firm Aspatria moved back into contention. A series of lineouts deep in the MV 22 should have provided a perfect platform for catch and drive tactics that have brought Aspatria rich reward this season but Trafford were well aware of the threat and their counter measures proved highly successful as they knocked back waves of attack.

Trafford were well aware of the Aspatria threats and the home defence was working hard to prevent any consolidated period of attack. On 31 minutes the deadlock was marginally eased when Aspatria botched a clearance attempt.

The ball was seized on by Trafford and a series of missed tackles moved them up field just short of the 22 where a penalty was conceded allowing an easy penalty by Pay Eccles to bring the score back to 3-5.

Aspatria were stung into action and on 36 minutes Trafford lost Andy Clegg to the sin bin for dissent and from the resulting lineout Aspatria mounted another catch and drive. Quick movement of the ball out of the ensuing ruck giving Atkinson the opportunity to charge at the line, one on one.

The result was a try converted by Clegg to give Aspatria a half time lead of 3-12.

Aspatria kicked off to Trafford but near immediately regained possession thanks to an excellent chase by the visiting pack, Prop Tavell charged down the centre of the pitch and linked up with Tinnion who sprinted into the corner to extend the visitors lead to 3-17. With 10 minutes played Aspatria were hit with 2 yellow cards.

First to go was Ravell and at the next play he was followed by Andrews. Trafford were camped on the Aspatria line and took quick advantage of the numerical advantage with a flowing backs move that spread the defence across the pitch, resulting in a score by veteran of many seasons league rugby John Kevan near the corner flag.

A fine touch-line conversion from Pat Eccles brought the score back to 10-17 and provided MV with a real chance to go on to victory.

With two men in the sin bin Aspatria treated every scrap of possession as if it was a precious gem and, without the ball Trafford MV could not take advantage, back to a full complement of players Aspatria then achieved their much sought after winning bonus point.

With 10 minutes to go Aspatria won a midfield lineout and the ball was well controlled. Flanker Hodgson ran at the tired MV defence and missed tackles allowed him to dance his way through the defence for the visitors 4th try to valued bonus point.

This was a much improved performance from Trafford MV and credit can be taken from their attitude in defence and also from their ability to attack and score against the stronger sides in the league.

This weekend MV travel to Fleetwood who have slipped down to 8th place following a 41-5 defeat at Aldwinians, their 5th consecutive defeat. Trafford MV welcomes new players to the Club.