Trafford MV moves up the table with an impressive win against local rivals Eccles

Trafford MV picked up bonus point win over local rivals Eccles to climb one place to 7th in the North Lancs / Cumbria League. MV’s 6 try performance puts them closer to their target place of a top 6 finish in their second season at this level intent on being a regular top 4 side in seasons to come.

In good conditions MV opened brightly and with only a couple of minutes early pressure MV 2nd row Andy Clegg broke through from close range for the opening score in a good position for Pat Eccles to convert 7-0.

The visiting Eccles were competitive and earned a penalty to close gap to 7-3, this gave a confidence boost and the visitors next attack brought them a good converted try to take the lead 7-10. MV’s Cheshire youth player, back from university.

Greg Warren gave MV the lead again when he split the defence and raced in with Pat Eccles conversion 14-10. The visitors again picked up a penalty to narrow the lead 14-13. With half-time approaching Jamie Kingdon, who was having a good game in both attack and defence, broke down the left-wing and held off cover tackles to cross wide left to close the half at 19-13 to MV.

The home side had to make changes with captain Quigley taking a knock and former MV U16 player Kai Fagan returning to make his 1st XV League debut taking the field. Fagan made an immediate impact soon after taking the field as he burst through the centre to crash over under the posts giving Pat Eccles the easiest of kicks 26-13.

MV were now looking confident in their play with some good wide running trying not to get involved in the close range pick up and drive style of play adopted by Eccles. MV struck again this time down the right as prop JackGobbett broke free to off load to James Matthie who only needed that yard of space to race down the wing and dive over by the corner flag. The angle proved too much for Pat Eccles conversion attempt 31-13.

Trafford MV lost Pat Eccles to a yellow card soon after for a deliberate knock on preventing an Eccles attack developing, the extra man gave the visitors that bit off an advantage and brought them a score as MV reorganised, the converted try made it 31-20. In the later stages of the game tries were exchanged as young Ethan Cornick broke away from a line out to force his way over and Eccles picked up a consolation as the time faded away.

This was a good win for MV which moved them up the table but the encouraging sign is the youthful look of the team compared to other sides.

MV’s youth structure continues to bring young quality players into the first XV at regular stages giving great prospect for the future. This weekend MV travel to Burnley who have struggled this season winning only 2 games and lie bottom.

A good performance from MV will increase the pressure on Bolton who are currently 6th and are in MV’s target position.

Trafford MV are keen to hear from players who want to improve the level of rugby they play and wish to compete in the North Lancs / Cumbria League with an ambitious local club. Contact Greg on 07834 857905. Social Rugby players are also very welcome at Trafford MV.