Trafford MV wins convincingly at Oldham

By Wilf Dooley

In good conditions for the time of year Trafford MV travelled to Oldham looking to continue their current run of good form and keep the pressure on 2nd placed Heaton Moor in the League.

Trafford had a shakey start which brought a lot of early Oldham pressure as MV sought to establish a pattern of play. Trafford were looking ambitious and a long range penalty attempt from Booth fell short as the visitors tried to get points on the board.

MV maintained the pressure and eventually Jamie Kingdom scores on right with Aaron Booth converting 0 – 7 to start the scoreboard counting.

You could see the confidence in Traffords play and it was great driving play that led to prop Nathan Bailey crashing under the posts for Booth to easily convert 0-14 to T

MV’s forward pack was getting plenty of possession again a heavier Oldham pack and it was evident that MV’s mobility was to be a telling factor in the game.

A brilliant score from MV as good interplay leads to Pat Eccles outpacing and flat footing the Oldham defence for a classic score, Booth converts again 0-21 to the visiting side.

Oldham did not seem to have an answer to Traffords style of play and as the ball was kicked deep, forcing a free kick, it was Andy Quigley that took a quick tap penalty and then linking with Zac Fisher who dashed over the line to score and give Booth yet another conversion 0-28.

The bonus point collected well within the first half. Continuous prolonged pressure brings the half to an end with Jamie Kingdom scoring on left with Booth converting 0-35 at the break for a powerful and confident Trafford MV side.

As the second half opened there was an Oldham rally with an early try from their stand off, converted 7-35. Before the home crowd had settled down there was an immediate response from MV with interception from Mycah Dyos who raced a good 30 meters to touch down, converted by Booth once again  7-42.

The home side were unsettled and discipline was slipping, however they battled on and Oldham plough through under the sticks and kick conversion 14 – 42. MV’s driving mauls, particularly from lineouts were working a treat and another excellent try came MV’s way following strong driving forward play bringing a try from Jamie Kingdon with Aaron Booth adding the extras.

Trafford MV were continuing to pull away and threats were all over the park. MV had an immediate follow up with a race away try from speedy Sean Gacharra on the wing and a conversion from Booth 14 – 56. The home sides frustrations were starting to show as they bickered among themselves and lost their cool with the referee, this brought a yellow Card for Oldham.

In the face of adversity Oldham kept plugging away and were rewarded  with a score wide left after kick and chase 21 – 56. Another confident driving maul from MV brings a short range try for front row replacement  Jack Gobbert. The newly introduced shot clock stopped the conversion for taking too long, 21 – 61.

It was all going wrong for Oldham as they suffered their second yellow, shortly followed by a third as their discussions with the referee went awry. They concede once again concede again as Andrew Clegg breaks clear and Booth add points 21-68.

In the last minute of the game MV added the cherry to their cake as James Webster rounded off the scoring with Trafford MV’s 11th try and a swallow dive, the conversion attempt from Booth rebounded off the upright to leave the final scoreline at 21-73.

The win was convincing for Trafford MV with 11 tries scored and competition for places becoming more of a factor as the season ticks on. Player of the match for Trafford MV was scrum half Pat Eccles who appears to be enjoying his rugby again.

MV are capable of beating any team in the league on current form but the commitment and confidence of the players must be maintained. Head Coach Brian Collier is driving the team off the field, on the field it has to be the players own drive and ambitions that keeps the pressure on Eccles and Heaton Moor.

This coming weekend Trafford MV welcome Ormskirk to MacPherson Park (M33 6LR) for a 2.15pm kick off. The team is calling on local rugby fans to call into the Club and watch a game and enjoy the hospitality of a real local rugby club.

With the Six Nations Rugby Championship in full flow Trafford MV have an open door for new players, newcomers to the game and fans of Rugby to get involved in the Club and be a part of the greater Rugby Family. For any details on Trafford MV please contact wilfdooley@virginmedia.com