Trafford MV collect the points in tough away win at De La Salle

Article written by Wilf Dooley

Trafford MV travelled to De La Salle (Salford) last Saturday on the back of a good run of form but in the firm knowledge that a much tougher task faced them than in recent weeks.

With second placed Heaton Moor now in sight and with games in hand Trafford MV must now put in a run of confident and assured games if their ambitions are to be realised.

The game opened in good conditions it was the home side De La Salle that had the better of the early exchanges.

Their forwards looked bigger than MV and their backs ran with power and aggression putting MV into defensive mode from the first minute.

However they were in for a shock when during an attack down the left flank saw MV scrum Half Pat Eccles intercept a loose pass and race away from 40 yards, evading the chasing tacklers to score for Trafford MV against the run of play.

Louis Stubbs playing at Stand Off in place of the absent Aaron Booth 0-7 to TMV. You can never sit back when playing the Salford side and this was shown in full as they came right back at MV with strong driving runs.

MV’s defence was not up to standard and De La Salle scored under the posts for an easily converted score to bring the sides level at 7-7.

The home side were then unsettled as a yellow card was awarded and they also lost their scrum half with a leg injury. Despite having an extra man advantage MV were not controlling play and were allowing the home side to avoid dangerous plays.

Eventually MV did manage to exploit their advantage as the ball was whipped quickly to the left wing where Sean Gachara sped around his opposite number and cross in the corner racing closer to the uprights to give Stubbs an easier conversion shot 7-14.

Trafford were showing more form now with Danny Burke leading from the front and Andy Quigley battling away as ever securing ball for MV. Trafford consolidated their lead as consistent pressure forced a penalty from the home side which Stubbs kicked 7-17 going into the Half Time.

Play was hard and tight in the early stages of the second half and MV lost Andrew Moore in the centre and Danny Burke to knocks.

Paul Davenport replaced Burke and proved himself a useful impact replacement as he finished off a good driving maul by powering over from close range leaving the home defence floundering, the conversion attempt from Stubbs rebounded off the upright 7-22.

The game was now intense as De La Salle were throwing everything at MV in an attempt to get back into the fray. MV’s discipline held tight despite being on the wrong side of numerous whistles from the referee.

Seemingly pinned on the ropes MV struck the home side with a sucker punch as right wing Zac Fisher swept up another interception for MV breaking through the immediate defence and then outrunning the cover to score under the posts.

The conversion was a formality for Stubbs 7-29. For the dying minutes of the game De La Salle were encamped on MV’s line trying to save face in front of their home fans. MV stood strong in defence, unluckily losing Gachara to a yellow card as the minutes ticked away.

The final score of 7-29 was fully deserved by Trafford MV and they can honestly say they did not play their best, there is more from this team to come! Trafford must now put the game behind them and concentrate on their trip to Fleetwood this coming weekend.

Fleetwood have only lost once at home this season so a massively tough task will be on the cards. MV however are the form team in the league, unbeaten in 2023, and confidence is riding high.

Aaron Booth will be back in for selection to add to head coach Brian Colliers headaches however changes have been minimal so far this year so selection headaches are good headaches.

Trafford MV are always looking to add to their playing strength throughout the Club and at all age ranges within the Club as well as within it’s womens’/girls section. Whatever level you want to come into the Club at just drop a message to wilfdooley@virginmedia.com and your interest will be noted.

With the Six Nations in full flow Trafford MV invites all local rugby lovers to watch the games in the Clubhouse in a friendly Rugby atmosphere – wear your National colours with us.