Trafford MV Colts XV are Halbro league champions

Article by Wif Dooley

Trafford MV Rugby Club’s Senior Colts XV capped off their youth Rugby campaigns by winning the Halbro Colts League Senior Conference E Champions for the 2022/23 season by overcoming West Park 24-17 in their final League game of the season.

Coaches Stu Oram and Jason Alexander gave great credit to the players they have brought through tough times and good be become a solid team with a very competitive edge.

In front of a large, supportive group of supporters the TMV Colts took the game to West Park (St Helens) right from the opening whistle.

Good early possession saw an MV attack up the middle of the field which resulted in a try for Zack Gardener following some good running and hands from Fenton Dickinson.

A strong wind proved too much for Charlie Valentine as the conversion drifted wide. Trafford were playing with good early confidence, their pack winning good ball and the backs looking dangerous with ball in hand.

It was Gardener gain that split the visitors defence as his pace and evasive running proved too much for the tacklers, Adam mason was on hand at the right time as a nicely timed pass saw him tear in under the posts. This time the conversion was much simpler for Valentine as he eased MV into a 12-0 lead.

MV lose line out ball but good recovery tackling sees the ball end up with flanker Joe Walls who powers up the left wing to score wide out. Again a difficult conversion falls short in difficult wind 17 – 0 to MV who look in a strong position going into half time.

Things can change quickly and the second half opens with a sting in the West Park tail. Within 10 mins of the restart the visitors had crossed the TMV line twice, converting once, to come right back into the reckoning at 17 – 12 and the game had now come alight.

It was now a battle for both sides and a good 20 mins passed with neither side breaking the others defence. TMV stand off Luke O’Shea took the option to chip over the oncoming rush defence and Adam Mason was quick to follow up in support, collecting the bouncing ball and diving over to the elation of his team mates. Charlie Valentine added the extras for a 24-12 lead.

As the clock was winding down it was time for some dogged defence from MV. West Park managed to force their way over from powerful forward play narrowing MV’s lead to 24 – 17. Pressure was intense as TMV fought to hang on and tempers got frayed as both sides contested possession in the dying minutes. Eventually the referee blew up on a very exciting and well contested game.

Both sides can be proud of their efforts but it was the Trafford MV Senior Colts XV that walked away winners and League Champions. Winning 6 from 6 games and picking up a bonus point from each game to secure the title.

The coaching team have seen the players grow in talent and maturity over the seasons and can now look ahead to seeing the players feature in open age rugby wherever the game takes them.

The Club congratulates the players and coaches on their achievements this season.