Trafford MV Brave a heavy pitch to win Heaton Moor

By Wilf Dooley

In good weather conditions but on a heavy pitch following recent rains MV went into this game against 2nd placed rivals Heaton Moor with a job to do.

A bonus point win was a must for a realistic promotion challenge to be maintained by TMV. Two changes for MV were obvious on the wings yet confidence was high going into the game.

MV started well putting pressure on the visitors. A charge down and resulting kick through and scrum possession enabled the home side to settle into their game.

MV were putting themselves in good places winning good forward ball from both lineout and scrum and probing kicks from Pat Eccles at scrum half and Aaron Booth at stand off kept Moor guessing. A lineout on the defending ’22 saw MV’s pack drive the ball forward towards the try line, Eccles made a break and got stopped short feeding to Andrew Clegg who was apparently held up over the line said the referee to an appealing TMV.

The goal line drop out fell to Eccles who put Kieran Edgar off on a run, he was stopped short of the line but was able to slip the ball to an oncoming Paul Davenport who crossed in the corner.

Aaron Booth converted well from a wide angle 7-0 to MV. Heaton Moor showed their ability by launching a series of attacks and sustained pressure which eventually led to a miss pass from stand off to outside centre which stretched MV and eventually brought a two on one situation which saw Zack Gardener drawn to the inside man leaving the winger free to run in under the posts. converted and levelling score at 7-7.

MV pressed hard for for rest of the opening period but strong Heaton Moor defence and some unexpected calls from the referee kept MV at bay. As the minutes ticked away it was prop Nathan Bailey that made the difference by picking up at the base of a ruck and leaping across the pile of bodies to get a vital score on the break. Booth converted 14-7 at the interval.

The second half began with MV maintaining the level of play and making early changes to the team with Quigley and Wilson coming on for Davenport and Edgar.

A Moor clearance kick brought a lineout which MV won, several phases later Booth broke clear and with only the full back to beat the pass to Andrew Moore was not taken and an opportunity missed. Jack Gobbert came on for Bailey as MV refreshed their pack.

MV were mauling well and finally drew a decision out of the referee for offside. MV kicked for a lineout and resulting catch was driven right over the defending try line with Andy Quigley awarded the score.

Excellent conversion from Booth puts MV 21-7 ahead. MV were finding it hard to understand the referees adjudication in many instances. The game was played out with a period of close contest, MV looking the far better side but Heaton Moor content with limiting MV’s scoring chances and stifling play whenever they could. When the opportunity arose Heaton Moor kicked the ball dead for the final whistle to blow at 21-7.

A job part done. A good win but no bonus point collected. The result leaves MV in 3rd place with Eccles claiming the title and Heaton Moor very likely now to claim the runner up spot. MV now need a miracle or a League judgement to achieve a promotion spot. 

This coming weekend 25th Trafford MV host 5th placed Tyldesley at MacPherson Park (M33 6LR) and a tough game will be on the cards. This is Traffords last home game of the season and a big call out is being made to all local supporters to come out and cheer the team on at their 3.00pm kick off. Trafford expect to have a strong team on the field and will be looking to reverse a last minute 33-32 defeat in the away game back in October.

Trafford MV have great plans in place for the month of Mat as they celebrate the Clubs Rugby Centenary and Cricket 75th Anniversary. If you have been a part of Trafford MV RFCC (formerly Metrovicks) over the decades we would call on you to get back in touch and renew your attachment to the Club.

There will be a Marquee Sportsmans Dinner and Gala  Ball, Ladies Day, Centenary Exhibition and much more to be announced. For any info drop Wilf Dooley a message at wilfdooley@virginmedia,com