Trafford MV Return to winning ways against Leigh

By Wilf Dooley

On a good day for playing rugby and on an even better pitch it was essential that Trafford MV (TMV) got their game back on track against what proved to be a physical Leigh side.

A defeat at Oldham had rang the alarm bells and it was time to react if a realistic title challenge was to be maintained, the players needed to ask themselves questions during the week.

The game opened well with MV competing for early possession and this resulted in Leigh conceding a penalty which Pat Eccles easily slotted over after 5 minutes.

Leigh came back at MV and even in these early stages it was becoming evident that Leigh were to provide a tough, physical test for MV. Leigh forced a penalty out of MV levelling the scores at 3 – 3.

The referee was in for a busy afternoon as his whistle came into play once again after 15 min as Leigh succumbed once again to MV pressure and another penalty from Pat Eccles sailed over the crossbar 6 – 3 to TMV.

Both teams were battling hard for supremacy and the break came eventually after some neat passing and strong running saw centre Jamie Kingdon break through the defence on the half hour mark to race in under the posts. Pat Eccles converted to make it 13 – 3 for the hosts.

As the sided went into the half time break it was looking as if Trafford had begun to get the upper hand, but as we have seen before at MacPherson Park the afternoons entertainment is not over until the final whistle blows.

The second half began well for Trafford as they forced a further penalty for the kicking machine Pat Eccles to add to his tally 16 – 3 for TMV. As the game went on discipline, or rather the lack of it crept into both teams play.

The visitors play at times became over physical and the referees leniency frustrated the Trafford players who reacted on a number of occasions and yellow cards started to come into play.

Leigh came right back into the game with a converted try narrowing Traffords lead to just 6 points at 16-10. The importance of a good goalkicker became evident as Pat Eccles slid over a further 2 penalties as play was going deep into the final stages 22 – 10 to TMV.

Leigh were no pushover and as the minutes were ticking away they hit TMV with a late converted try to make the final score 22 – 17.

It was good to see Kieran Edgar back showing some of last seasons form as he took the Player of the Match award.

Trafford MV did well to get the points out of this tough game which extends their lead at the top of the League to 9 points with New Brighton, Littleborough and Sefton all level behind them on 33 points.

There is no game for Trafford MV this weekend as Cup opponents De La Salle have a League fixture they need to fulfil as a priority. Traffords next game will be away at Fleetwood on Sat Dec 2nd.

Trafford MV’s 2nd XV had an excellent win against top of the table North Manchester 1st XV 24 – 5 tries from Leon Passley 2 and Charlie Valentine who also converted twice an added a penalty for a 13 point tally, Newcomer Eanna Glynn kicked on conversion and received POTM on his debut for the Club.

TMV 3rd XV had a tough afternoon at Stockport 3rds losing 59-12 scoring tries through Sean Walker and Dale Beardsall plus a Ryan Wilkinson conversion. POTM for the 3rd XV was Hao Zhang.

Trafford MV are keen to welcome back players into the game who may have drifted out of it over the last couple of years due to the pandemic break and also the many 20 something year olds who may have had a break after leaving school/college or after playing junior Club Rugby. Just give Greg a call on 07834 857905 or drop wilfdooley@virginmedia.com a message and we will progress your interest.

Photo: Jamie Kingdon in action against Leigh