Trafford MV coast to victory away at Fleetwood

By Wilf Dooley

This was a must win game for Trafford MV who had lost their opening two games in 2024 and with title contenders coming up next weekend a further defeat could not be accepted.

Trafford’s captain Danny Burke was still recovering from a knee injury so Jamie Kingdon held onto the leadership of the team for this crunch game as Trafford sought to turn a corner and consolidate their league leaders position.

In blustery but dry conditions Trafford scored early from good forward driving play deep in the home side ’22 resulted in Kieran Edgar driving over with the rest of the pack on his shoulder, Pat Eccles converted 0 – 7.

Both sides were competing well and the home side were soon back in the game as TMV slipped up and conceded a penalty kick on 15 mins 3 – 7.

Trafford were slow to build on their good start and it was Fleetwood once again that took the initiative with a quick attack down the left, good handling in attack and some poor defence from Trafford allowed a try out wide which went unconverted to nudge the seasider’s into a narrow 8 – 7 lead.

Traffords forwards were playing well and once again they powered their way into the danger zone and repeated drives culminated with flanker Lewis Kingdon getting over the line to the wide left of the pitch. Pat Eccles launched and excellent conversion which sailed between the upright despite the strong wind 8 – 14 which was the half time score.

MV’s centre and captain Jamie Kingdon opens the second half for MV with a well rehearsed move, Pat Eccles converts to stretch the visitors lead to 8 – 21 and it was looking as if they were breaking away.

The TMV pack got another strong driving maul going and this time it was 2nd row player Micah Dyos that gets the touch down, the conversion attempt by Pat Eccles missed 8 – 26. With the clock running down some very weak tackling from MV allows Fleetwood to score on left and stroll behind posts, the try was converted 15 – 26.

Trafford had a final attempt to extend their lead but a penalty shot with the final kick of the game drifted wide of the posts to leave the final score at 15 – 26 and a bonus point win for

MV to extend their lead at the top of the division to 8 points ahead of Southport and with 3rd placed Sefton heading to Trafford MacPherson Park this weekend it is a good safety cushion.

This Saturday Trafford will be expecting a big crowd at MacPherson Park (M33 6LR) as 3rd placed Sefton mount their challenge against TMV’s title pursuit. Kick off is 2.15pm and admission is free. Bar and food will be open and available from 1.00pm. Local support is very much welcome and appreciated.

Trafford’s 2nd XV travel to Rochdale this weekend while the TMV 3rd XV will host Heaton Moor 2nd XV kicking off at 2.15pm also. On Sunday Trafford MV Ladies make the trip to Bury for a 2.00pm kick off in their league campaign.

New female players are welcome to get in touch and join the teams challenge.