TRAFFORD MV stay top with convincing win over Sefton

By Wilf Dooley

On an excellent afternoon for playing Rugby 3rd placed Sefton were the visitors to Trafford MV’s MacPherson Park and a large crowd gathered for the anticipated excitement.

A cold breeze was blowing across the pitch but otherwise the pitch was perfect for running style of play.

The scoring opened for Trafford MV before most of the spectators had even taken their spot on the touchline.

A long kick off was chased down by Kieran Edgar who blocked the clearance kick and follow up to touchdown for an opening minute try which Pat Eccles improved upon for a 7 – 0 lead. Sefton pushed themselves into the Trafford half and soon earn a penalty to narrow the lead to 7 – 3.

Both teams were looking to play open rugby and it was Trafford looking the sharper as a good move in midfield saw Jamie Kingdon stride through some flimsy defending to stroll in under the posts. Pat Eccles again converted 14 – 3.

Sefton were working hard to stay in contention against the wind and a period of good pressure in the Trafford half resulted in a try on the stroke of half time which went unconverted for the score line at the break 14 – 8. 

After the change of ends Sefton made the most of the wind advantage as they started strongly and forced a penalty to get within grasp of Trafford at 14 – 11.

TMV respond almost immediately, forcing a knock on which was picked up and ran in by Callum Yates and converted by Pat Eccles superbly 21 – 11.

Trafford now had the bit between their teeth and intense pressure on the Sefton defence sees Pat Eccles charge down another clearance kick then converting his own try 28 – 11. Trafford MVs power play continued as winger Jordan Rigg breaks away and backs his pace to score on right. An excellent conversion again from Pat Eccles extends the TMV lead to 35 – 11.

This would have been a somewhat flattering score line for TMV as Sefton were never really out of the game and the home side had benefitted from the charge

downs massively. Sefton kept battling away and earned themselves two late tries both of which were converted to make the final score a respectable 35 – 25 to Trafford MV.

This bonus point win for Trafford enhances their leaders position giving them an 8 point gap above Southport with 6 league games left to play. Sefton slipped into 4th place following this defeat.

This weekend will be another tough game as Trafford MV make the short journey to take on Tyldesley who hold 5th place currently.

Once again Trafford are fielding 3 teams this coming weekend with the 2nd XV hosting Rossendale 3rd XV and the 3rd XV welcoming Heaton Moor 2nd XV to MacPherson Park (M33 6LR). New players looking for a regular game of rugby should drop a message to wilfdooley@virginmedia.com.

The Six Nations Championship kicks off this Friday with France vs Ireland at 8.00pm Trafford MV will be showing this game and all others in the sociable clubhouse atmosphere – non members and all supporters of Rugby are invited to join us for the up and coming games.