Trafford MV kicks off the new season with a win against Liverpool St Helens

By Wilf Dooley

On a fine sunny day to open their league season newly promoted Trafford MV went into this game with two defeats behind them in pre-season and several changes to the side that won the league in 2023/24 season.

Expectations were limited with the step up in league standard but the team soon proved that they can compete at this level. Trafford started strongly winning good early possession and attacked with venom.

Trafford MV opened the scoring as they pressed into the Liverpool half, a good switch move in the centres put Jamie Kingdon clear through with Pat Eccles converting easily 7-0 to the home side.

Trafford kept their momentum and a driving maul on the visitors try line saw Paul Davenport force his way over leaving Pat Eccles to convert again 14-0 to TMV. Trafford were showing good form and confidence was flowing as Pat Eccles made a clean break to score and then convert his own try 21-0.

A fourth try came MV’s way as Micah Dyos too the game to the opposition forcing his way over following good handling and support play with Eccles converting now had a convincing 28-0 lead. It was at this stage that Trafford took their foot off the gas and at this level concentration needs to be maintained for the full game.

Some loose tackles now let LSH get a few drives going and they raised their play to have a go at Trafford’s defence, first came one try 28-5. Then came a second try and conversion 28-12, was the game about to turn? With half time approaching LSH ran in a third try and conversion to be right back in the game at 28-19 as the half closed.

Liverpool St Helens disappeared into the changing room, unheard of at this level, and the referee had to bring them out for the second half as their coach gave them a motivational half time talk!

Trafford took first blood in the second period as Paul Davenport picked up his second try from close range, conversion missed 33-19.

Undeterred LSH stuck to the task in hand and struck twice in quick succession as their back three showed pace and good handling skills. with a missed conversion LSH were right back in the game with everything to play for at 33-33. Trafford now had the big worries as they needed to find a reaction to the visitors new found form. 

Pat Eccles took the opportunity to nudge ahead with a penalty from Pat Eccles 36-33. Trafford were still showing their willingness to attack and continued to threaten. With this threat and some determined defence

Trafford scored twice late on as first Callum Yates broke free to touchdown and Eccles converting 43-33 and then Matt Coxon scoring wide left to close the game off at 48 – 33 to Trafford MV.

This was an excellent start for Trafford MV in their new competition but there will be tougher challenges ahead. The side has shown they have the munitions in their armoury to be competitive and to threaten sides.

Defence, concentration and commitment need to be worked on and added to and players need to be added to the mix to cover knocks and absences. Prospects are good and coach Brian Collier will have slept a little easier with that result in the bag.

Trafford move to 4th position in the league and now look ahead to the short hop over to Didsbury Toc H this coming Saturday.

Mini/Junior/Youth rugby has now returned to Trafford MV for the 2024/25 season with a multitude of young people aged from 3 years upwards descending on MacPherson Park M33 6LR each Sunday.

Families with young children are attracted to the friendliness and good organisation at the Club as all age groups and abilities are catered for. For any info on Trafford MV Rugby Club please contact wilfdooley@virginmedia.com