Trafford MV beaten at home against leaders West Park

By Wilf Dooley

Trafford MV is finding out what life is like at the higher level the hard way.

Playing against league leaders West Park St Helens the home side Trafford competed very well for large parts of the game and in certain area’s but their overall game still leaves much to be desired.

Trafford were something closer to a team than in recent weeks and had players in their rightful positions however the team is still young and developing and experience at this higher level is evident and not just from the younger players.

If a team is not playing to it’s potential then it will be punished and this is what Trafford are finding. Scrummaging was good, lineout and breakdowns were okay but defence needs much more work in both defensive lines and effectiveness of tackles.

Trafford have shown they can score against the best sides but they also concede too many points, particularly late in games.

With a score line of 7-15 at half time from a James Webster try and a Pat Eccles conversion Trafford were definitely in the game.

The second half however went the way of the visitors despite them collecting 3 yellow cards against a single one for Jack Gobbett for TMV. Further tries from Craig Collier and Micah Dyos were not enough to keep MV in the game as West Park clocked up a further 24 points to take the game comfortably at 17-39 to maintain their 100% record with 7 wins from 7 games proving they are the team to be beaten.

Player of the match for Trafford MV was Micah Dyos and the continuous programme of bringing youth through into the 1st XV arena continued as Kalum Doohan made his 1st XV debut.

The positive attitude and spirit shown by the team was to be commended and now small steps need to be made each week to improve performance and results.

Trafford MV 1st XV now take a rest week as they have time to regroup and recover ahead of a crunch game against Heaton Moor on Sat Nov 2nd at TMV’s MacPherson Park KO 2.15pm.

The opposition sit just one place and one point above Trafford in the league and this has to be looked upon as a must win game for the home side. Head Coach Brian Collier will be looking for some inspiration from his big game players to raise the fortunes of his team.

Local support is called upon from rugby lovers in Sale to come down and get behind the team and help drive the ambitions of the players and the club.

This Sunday Trafford MV Ladies XV travel to Liverpool St Helens with the ambition of maintaining their 4 match unbeaten start to the season which see’s them heading their league ahead of Chester Devas Womems XV.

Trafford MV are calling on any local rugby players who may be looking to get back into playing or who may be looking for regular rugby to Get Your Boots back On and take up the challenge once again with the club on any of their 3 senior men’s teams. Just contact wilfdooley@virginmedia.com for further info.