Trafford MV storms past Didsbury with a gusty 24-19 win

By Wilf Dooley

As named storm Darragh ravaged the North West sporting program last weekend only two games were able to be played in the Counties 1 ADM Lancashire & Cheshire League these were at Trafford MV and West Park (St Helens).

Conditions were still horrendous with driving rain and a strong wind blowing straight across the pitch touchline to touchline at Trafford MV’s MacPherson Park.

After an early season drubbing by Toc H 80-17 back in Sept the visitors were strong favourites going into the game. Time has marched on however and Trafford are now a much more competitive side even though results have not been going their way.

As the game opened it was Didsbury that struck first before the teams had even got into their stride with a strike down the left flank for an easy try and conversion. They followed this with 2 well struck penalties which was looking ominous at 13-0.

Trafford were not put off their game however and the Trafford forward pack was looking strong in every aspect as they got the better in the scrums and lineouts in open play the Trafford forwards battled for every ball to gradually have the greater control of the game.

MV were playing to their strengths now and Toc H were feeling the pressure. Trafford scored 2 tries through second row Paul Davenport who was on hand as Trafford used powerful driving mauls to overpower their opposition. Ben Wainwright used excellent judgment to convert both first half tries to give TMV a 14-13 lead at the break

Didsbury were not to be out done and kept plugging away forcing Trafford to concede 2 penalties to go behind 14-19. Traffords pack were still the driving force but credit also to the back line who showed plenty of courage and determination to weather the storm as well as the big opposition backs.

Jordan Parker and Luke O’Shea continually drilled kicks up the middle of the park waiting for Toc H loose returns. Coxon and Wainwright tackled like demons in the centre. Micah Dyos was a constant threat in the back row for Trafford and he put TMV right back in the mix with a try which levelled the scores atc19-19.

It looked as if Trafford might have blown their chance when Paul Davenport capped a good game by picking up a yellow card with 10 minutes left on the clock.

Trafford were up for the battle on the day though and they continued to fight for every scrap of possession and it was young Joe Walls that topped off a great day for Trafford MV who got a late try as the light was fading away. Player of the match for Trafford MV was South African prop Byron Mark who impressed after coming on from the bench.

Players from both sides, the referee, coaches and the spectators all deserve mention for weathering the conditions on what was a really bad afternoon. Trafford’s pitch was in excellent condition, probably the best on the circuit, and stood up to the afternoons play very well.

The win gave Trafford MV valuable league points and moves them up the table from 11th up to 7th place. The other result on the day was a 13-5 home win for West Park over Broughton Park to emphasise their position at the top of the league.

This coming weekend Trafford MV travel to Broughton Park and will be looking to maintain good form and go into the game with renewed confidence in their ability to compete and win games at this level.

Photo courtesy of Ian Rogers