Trafford MV win against New Brighton in crucial league game

By WIlf Dooley

As the winter weather gathered ahead of the predicted snow storm Trafford MV continued their quest to make an impact in the Counties 1 ADM Lancashire & Cheshire League.

The pitch was in perfect condition and spectators lined the touchline braving the cold in anticipation of a heated contest with visitors New Brighton.

The game started with promise from Trafford MV as birthday boy James Webster burst through the visitors defence putting them on the back foot as centre Callum Yates continued the charge through the centres defence to power over.

Captain Pat Eccles converted for an early 7-0 lead. As is often Traffords failing this early advantage was conceded almost immediately as New Brighton scored at the other end to level at 7-7.

Trafford MV were playing well and getting in good positions and from a lineout in left corner a powerful drive led to Craig Collier getting hands on the ball to claim the touchdown, conversion was missed 12-7.

Trafford were playing well and scored again when Callum Yates kicked through and chased the ball to get a good flick pass away to Chris Ward in support who finished the move off and touch down, conversion was missed again 17-7.

Once again New Brighton came back with a converted try narrowing scoreline to 17-14. Trafford MV’s pack once again got themselves in a good driving position and again it was Craig Collier on had to claim the pushover try with Pat Eccles adding the extras 24-14.

With half-time approaching MV worked the ball wide left and winger Joe Owen back himself to outflank his opposite number and race down the touchline forcing the score to 29-14 at the interval.

As the second half opened New Brighton break from defence through the centre and were back in the game at 29-21 with a converted try.

The tit for tat scoring was not allowing Trafford to relax which was good for the freezing spectators cheering on the home side. Trafford were awarded a penalty kick which Pat Eccles chose to kick to maintain the gap in points 32-21.

Trafford maintained pressure and as New Brighton attempted to kick clear two charge downs created havoc in the visitors defence and Jordan Parker was on hand to pick up and score, Eccles converted 39-21.

With the job almost completed and the clock running down it was New Brighton who finished with a flourish, a blind side break off the scrum put the right wing over 39-26 and then just before the referee blew the final whistle New Brighton forced their way over to pick up a second bonus point narrowing the final score to 39-33.

This was a crucial victory for Trafford MV moving them up to 7th place in the league with a tough game to come next weekend at Tarleton. Player of the match for Trafford was Joe Owen who stood up well in both defence and attack.

Results Saturday, 04 Jan 2025: Counties 1 ADM Lancashire & Cheshire League

Aldwinians 12 – 0 Broughton Park
Aspull 0 – 33 Didsbury Toc H
Glossop 24 – 10 Liverpool St Helens
Heaton Moor 32 – 24 Wilmslow
Trafford MV 39 – 33 New Brighton
West Park (St Helens) 15 – 21 Tarleton

Trafford MV are inviting and local rugby players looking to get regular Saturday games to join their 2025 campaign.

If you consider yourself able to compete for a 1st XV place at a good level of amateur rugby with local fixtures please contact Head Of Rugby Brian Collier on 07592 984621 expressing your interest.