Trafford MV lose out away at Tarleton

By Wilf Dooley

Trafford MV travelled North into Lancashire to take on 3rd placed Tarleton at the weekend and despite a spirited performance the home side did enough to take the result away from them.

As in the game earlier in the season the final score line 36-14 flattered the home side and Trafford did bring some positives home from the game though much needed league points they did not. 

Yet again 8 team changes were too much to cope with and 2 debutants added to the mix for Trafford. The game started with MV scoring early as a quick tap penalty by Kieran Edgar saw him crash over. Luke O’Shea converted 0-7.

Joe Walls was then yellow-carded and this gave Tarleton the extra man in the backs which they exploited to run in 3 wide tries, converting one to go 17-7 ahead. Trafford got their game back on track and they were in contention as half time approached when flanker Chris Ward controlled the ball in a driving maul to score, Luke O’Shea converted once more 17-14 at half time.

For much of the second half the score was held at 17-14 until the home side collected an unconverted try 22-14. Injuries now kicked in and positional changes were forced as coach Brian Collier had to shuffle his hand.

Trafford were then caught out with 10 mins to go as Jordan Rigg chased a kick through to dive on for what looked like a try. MV celebrated the score as the referee did not give the decision, the home winger picked up the loose ball and raced the length of the field to score 29-14.

This left MV deflated and ruffled and they allowed Tarleton in for a late score to compound the pain at 36-14. Richard Causer and Adam Halsall were both impressive on their debuts with the former getting MV’s Player Of The Match award. 

Trafford MV must now regroup and go into their next game away at fellow strugglers Heaton Moor on Saturday. Moor are just a single point ahead of MV near the foot of the table and a favourable result is essential for both sides. Watch this space for who comes out best in the relegation stakes.