Trafford MV saved from relegation with last minute score at Liverpool St Helens

By Wilf Dooley

On a glorious spring afternoon, Trafford MV Rugby travelled to Liverpool St Helens with everything to play for – relegation was on the cards as four teams were potentially earmarked for the second relegation spot in ADM 1 alongside Glossop, who were already doomed.

Trafford opened brightly as Kieran Edgar burst out of defence, linking up with stand-off Pat Eccles, who then set Andrew Clegg off on a 30-metre run to touch down under the sticks for Eccles to easily convert: 0-7.

As we’ve seen all too often this season, TMV relaxed, and LSH were straight back in the fight as they outflanked the MV defence for the left wing to score, conversion missed: 5-7. The game was full of endeavour from both teams, and TMV struck next as the forwards drove a maul forward, and it seemed inevitable that hooker Craig Collier was the man to carry the ball over the line for the try: 5-12.

A big call came from the ref when a dubious high tackle from TMV captain Pat Eccles was punished by an immediate red card, and TMV were down to 14 men with only 20 minutes played – alarm bells were ringing!

LSH upped their game and sliced through the Trafford defence to score and convert, levelling at 12-12. With half-time approaching, LSH scored wide right as the cover defence got overstretched to go in at the break 17-12 ahead.

The watching crowd were enjoying an exciting game as neither side were giving too much away. Trafford took the advantage back as young Adam Halsall jinked his way through a splintered defence to race away and score, Luke O’Shea added the extras: 17-19.

The missing man in the MV defence was telling, and LSH took the opportunity, breaking through and scoring wide right: 24-19. The clock was ticking on, and the job was looking done when the home side scored again and converted for a 31-19 lead.

The game was halted with 2 minutes left to play as TMV winger Adam Halsall was injured, and an ambulance was called for. The game was played out on another pitch.

MV kicked to touch in the corner and won the resultant lineout; the pack drove on, and with seconds left, the nearby backs joined the maul, and centre Joe Walls drove over through the melee to score. The conversion was missed, and the score was 31-24 when the final whistle blew.

Trafford collected 2 losing bonus points for scoring 4 tries and for keeping within a 7-point losing margin. This was enough to retain their status in ADM 1. Aspull beat Heaton Moor 40-27, which pushed the latter into the final relegation spot. Trafford MV live to fight again in ADM 1 in the 2025/26 season.