Trafford MV need to pick themselves up after losing at Tarleton

By Wilf Dooley

Trafford MV Rugby headed north to Tarleton, and preparation for the game was again good with an effective warm-up, which had the team in good spirits.

The team had some aims for this game, which were to start strongly, stay positive, and attack out wide more, which were not met enough.

Trafford did start the game well with good early possession; however, momentum was lost, giving away costly penalties on a small pitch which pinned TMV down on their own 5-meter line, from which Tarleton was able to maul over to take the lead 7-0.

TMV continued to get decent possession and was not the only team giving away penalties, forcing several lineouts in the home ’22, which they failed to execute. This was the difference in the game, as Tarleton punished TMV’s mistakes, who found themselves 3 tries down at half-time, 19-0.

Trafford MV opened the second half well with an early converted try from Luke O’Shea after a powerful line break from Micah Dyos. TMV was building into the game, and with Tarleton on the back foot, a penalty from O’Shea put TMV just 9 points behind with over 20 minutes to play, 19-10.

However, Trafford was making the game too easy for Tarleton with missed tackles and pointless penalties, giving away cheap yards which Tarleton did not deserve but punished.

TMV had opportunities with numerous lineouts in the defending ’22 not being executed. They managed to score a second try from a well-worked backs move finished by debutant David Evans for his first try for TMV, converted by O’Shea. Late scores for the home side gave them a comfortable win in the end, 36-20.

Poor set-piece play, weak tackling, and a lack of discipline, which had a negative effect on team morale, were the root causes of TMV’s defeat.

This game was winnable, and TMV is not far away from picking up league points, but they must channel their energy in training onto the pitch. David Evans made an impact on his debut and collected the TMV Player of the Match award.

Trafford MV 2nds won 27-24 against North Manchester, and their 3rd XV won 22-17 against Oldham 2nds.

Photo: Try Scorer Luke O’Shea