Trafford MV battled out tough draw away at Wigan

By Wilf Dooley

Trafford MV traveled to Wigan on a wet day, hoping for an improved performance, and started the game well.

Early pressure gave Trafford an attacking scrum close to the Wigan try line and with signs of things to come Wigan were driven backwards. Micah Dyos picked up the ball to power over close to the posts for the 1st try of the game with Aaron Booth converting.

Wigan quickly replied as Trafford’s drift defense failed, allowing the Wigan left wing to race away and level the scores at 7-7. Approaching the end of the first half, pressure brought a penalty for TMV, which was kicked into the corner. The resulting lineout maul saw the ball over the try line for hooker James Halsall to pop the ball down, leading at 7-12.

Wigan had pace and ability in their back line, which kept stretching the MV defense, and two quick tries from the home side gave them a 19-12 lead at the break.

The second half was a tighter game; Trafford’s scrum dominance continued pressing on the Wigan line. Wigan conceded a penalty and from the scrum, Micah Dyos again drove over from close range. Aaron Booth added the extras: 19-19.

With 15 mins to go, Wigan again moved the ball out wide and scored in the corner, too wide for the goal attempt: 24-19. With great resolve in the final minutes, Trafford secured the ball deep in Wigan territory and worked their way upfield, eventually earning a penalty for a high tackle, and a scrum was opted for with the clock in the red.

Again it was Micah Dyos crossing the line in the corner after concerted Trafford pressure to secure his hat trick of tries. The conversion just drifted wide to leave the final score at 24-24.

Aaron Fagan deserves mention for Trafford MV with a rugged defensive performance, but Player of the Match went to Micah Dyos, keeping TMV in the game with a good hat trick of tries. This weekend brings a welcome home game with 5th placed Aldwinians visiting Trafford MV’s MacPherson Park (M33 6LR) for a 2:15 PM kick-off.

Trafford MV’s 2nd XV played out an exciting game at home against Blackburn, which saw great defense from both sides cancelling each other out for the first half hour. Blackburn burst into life with tries either side of halftime, opening up a 0-10 lead.

Trafford saved the best till last; however, and after narrowing the score with a converted try to 7-10, they then took a smash and grab opportunity to grab a try in the dying minutes, the conversion making the final score 10-14. The game was well refereed by Mr. Wood.

Photo: Hat Trick hero Micah Dyos

Credit: Ian Rogers