Thrilling Match Recap: Trafford MV vs New Brighton

By Wilf Dooley

Week by week, game by game, Trafford MV’s relegation battle gets tougher. They welcomed New Brighton, who had lost 0 – 122 in their last game, in perfect conditions and feeling confident, but could they get the job done?

The answer was no! The first half was a nip-and-tuck affair as the sides exchanged scores, being level at 17-17 at one point. From that point, it looked like Trafford MV had grasped the nettle as tries came and a 21-point lead was opened up, forging a 43 – 22 lead.

New Brighton, to their credit, did not lie down. Over the last 15 minutes of the game, the visitors chipped away at the lead. As the game entered the final minute, New Brighton launched their final attack, and sustained pressure with the ball kept alive saw loose tackles allow a break down the right wing, with desperate MV cover keeping the touchdown out wide.

The packed touchline and both sides held their breath as the conversion was attempted with the scores level at 43-43. Luckily for MV, a strong breeze held the ball up in flight for it to fall just short and saved what would have been an embarrassing home defeat.

Tries for Jamie Kingdon (2), James Halsall (2), Adam Mason (2), and Chris Ward gave TMV a bonus point. Trafford needs to keep battling away, but realistically need Aspull and Wigan to slip up over the coming weeks to have a chance of survival.

Life will be no easier this coming Saturday as 5th placed Eccles come to MacPherson Park for a 2:15 pm kick-off. Trafford MV need to step up once more, keeping belief in their attack, but they must improve their defense dramatically to be in with a shout.

Photo: Try scorer Adam Mason

Photo Credit: Ian Rogers