Rugby Recap: Trafford MV’s Narrow Loss to Tarleton

By Wilf Dooley

In bright conditions, perfect for playing rugby, Trafford MV showed that there is the ability in their team to survive and thrive at this level of rugby as they fell short in the latter stages of the game once again.

Tarleton were the opposition in what was to be a high-scoring, entertaining game for the watching crowd. Trafford opened brightly with an early try in the corner and added to this with further early scores, looking dangerous with every attack. Tarleton struggled with their defense in the first half and their attack had no punch. This really looked like a turning point in Trafford MV’s season – however, the tide was about to turn!

With 55 minutes on the clock, Trafford led 41-10, looking pretty and full of confidence. Tarleton brought on subs and an impact was seen. They began to win the 50/50 collisions and ball; breaches were made in the center, and Trafford were now on the back foot, but you felt enough had been done with a 31-point lead.

Tarleton’s game was not over; Trafford were hit with a yellow card for a marginally high tackle, and the pressure mounted with scores being conceded, and desperation could be seen in the scrambling Trafford defense.

If games lasted 70 minutes rather than the official 80 minutes, Trafford’s season might tell a different story, but the facts tell a story that consistently sees them falling short in the late stages of games. Is it fitness, confidence, or maybe both?

Tarleton clawed their way right back into the game, and in the dying minute grabbed the vital try and conversion that put an end to Trafford’s hopes yet again. At 48-52, Tarleton could travel home happy, whilst Trafford MV felt like wilted roses on a Valentine’s Day table!

Trafford MV just need a 5% turnaround in aspects of their game and to be clinical in their tackling to turn leads into match wins.

This coming weekend there is no game for Trafford’s 1st or 2nd XVs, but their 3rd XV play Heaton Moor 3rd at TMV’s MacPherson Park ground M33 6LR. The club will be open for rugby fans to watch the 6 Nations in a convivial rugby atmosphere.

Photo – Trafford’s Joe Walls attacking Tarleton defence

Image: Ian Rogers