Trafford MV vs Aspull: Match Report & Highlights

Match Report by Wilf Dooley

Once again Trafford MV battled through a frustrating afternoon in a game that probably did less good than harm toward their ultimate aim of staying up.

With a strong cold breeze, bright sunshine, and occasional pouring rain, the players and supporters of both teams endured a closely fought game fraught with few highlights and plenty of errors.

With both teams under relegation threat, there was little to separate them, and the lead fluctuated, but neither side dominated. Aspull had the better of the early exchanges and looked to be doing enough with two early tries, both converted, before Trafford eventually woke up at 0-14 behind.

Trafford punched through the middle and then worked the ball wide left for winger Oscar Livings to get the touchdown, Aaron Booth converting, 7-14. Aspull edged further ahead with an unconverted try before flanker Joe Walls forced his way over again in the left corner, 12-19. As half-time approached, Trafford got right back in the game with Micah Dyos touching down and Booth converting to go into the break trailing 17-19.

The second half saw discipline slip once again with Trafford MV being hit with two yellow cards, which saw scrums go uncontested for a period. Defensive errors needed to be ironed out, and simple things needed to be done right by the home side as they pushed to get back on par.

As always, Trafford looked dangerous from lineout catch and drives, and Micah Dyos was on hand once again as the pack powered over, Booth converting and boosting hopes of a win at 24-19. Aspull were not to be outdone and responded with a try of their own to level scores at 24-24 with time running out. With the referee checking his watch, Aspull gave away a penalty outside their ’22 to the right of the posts in a fairly kickable position.

The fans that had braved the elements held their breath as Aaron Booth addressed the ball to kick for the win – unfortunately, the game ended with a sigh of despair as the ball drifted to the left of the uprights and the final whistle blew. Player of the match for Trafford MV was Micah Dyos, with two tries to his credit in the game.

Trafford MV now have to make the short journey to face 5th placed Eccles, needing a good win to have any chance of avoiding relegation with just two games left to play. Wilmslow and Warrington will be contesting the League winner’s spot for the final two games, with just three points separating them at the head of the table. Trafford’s final game of the season will be at home on April 25th, with Liverpool St Helens the opposition.

Photo: Two Try Scorer and POTM Micah Dyos

Image: Ian Rogers