Thrilling Comeback Seals Trafford MV’s Victory

Match report by Wilf Dooley

In front of a big crowd on Saturday and with plenty of sunshine the scene was set for an afternoon of great entertainment at Trafford MV’s MacPherson Park.

Once again the home side was beset with availability issues but the players in the squad were tasked with digging in brining a game to take hope into next seasons campaign in ADM 2 following relegation.

The game started in what has become typical fashion from TMV, slow out of the blocks and allowing easy possession for the Liverpool St Helens opposition to get early momentum.

An early try for the visitors from the left wing scoring in the right hand corner showed pace and ability from the visitors. Two further tries came for LSH and the writing seemed to be on the wall as a 0-19 scoreline was rattled up.

Trafford MV captain Andrew Clegg called on his players to respond and tackle by tackle they stemmed the flow of points and then hit back as Kiki Vatikiotis crashed over from close range and then Jamie Kingdon stepped inside his defender then raced in from 20 yards out.

Luke O’Shea converted both 14-19 and game on. The game was now much more of a contest and Trafford’s Joe Walls gave his side the initiative breaking through a packed defence to get the touchdown and O’Shea again converting for a 19-21 half-time lead. 

The atmosphere among the crowd was tense as LSH went ahead again then TMV responded with player coach Aaron Booth skipping through defenders to find his way to the line. Liverpool were not to be outdone and scored again to take a 26-31 lead into the final minutes.

Trafford were not rolling over and their resilience when Micah Dyos broke off the back of a maul 15metres from the try line to break the defence and stroll behind the posts. Luke O’Shea converted for the crowd and players to erupt in delight as the game was sealed 33-31 in Trafford MV’s favour.

This win has brought some hope to a young side that has battled against the odds all season, having played most of the first half of the season away from home the toll of away defeats and travelling had hit moral and availability brought a result deficit that was always hard to claw back.

The clubs youth policy has brought dividends with a number of young players stepping up to be counted and the experience will have dome them no harm. Now is the time to rest, regroup and rebuild over the summer and make a big impact in the lower league next season.

Going down with TMV is Aspull while the 2 bonus points collected by LSH brought safety for them. At the other end of the table Wilmslow were promoted as Champions with Warrington also promoted as runners up. 

Trafford MV are now keen to recruit new players ahead of the 2026/27 season – contact wilfdooley@virginmedia.com if you are interested in playing rugby at any level for Trafford MV RFCC.

There was also good news , yet again, for Trafford MV’s youth teams as the U16’s won their Lancashire Plate competition by winning 48-7 against Aldwinians.

The Clubs U15’s also won their Lancashire Plate Final defeating Tyldesley 47-17 in a fiesty game at Rochdale RFC. Great to see the young players showing their potential on the field. The future is bright – the future is Trafford MV !

Cover Photo – Zack Gardener testing the LSH defence

Photo’s courtesy of Ian Rogers