Trafford MV sink Fleetwood 43-0

Match Report by Wilf Dooley

On a tricky afternoon for playing Rugby, with heavy showers and a strong crosswind complemented by bright sunny spells it was a good opportunity for Trafford MV to show their home support of their potential following last weekend narrow defeat at Heaton Moor.

The players had shaken off their disappointments and from the opening whistle Trafford MV were on the offensive taking play deep into the visitors half launching attack after attack. The TMV forward pack was their first point of attack and the continuous early onslaught led eventually to second row Tom Red forcing his way between defenders to crash over the line, the conversion was missed for an early 5-0 lead.

Trafford were looking confident and the back line were getting in on the act playing off the back of good possession, the ball was sprayed wide along the back line and it was full back Joe Wilson entering the play wide on the left to break through the Fleetwood last line of defence, another missed conversion set the score at 10-0. 

In many games over recent seasons Trafford have taken their foot off the pedal but is this a thing of the past? The momentum was maintained and another attack was launched, initially the play went down the left side of the pitch then on the breakdown ball was moved quickly to the right, scrum half Ollie Jones drew the Fleetwood winger infield and then slipped a slick pass to Tom Shepard on the ’22 for him to stroll in along the wing then track inside to score close to the posts, yet another conversion drifted wide in the wind 15-0.

As play was approaching the half time break it was the turn of Trafford winger Sonekan who collected the ball in midfield, with a well set defence in front of him a kick through proved his only option, pace proved the difference and he outpaced the turning defence to collect and cross the line under the sticks for an easy conversion and to go into the break with Trafford ahead 22-0 and 4 tries in the bag.

As the second half kicked off it was Sonekan again that found himself on the right wing with the ball in his hands and space in front of him, he put his foot down and sped along the touchline avoiding flailing defenders to touchdown again close to the uprights. O’Shea converted again 29-0.

Fleetwood were trying hard to make their mark on the game and as they launched a break from inside their own half MV centre Adam Mason took an interception between his opposite numbers to race in untouched for O’Shea to add a further conversion 36-0. Fleetwood squandered a couple of chances as the pressure took its toll and it was the hot heeled Sonekan who was on hand once again to show his pace and beat the defence to complete his hat trick and give O’Shea yet another easy conversion and a final score of 43-0.

This was a deserved win for Trafford and showed their potential as contenders for the leading position in ADM 2 League. The team was led from the front by No 8 Tom Namguards and showed attacking threat across the back line. Defence also stood strong and this must be maintained and improved into the season for when the tough games come along.

Trafford MV now look forward to another home game with Leigh RFC as the opponents this coming Saturday 17th with a 3pm kick off. Spectators are welcome at MacPherson Park, M33 6LR

Photo: Ian Rogers