Trafford MV secured a good win against Leigh at the weekend

Match Report – Chris Ward

An entertaining, end-to-end opening saw Leigh take an early 6-0 lead through two penalties, before a quick MV break from O’shea nicely linked up with Mason, who flicked the ball out the back to Soliu to finish. O’Shea added the extras 7-6.

Leigh edged back in front again after MV were penalised in a kickable position 7-9, but MV were moving the ball from side to side and stretching a tiring defence. Booth’s footwork saw him saunter through the midfield, and O’Shea’s boot took the score to 14-9. Half-time.

The second half started in much the same vein as the first, with both teams conceding ‘numerous’, but after gaining 30m in short succession Parker took advantage with a quick tap penalty, powering over to extend the lead to 21-9.

Three consecutive penalties the other way after the restart allowed Leigh to kick another 3 points 21-12. The game went back and forth, until a superb 50-22 set up a maul, with Halsall finishing the move. O’Shea converted 28-12.

Leigh piled on the pressure through a series of penalties close to the TMV line, but solid defence kept their one-out attack at bay. MV turned defence into attack, earning territory before another outstanding maul created the platform for Halsall to break through the defence and score again. O’Shea maintained 100% off the tee 35-12.

Leigh grabbed a late consolation, gathering their own kick over the winger to score in the corner, with the conversion making it 35-19 to round off the game.

Photo Ian Rogers