Trafford MV struggle against Hutton (From Messenger Newspapers)

Trafford MV struggle against Hutton

10:24am Monday 29th October 2012 in Sport

SATURDAY saw Trafford MV take on Hutton at McPherson park in a game sponsored by John ''Touche'' Phillips.

Having struggled against this side for the past few years, MV knew they were going to be in for a challenging afternoon, and so it proved to be.

MV got off to the worst possible start. Hutton kicked to the home side with an unorthodox kick off, regained possession and MV were on the back foot. Trafford leaked penalties and Hutton kicked to the corner ready to set up the driving maul. 0-5 to Hutton and MV had barely touched the ball.

Trafford responded strongly, and went straight back into the Hutton half, some good phased rugby stretched the Hutton defence, and MV's Wheeler had a shot at goal and converted to get the home side up and running. 3-5 Again Hutton attempted an unorthodox kick off, and again Trafford weren't up to the challenge, and nearly found themselves conceding again pretty much straight off the kick off. Strong tackling forced turn over ball though and soon MV were in the lead through a cheeky drop goal from Ben Wheeler.

Trafford dealt with the next kick off well, but the penalties were beginning to be conceded in abundance , and Hutton were always able to get back on the front foot.

Hutton's second try of the game came from a missed tackle around the fringe, a good covering tackle stopped the momentum, but the referee deemed this to be illegal, and Hutton had another kick to the corner. MV lost Davenport to a yellow card in the process through what the ref deemed to be a professional foul. Hutton kicked to the corner and scored, the conversion was successful and the score was 6-12.

Hutton lost a player to the bin but not until they ad extended their lead through another converted try. The 52 minute long first half eventually drew to a halt with Hutton 19-6 in the lead. It was a deserved lead as Hutton had played far the better rugby in the first half, and MV the architects if their own downfall conceding repeated needless penalties, and aggravating a zealous match official.

The second half produced some exciting rugby MV cutting out the penalties and establishing some dominance. MV had the advantage and the Hutton defence was creaking, but MV were guilty of pushing too hard too soon. A poor cross field kick was fielded by the Hutton winger who ran the length of the field to score a try under the posts knocking the wind out of the Trafford side.

MV again responded well and managed to get a try of their own to get them back into range of Hutton at 26-13 with 25 minutes to go, Trafford were pushing hard but again were hit a sucker punch as Hutton intercepted in the middle of the field to run in under the posts. MV responded with a try to stay within two scores, but it was now that Hutton showed their class. Turning over an MV ruck the Hutton flyhalf moved the ball wide straight away and the Hutton winger again crossed the line. This was swiftly followed by the final nail in the coffin, and Hutton's seventh try of the game. At 18-45 MV were dead and buried, but the home side did not give up hope.

A foolish red card for a punch by Danny Burke seemed to rally the home side and they began to play their best rugby of the game and MV managed to secure two further trys and secure a bonus point.

All credit to Hutton, who were much the better side on the day and thoroughly deserved their win. Trafford have some significant improvements to make in the coming weeks to maintain their title challenge. Bonfire night at TMV is Nov 5 - gates open 6pm.