ORRELL were the visitors to Trafford MV's MacPherson Park in the opening round of the Lancashire Plate fixture sponsored by director of rugby at TMV - Bernard Millington.

The visitors took an early 0-7 lead following poor defence from MV but the home side hit back with try from winger Jamie Kingdon. Ben Wheeler converted to level at 7-7. Once again the Orrell forwards created momentum for them to cross the line again moving 7-14 ahead. Quick thinking following a deep kick which resulted in a lineout on the Visitors try line saw Mark Hodgson again level the scores with a Wheeler conversion at 14-14 as the sides broke for the interval.

The introduction of Danny Kelly at prop gave MV an aggressive stance before a leg injury forced him off the field. MV expanded the flow of their game moving the ball wide when possible. This brought a try for Chris Eccles who outflanked the Orrell defence, two earlier penalties from Wheeler now saw MV opening a gap at 25-14.

The last 10 minutes was frantic for MV as the visiting side threw everything they had left at the MV line. Wave after wave of attack came at MV but the defence held out. MV walked a narrow line as desperate defence brought several infringements and the risk of a yellow card loomed. Defence and discipline held out however and although MV did concede one converted try they held onto the lead for a 32-21 win.