Trafford MV 20 Littleborough 21

TRAFFORD MV opened their 2014-15 season in North Lancs Div One with a home game against Littleborough who were last season relegated back into the division.

Early pressure came from the visiting side but MV turned the tables when a kick out of deep defence was followed by MV wing man James Mathie who forced the fielder into a fumble. MV retrieved the ball and moved it wide right for the flying Chris Eccles to outpace the cover for an early 5-0 lead. Littleborough rallied with good forward possession which brought a converted try to nudge ahead 5-7.

Eccles was on the scoresheet again before half time when MV again pressed deep in the away sides '22, good ball retention drew the defence in and quick wide ball found enough space for the winger again to get across the line.

Both sets of players were enjoying the game which was managed well by the referee despite hime getting in the way of MV's defence for Littleboroughs 3rd try. MV had nudged closer with a Stuart Crampton penalty at 13-14 but as the ref acted as a ''blocker'' Littleborough made the most and crashed over from close range the conversion gave them a 13-21 lead with time running out.

Trafford MV were not being out done however and the team raised their game - fly half Crampton scored the try of the game when a good side step allowed him to break the defensive line.

On Saturday Trafford MV 1st XV play away at North Manchester RFC.