TRAFFORD MV's pre-season got underway last weekend as they opened their list of friendlies with an away trip to Bowdon to face opposition from a higher level of the rugby ladder.

MV took a selection of players from all three regular teams and gave all players a fair run out while Bowdon fielded a condensed selection and had fewer team changes through the 80 minutes.

Both sides fielded strong opening XV's which saw a competitive quarter with both teams scoring and converting a try a piece for a 7-7 score line.

Early season rustiness was evident as both sides struggled to finish moves off. Bowdon in particular had good chances but failed to deliver.

The 2nd and 3rd quarters saw wholesale changes with MV giving run outs to several fringe players and lower team players as Bowdon sought to work with their preferred XV and fewer changes.

These middle quarters saw both teams working hard for superiority but neither really getting on top of their opponents.

The final quarter saw both teams field their strongest XV's and again both sides managed a converted try keeping the scores level at the final whistle.

It was a good workout for both sets of players with MV possibly the happier of the two sides having held the higher rated opposition in all phases of the game.

Bowdon had a number of new signings playing who when they gel will no doubt make a difference.

Trafford MV have been drawn at home in the first round of the Lancashire Cup on August 29 against Burnley.

They are also the opponents for MV's opening League game the following week September 5.

MV have further warm up games against Manchester, Windermere and Ashton-on-Mersey over the next couple of weeks to get them battle hardened ahead of the games that count.

New players are welcome at Trafford MV, training is Tuesday and Thursdays at 6.45pm.