TRAFFORD MV opened their account in the Lancs/Cumbria League with a commanding 37-10 win against fellow promoted club Workington Zebra's.

MV began the game well, establishing a good platform of possession with a steady scrum ball and clean line-out ball.

Good expansive play from MV brought a try for winger Jamie Kingdon, who broke the tackle of his opposite number to then outpace the covering full-back – the try converted by Ben Wheeler.

Much of the play was kept close to the breakdown as MV pressed to draw the defence in tight.

Workington fought hard to stay in contention and earned a penalty 30 metres out which was kicked successfully by Sam Robinson.

Wheeler cancelled this with a penalty of his own as MV maintained the upper hand.

Trafford extended their lead when centre Andrew Moore, showing the benefit of a good summer's training, broke through the midfield defence and scored from 40 metres for a deserved try, Wheeler converting.

With time running out at the end of the half, the Zebras twice failed to clear the ball from inside the 22-metre line, allowing the hosts to set up a driving maul which carried them 20 metres to the line with prop forward Joe Cooper claiming the try. MV were working hard, none more so than prop Jack Gobbert who seemed to be playing with a renewed vigour, putting in some great tackles and powerful drives to keep the visitors on the back foot.

A half-time lead of 22-3 was a deserved advantage for MV.

The second half was only minutes old when MV newcomer John Feldman broke away following a free kick to cross the line.

Workington were not giving up without a fight with Andy Bowe and Chris Boyd leading the way and beginning to cause MV problems.

Seeing the potential danger MV took the opportunity of kicking the next available penalty to stem the tide.

Changes were made midway through the half with Paul Davenport and Ethan Cornick coming on for MV.

But Workington were eventually rewarded for their efforts as prop Chris Stringer bullied his way over from close range with Robinson converting.

From the resulting restart the Zebras allowed the greasy ball to bounce and find its way into touch for a line-out to Trafford.

As they had done all afternoon, MV won clean ball, set up a driving maul and last season's try machine Davenport broke off the back to touch down with Wheeler completing the scoring with the conversion.

This was a promising game for MV and a good result to open with but much tougher games lie ahead.

Gaz Bevan, Gobbert and Wheeler all played well for MV and with a couple of players still to come back into the mix, competition in the squad will be keen.

This weekend MV host Carlisle RFC, who beat Aldwinians 20-3, to MacPherson Park, kick off 3pm.