TRAFFORD MV came up short at Carlisle as the hosts won 60-7 to clinch the North Lancs/Cumbria Division title and promotion.

Hit by injuries and unavailability, MV captain Andy Quigley started at scrum-half with Pat Eccles at 10 and the three-times retired Mark Hodgson back in action.

Trafford's defence was resolute for the first 10 minutes, however the pressure told when Holmes crashed over from a catch and drive off a line-out.

A second score quickly followed when an MV kick out of defence was returned with interest for Carlisle centre Purdham to stroll in.

Full-back Rocke was next to cross the line following a slick double miss pass.

When MV did get ball in hand and put more than two phases together they looked dangerous but this was all too infrequent. Carlisle sealed the bonus-point fourth try before the break, going in 22-0 up.

The real problem for MV occurred just before half time when hooker Ross Anderson had to move from the front row due to a neck injury.

This meant prop Joe Cooper had to move to hooker and the disruption allowed Carlisle to score four tries.

MV centre Matt Coxon did finish off a fine break by captain Quigley who had moved into the back row after a reorganisation and the seven points were deserved for their effort.

Trafford fought to the end but Carlisle were not going to be outdone and scored with the last play of the match, winger Matty Roper running through four weary missed tackles to score under the posts.

MV take an Easter break as they look ahead to their final game of the season at Workington on April 22.

* Trafford MV will open their cricket season on April 22 and are looking for new players to get involved. Anyone interested should contact Steve Haughton on 07514 073249.