MV get the better of Oldham (From Messenger Newspapers)

MV get the better of Oldham

4:07pm Monday 1st October 2012 in Sport

SATURDAY saw MV travel to Oldham for what was expected to be a very tough encounter.

MV got off to the worst possible start when a short line out saw the Oldham number 8 steamroller his way to the line with barely a hand laid on him, the conversion made it 7-0.

MV didn't panic and began to play well structured rugby and MV began to dominate. Retaining their own ball it was only a matter of time before MV got on the score board, and the first points came from a Ben Wheeler penalty 7-3.

Trafford almost immediately advanced back into the Oldham half and Paul Davenport was the benefactor of some great play finishing off a six phase period of possession. The finish was not easy however and credit to Davenport for his effort getting over the line. Conversion successful 7-10.

MV however were still making errors - Oldham's strong running back row and centres continued to make ground and Oldham nearly regained the lead.

MV consolidated their lead with two further converted tries in the first half. The first a strong run by Jack Gallagher who fought his way over the line on the touch line, and the second from Mark Hodgson.

A further penalty from Wheeler's faultless boot took the score to 7-27 at half time.

The second half saw MV's confidence clearly growing, and despite dogged defence from Oldham, MV found the gaps. Credit to Oldham who didn't give up, and restricted Trafford's scoring opportunities. MV stretched their lead with a further Wheeler penalty and Jamie kingdon took his chance to score his first try of the season, a much improved performance from the big winger.

MV's back row worked hard ensuring an MV presence at every break down. Man of the match Danny Burkes fringe defence was outstanding, and his ball carrying in open play was also impressive.

Further tries were scored by debutant winger Ben Davenport and the sixth was snatched by a predatory hooker Tom Willgoss. Oldham hit back with a second try of their own from a poorly dealt with cross field kick, and also gave MV a timely reminder that the game was not yet won.

Ben Wheeler put the icing on the cake with a final drop goal to take the final score to 12-48. A massive improvement on the disappointment of two weeks ago influenced by the return of Michael Boyle and John Kevan in the pack, and a fit Sean Garvey and Gaz Bevan gave the backs that little bit more organisation.

North Manchester visit MV this Sat kick off 3.00pm which co-incides with MV's Autumn Former Players Re-Union - any ex MV players reading this are invited to attend for buffet and drinks whilst spectating the current band of players.