SATURDAY saw Trafford take on Dukinfield in the RFU Senior Vase encounter and made hard work of their run out.

MV had a stuttering start allowing Dukinfield possession in the middle of the field, a solid scrum allowed their number 8 to pick and go which MV saw frequently through the afternoon but an organised MV defence stood strong.

It wasn't long until Dukinfield over committed and allowed Ben Wheeler his first shot at goal, which he converted for an early 3-0 lead.

Trafford were in buoyant mood but Dukinfield's defensive resilience was clear to see as each of their team tackled valiantly.

Trafford's first try was a demonstration of patience, nine phases of good ball retention eventually saw returning prop Dan Sheehan cross the try line with a trademark bullocking run. Wheeler converted successfully 10-0 to MV.

Josh Graves in the centre and Max Nyahoda running from the second row saw MV dominant and it was against the run of play when Dukinfieldhit back. MV scrumhalf Pat Eccles gave away a petulant penalty for Dukinfield to kick to the corner, MV collapsed a resulting scrum to give away a penalty try - 10-7 half time.

The second half again saw MV dominate and man of the match Kevan not taking a backward step but scoring appeared very difficult for the home side.

Mike Boyle ran hard and eventually Dukinfield gave away a penalty in kicking range Wheeler converting for a six point lead.

Trafford's work wasn't done and they soon scored a good try moving the ball wide for full back Gaz Bevan to loop Jeff Moore and sprint to the corner. This time the conversion was missed but a further penalty from Wheeler stretched the lead to 21-7.

MV began to concede penalties and allowed the away side back in the game, eventually driving over for a second try to take the score to 21-12. In a tight game frustrations overflowed which saw MV's prop Kelly sent to the sin bin, and he was shortly by the Dukinfield prop who saw a straight red card.

MV now have the task of travelling to Selby in North Yorkshire for the next round - date to be announced. This Saturday MV face Garstang at home in North Lancs Div One clash - there will also be a former players' reunion before the game at 1.00pm for anyone that has played for Trafford MV (or Metrovicks as it was previously known) - 2013 is the club's 90th anniversary and it would be great to renew old aquaintancies. Spectators welcomed free of charge at Trafford MV.