TRAFFORD MV fought out a good home win against close rivals Toc H.

Didsbury kicked off and the ball entered the MV half for the only time in 30 minutes.

MV had plenty ofl possession and were camped in the visitors’ 22 for long periods, all efforts to break away by the defence were thwarted by MV and the game should have been well and truly sown up by half time.

Around the half hour mark MV finally broke the deadlock when the defence was drawn to the right and then pulled back across the field to defend the left wing, while the defenders were wary of the dangers out wide it was blind side flanker Paul Hodgson who plunged over from close range, giving kicker and captain Pat Eccles a simple conversion to go 7-0 ahead.

For the rest of the half MV maintained attack after attack but failed to finish off the visitors and in the dying seconds Toc finally broke out of defence going the length of the field for MV to halt them yards from the line before countering and almost scoring again themselves. A hectic finish to the half.

As the sides turned around so did the visitors fortunes, MV seemed to relax and the Toc H scrum upped their work rate and the game became more of a contest.

Within minutes an attack down the left wing was well supported and a try resulted, the conversion levelling the scores.

MV always looked dangerous in attack but spirited defence was proving too strong.

Pressure led to points, however, as a penalty was awarded by the referee, who was very good on the day, and Eccles put MV 10-7 ahead. The game was still in the balance but Trafford MV looked the more complete outfit and more pressure gave Eccles another chance late in the game to seal the result. The penalty finalised the score at 13-7.

The result put MV at the head of 3 teams on 35pts, Oldham and Toch H the others, who sit behind leaders De La Salle and Heaton Moor in North Lancs Div One.

Next week’s game away at St Edwards Old Boys will be a challenge but one that MV ought to be able to benefit from.

The club are keen to hear from rugby players who may have had a break from the game and want to get back into it. Contact Wilf Dooley on 01942 884542.