St Edwards Old Boys 15 Trafford MV 31

ON a summer like afternoon, Trafford MV travelled to Liverpool to take on St Edwards Old Boys, a fixture that is always hotly contested.

MV were desperate to pick up much needed points and St Edwards were determined to shake of the embarrassment of a 100 point mauling the previous weekend at Thornton Cleveleys.

As in recent weeks, MV struggled to get a footing in the early exchanges and allowed the home side to take the advantage by conceding an early try. The Sale side soon hit back with a try from skipper Danny Burke - returning to the side after an ankle injury.

Despite going ahead, MV still found it difficult to gain good territory and maintain an attacking platform, often through their own mistakes conceding free kicks and penalties. Two tries from winger James Matthie either side of a St Edwards score ensured MV held a narrow 15-17 lead at the break.

The second half followed a similar pattern with MV failing to get a stranglehold.

The game became a very scrappy affair which suited the more abrasive Merseyside pack. Finally the break came for MV when a half break from stand off Stuart Crampton and a kick down field was chased well by MV.

The pressure was too much for the usually confident St Edwards fly half, who fluffed his lines and coughed the ball to second row Clegg who was able to touch down which was just reward for his chase.

This knocked the wind out of the home side, who's frustrations began to be taken out on the MV players. Trafford kept their composure and discipline and another break ended with prop Paul Davenport picking and driving over from five metres to get the try.

This was another below par performance from an MV side that is yet to hit top gear this season.

But it was a deserved win nonetheless which MV will use to build confidence. MV have a break before their next game on October 11 at home to Thornton Cleveleys.

This game is also the autumn MV former players reunion to which any ex MV men are invited to attend.

MV's other results were 2nds XV won 3 -27 against Sedgeley Park while the 3rds lost at Macclesfield 29-12.