TRAFFORD MV put in a commanding performance for 80 minutes as they beat local rivals Didsbury Toc-H in an intense encounter at MacPherson Park.

The home side always looked in control of the game and never looked back after taking an early 6-0 lead through a Ben Wheeler drop goal and a Pat Eccles penalty on a glorious November afternoon.

MV started with intent and although the scrum was under pressure all other phases of play were going their way in a game sponsored by club secretary, referee and club freeman Christopher Higgins who presented the man-of-the-match award.

MV had a few positional changes in the backs, but this did not disrupt good attacking play once the ball had been won by the pack. Further pressure and quick hands from Ben Wheeler and full back Zack Crabb allowed pacey winger Chris Eccles to sneak in at the corner untouched.

This took MV into half time with a deserved 11-0 advantage.

The second half saw MV up the intensity further while Toc-H defended gallantly and frustrated the MV attack, whilst making good territory themselves through the boot of their stand off.

MV defended eagerly and with success. Persistent midfield tackles from Jody Gregg and Wheeler were ably assisted by the back row effort of Danny Burke, Gareth Davison, and the outstanding young number eight Lewis Kingdon.

MV won a good turnover ball and from the resulting lineout the best try of the game was scored by Crabb.

Slick hands from the half-backs led to replacement wing man Jamie Kingdon receiving the ball out the back, he fed Crabb who outstripped the defence to score a great team try.

Toc-H were still up for the fight and pressured the MV line but further intense defence saw the ball come free for MV second row Clegg to snap up the ball and sprint 50 metres before feeding Jamie Kingdon who went in under the sticks to make it 23-0.

With MV now looking to secure a bonus try in the last few minutes, a silly infringement allowed Toc-H to kick to the corner and from the resulting lineout they managed to get a well deserved consolation.

This was a great team performance from MV with the man-of-the-match awarded to the impressive number eight Lewis Kingdon who did exceptionally well behind a retreating scrum.

With two games before Christmas MV are looking for two wins to keep pressure on the teams above.

The first of these is on Saturday away at Garstang. MV picked up no injuries so will be looking to field a full-strength team.