TRAFFORD Metrovicks came out on top in this battle for fifth-place encounter after a 14-12 victory against Garstang at MacPherson Park.

The hosts were boosted by a large crowd and the game opened in a flurry of excitement with MV launching an early attack.

Driving the play deep into the visitors '22 MV stole a scrum against the head for young No 8 Lewis Kingdon to pick up and burst through the sleepy Garstang defence for MV to take the early initiative.

MV were looking confident but with the sides level-pegging in the table it was never going to be a run away game.

Garstang played with the wind and kicked deep into MV territory to win a lineout and a well rehearsed move harvested quick ball and the driving Garstang pack powered their way over the MV line to level the score at 5-5.

MV were playing into the wind however Ben Wheeler playing at stand-off for MV was not phased by the breezy conditions and he struck two penalties, one an excellent effort from wide out on the right against the wind to push MV 11-5 ahead.

Garstang had the bit between their teeth and their forwards put a shift in the increase their share of the play.

A period of possession and pressure in the MV half saw good support play bring them right back into the game with a converted try 11-12 to the visitors.

The crowd responded and vocal support to spur MV on.

Using the wind to their advantage now MV were driving high kicks into the Garstang defence and a resultant penalty from increasing MV pressure gave Wheeler that vital opportunity.

With the crowd silenced a lull in the wind allowed man-of-the-match Wheeler to strike a perfect kick to split the uprights and ensured MV grabbed a close 14-12 win.