TRAFFORD MV overcame their toughest challenge of the season so far when they defeated Orrell 32-20 at MacPherson Park.

Orrell were in a buoyant mood heading into the tie and took the lead when they forced the hosts into conceding an early penalty.

But MV responded in good style as scrum-half Pat Eccles sneaked round the blind side to nudge MV in front 5-3.

The home side went ahead again when stand off Stuart Crampton made a good break recycling the ball well for outside centre Jamie Kingdon to outflank the Orrell defence and score in the corner.

MV prop forward Paul Davenport continued his try-scoring form as he finished off some good forward driving and interplay to crash his way over under the posts and Ben Wheeler converted to make it 17-3.

After the break, Orrell came looking for MV and piled on the pressure scoring a good converted try and followed that with a penalty to stir hopes of a comeback.

But Davenport took a good catch and drive from a line out to barge through the defence for an unconverted try to wrap up a bonus point for the hosts.

Then winger James Matthie broke out of defence to put Eccles away for a 30 metre sprint to extend their lead to 27-13.

A further try came MV's way when good forward pressure gave a good attacking platform which then saw the ball fed along the backline for Jamie Kingdon to cross for his second of the game.

Orrell had the final say with a try but it was too little too late for MV.

It may not have been one of MV's best performances but to their credit they managed to close the game off and getting the result and bonus point yet again to remain leaders of North Lancs Div One.

On Saturday will see probably MV's hardest task yet as the travel to Didsbury rivals Toc H.

If you are interested in playing rugby at the club then you should contact 0161 973 7061.