A 23-27 bonus point victory against Didsbury Toc H helped Trafford MV stay ahead of rivals Littleborough and Tarleton in the Lancashire North League.

MV opened strongly and it was in-form prop Paul Davenport who led the way from the front with two early deserved tries with both conversions were missed by out of sorts kicker Ben Wheeler to give MV a good 10-0 start.

The MacPherson Park outfit then allowed Toc H to get points on the board when an attempted interception was penalised as a deliberate knock on 3-10 was the scoreline.

It was then Davenport who again crossed the try-line with a catch and drive from a lineout emphasising Trafford's control in the pack in this first half to go in front 3-15.

MV were now dominant and outside centre Jamie Kingdon burst over in the corner to clinch the bonus point but the conversions were not added to make it 20-3.

In the second half, Didsbury opened with a quick try and they added another touchdown and a penalty to reduce the deficit between the teams to just four points. The next score was bound to be crucial and it was MV that took the initiative when scrum half Pat Eccles found a gap in the home sides defence, converting his own try to push MV ahead 16-27.

MV still showed lapses in concentration and a late penalty try was conceded allowing Toc to come knocking on the door once more at 23-27.

However, time ran out for the home side and MV brought yet another bonus point win back home to MacPherson Park to remain 2 points ahead of the chasing pack.

This weekend Pendle are the visitors at Trafford and MV will go into the game confident against their eighth-placed opposition who lost last weekend 71-12 at Orrell.

New players welcome contact Wilf Dooley on 01942 884542.