TRAFFORD MV fell to a shock first defeat of the Lancashire North season when they went down 38-32 at second-placed Tarleton on Saturday.

They remain top of the table, but their lead was cut to just six points over Tarleton, although MV do still have four games in hand.

The result did, however, offer hope to third-placed Littleborough, who are eight points back but have played one game less and visit MV this Saturday.

With only minutes on the clock it was the home side that struck early and shocked MV with a quick try and conversion to kickstart the game.

MV rallied and it was centre Andrew Moore whose strong running broke through the home defence to score an unconverted try.

Early exchanges were very competitive with both sides clamouring for supremacy.

Good forward play was giving the home side a good platform and they scored a second converted try to stretch their lead to nine points.

MV were not lying down and a good break out of defence by captain Ben Wheeler was supported by Pat Eccles who then fed pacy winger James Matthie who scored out wide, but the conversion again went begging.

Tarleton were playing with intent and their positive style of play was causing problems for the league leaders.

Another good home try put them 21-10 ahead and MV were now struggling to keep in touch.

Pat Eccles kicked a penalty which Tarleton returned as the home side went into the break leading 24-13.

The home side started the second half the stronger, putting intense pressure on MV, who saw a clearance kick charged down as Tarleton earned a bonus-point try.

Pressure was telling and desperate defence saw Ben Wheeler yellow carded which was then reciprocated as a Tarleton player also went to the sin bin.

Both sides exchanged tries but the home side kept nudging further ahead with a better kicking ratio to lead 38-18.

Tarleton picked up another yellow card which allowed MV to narrow the gap with a bonus-point fourth try from prop Joe Cooper and Wheeler converted to make it 38-25.

MV upped the pressure and a quick tap penalty with 10 mins to go from flanker Andy Quigley was followed by another Wheeler conversion to put MV in touching distance.

It was however too little, too late as Tarleton worked hard in defence to close the game out and claim an unexpected scalp.

Both sides scored five tries and played their part in an exciting game.