IN DAMP, heavy conditions after a morning's rain Trafford Metrovics were 17-15 victors at Orrell, a win that keeps them in the title hunt after consecutive defeats against Tarleton and main rivals Littleborough.

Early pressure from the hosts and scrappy Trafford defence gave the Orrell stand-off an easy penalty to put his side 3-0 ahead.

As too often this season MV continued to get on the wrong side of the referee and a second penalty took Orrell's lead to six.

When MV got a foothold in the game they were looking promising with ball in hand and on an attack down the right smartly-recycled ball was played to Andrew Moore at full steam and he battered through the stretched defence.

Captain Ben Wheeler's conversion put Trafford up at 7-6 and they were now showing more confidence as the forwards carried and supported well and the backs were pushing the play with good running lines.

Some good, controlled driving resulted in prolific prop Paul Davenport charging over the try line, Wheeler again converting to send MV into half time 14-6 in front.

The second half was almost MV's downfall. Despite being the more adventurous and showing excellent running and handling skills the game just wasn't going their way. Careless, and at times stupid, offences were committed and with Orrell's stand-off being an accomplished kicker two penalties early in the second half – one from the half way line – made it 14-12.

It seemed like MV were never going to learn when yet another was conceded and another successful kick gave Orrell a 15-14 advantage.

With time running out Trafford knew they had to play the game deep in Orrell territory and the ball was drilled along the touchline. Play was then spread across the field and the speedy Zac Crabb was taken out after kicking the ball on.

As the wind dropped Wheeler split the uprights with the penalty to take his side 17-15 ahead with just a couple of minutes left.

Orrell had one final chance but the stand-off's drop-goal attempt was charged down and Trafford kicked the ball dead to seal a narrow victory.

They will need more results like this in their three remaining matches if they are to take the Lancashire (North) Division title.

This weekend MV are back on the road as they travel to Thornton Cleveleys, a side they beat 24-7 at home earlier in the season.