TRAFFORD MV lost by a narrow 14-13 margin at Upper Eden in the North Lancs/Cumbria Division at the weekend.

After a home defeat to Wigton the previous weekend, MV were keen to bounce back in Cumbria and took to the field in confident mood.

But they soon found the going tough as their game failed to gel.

Winning good scrummage and line-out ball, MV tried to play an expansive running style of rugby.

However, frequent handling errors and poor ball retention in the tackle zone often resulted in lost opportunities.

Looking good in the early stages MV spent time in the home 22 and on two occasions they chose to kick for attacking positions down the touchline when, in retrospect, an attempt on goal may have been the wiser option.

MV were winning good ball but play was lateral and there was no punch in midfield to get them in behind the home defence who were tackling with determination as they chased their first win of the season.

Despite plentiful possession it came as no surprise to see a failed MV attack lead to pressure on their own try line and the home side forced their way over from close range.

With the try close to the posts the conversion was something of a formality as Upper Eden went 7-0 ahead – a lead they took into half time.

With the wind now in their favour after the restart, MV sought to find more field position but again they failed in their ball retention skills allowing turnovers to relieve the pressure.

However they persevered and scrum-half Patrick Eccles landed two good penalty goals to make it 7-6.

Upper Eden took the game back to MV with a good drive up the middle from the forwards.

The ball was moved to the right where a missed tackle in the MV centre brought space out wide for the home winger to stroll in untouched. The conversion added made it 14-6.

With time running out, MV threw everything at it and good forward play led to Eccles crossing from close range, his own conversion bringing MV to within a point at 14-13.

Desperate defending saw Eden hold out for the win and MV returned home feeling dejected having seen another game they should have won slip away – a losing bonus point small consolation.

This weekend Hawcoat Park from Barrow will be the opponents at MacPherson Park and MV need a good home win to ease pressure in the lower half of the table.

The touchline will be boosted by MV's Former Players' Association who are hosting one of their regular reunions.

Anyone who has played for MV at any time is welcome top attend and meet old team-mates and enjoy the game, which kicks off at 3pm.

* MV's mini/junior section is now in full flow with more than 80 new recruits across the age groups from five years upwards attending every Sunday morning at 10.30am. Any youngsters wanting to get involved can turn up on the day.