TRAFFORD MV saw their North Lancs/Cumbria Division clash against Littleborough switched to home soil but fell just short of victory in a 28-26 defeat.

A waterlogged surface at Littleborough led to the venue change but it did not affect the 'visitors' as centre Nathan Ripley made a good break which resulted in a comfortable penalty kicked by Nathan Coop after only five minutes.

MV quickly got back into the game when good forward pressure earned a home penalty which Pat Eccles converted to level at 3-3.

Some good line-out work and positional kicking saw the visiting left wing David Kearns chase down and collect a good kick to score the first try of the day, and Coop converted on 15 minutes.

MV were unlucky as Pat Eccles hit the upright with a penalty attempt, however they continued to press and a second attempt was successful.

The visitors continued to look dangerous and some good handling and support play saw the ball carried out of defence and eventually spun wide left for winger Kearns to collect his second try of the day.

MV were getting parity in the set-pieces, though, and good line-out ball brought pressure in the Littleborough 22 for Pat Eccles to narrow the gap with a penalty again before half time.

The second half opened with a mass of bodies driving over and Stuart Bairstow claiming a try for Littleborough and Coop converted.

MV were determined and Pat Eccles claimed his fourth penalty to make it 22-12 and then the game seemed to take a turn.

A break down the right flank saw good interplay between Ed Brady and youngster Greg Warren who then slipped a pass to winger Chris Eccles. He still had plenty to do before crossing the line under defensive pressure, brother Pat converting to make it 22-19.

Within minutes MV had struck again when good strong running through the centres again saw a gap open to the left of the posts.

This time it was MV's other young talent, Henry Brownlow, who dashed through the gap to dive behind the posts for MV to go ahead for the first time in the game, Pat Eccles converting to make it 26-22.

With time running out Littleborough threw everything at MV and despite the huge defensive efforts of Danny Burke and captain Andy Quigley, the visiting side forced two late penalties and the kicks by Coop overturned MV's lead.

Trafford MV face seventh-placed Oldham next at MacPherson Park on Saturday, kick off 2.15pm.