TRAFFORD MV returned from a long trip to face North Cumbrian side Aspatria empty-handed after a 73-31 defeat in the North Lancs/Cumbria Division.

MV started well and launched a series of early attacks, forcing errors from the Aspatria full-back which brought two early penalties which Pat Eccles converted confidently for an early lead.

It took a while for the home side to establish their game pattern but when they did, their first attack saw good handling force a passage of play down the right flank and the hosts' winger break away to score behind the posts.

The try was converted to make it 7-6 to Aspatria.

With 20 minutes on the clock, the home side increased their lead when their powerful full-back split MV's defence and strolled under the posts.

The home side were comfortable on the ball and had MV under considerable pressure with their open play, scoring further tries to get well in front at 35-12 at the break.

It was important that MV stayed competitive otherwise the floodgates could easily have opened.

Stuart Crampton stood out for MV in the second period, probing in attack and working hard in defence.

Despite Aspatria continuing to build their score MV did not fall by the wayside and the watching spectators enjoyed an enthralling afternoon's rugby with both sides scoring points.

Trafford rallied with tries from James Matthie, John Gillam and Crampton, with two converted by Eccles.

The visitors battled hard and were unlucky not to earn a bonus point.

Scoring 31 points away from home should be enough to win many games but this result was enough to push Aspatria into third position.

MV are now set up for this weekend's home fixture against Aldwinians who sit just above them in the league with only four points between the sides.

They will be looking to repeat their success from the reverse fixture when they won at Aldwinians 24-22 and kick off is 2.15pm.