TRAFFORD MV went down 22-10 to a good Aspatria outfit at home in the North Lancs/Cumbria Division.

It was Aspatria's first visit to MacPherson Park and they were looking to repeat a 73-31 win against MV from the reverse fixture.

The visitors took only 37 seconds to open the scoring after they recycled the ball quickly to find centre Akehust who weaved his way towards the try line.

A last-ditch tackle stopped him short but full-back Miller was on his shoulder to pick up the loose ball and scramble over the line.

MV roared back at Aspatria but the pack was held up over the try line and kickable penalties were declined as the search for tries continued through a forward-led assault.

On 31 minutes the deficit was reduced when Aspatria botched a clearance attempt.

The ball was seized on by Trafford and a series of missed tackles moved them upfield just short of the 22 where a penalty was conceded allowing an easy kick for Pay Eccles.

Aspatria were stung into action and on 36 minutes Trafford lost Andy Clegg to the sin bin for dissent and from the resulting line-out the visitors mounted another catch and drive and the result was a try, converted by Clegg, to give Aspatria a 12-3 half-time lead.

In the second half, Aspatria prop Tavell charged down the centre of the pitch and linked up with Tinnion who sprinted into the corner to extend the visitors' lead.

But with 10 minutes played Aspatria were hit with two yellow cards. First to go was Ravell and at the next play he was followed by Andrews.

Trafford were camped on the Aspatria line and made the most of the numerical advantage with a flowing backs move that spread the defence across the pitch, resulting in a score by John Kevan near the corner flag.

A fine touchline conversion from Pat Eccles brought the score back to 17-10.

With 10 minutes to go, and back to a full complement of players, Aspatria won a midfield line-out and the ball was well controlled.

Flanker Hodgson ran at the tired MV defence and missed tackles allowed him to dance his way through for the visitors' fourth try and valued bonus point.      

This was a much improved performance from Trafford MV who travel to Fleetwood this weekend.