TRAFFORD MV took a big step to securing their North Lancs/Cumbria Division status with a 47-12 home win against a youthful Upper Eden.

Watched by a selection of former MV players, who were at the club for the pre-match chairman's lunch, Trafford began brightly with the forwards looking powerful in the set-pieces, the back row aggressive in both attack and defence and the back-line probing and stretching play at every opportunity.

And they took the lead when winger Jamie Kingdon broke away to open the scoring, Pat Eccles converting.

Andrew Moore, always solid in the centre, worked hard in defence and was rewarded when he took a crash ball and burst through close to the posts, Eccles again adding the extras.

Upper Eden were playing competitively but MV definitely had the edge and hooker Ross Anderson crossed for another try.

The visitors kept chipping away, however, and they were rewarded for their efforts with a converted try to make it 19-7 at half time.

The second half continued much as the first with MV forcing the play and taking the game to the visitors.

The hosts chose to keep ball in hand and winger Zac Crabb sprinted 40 yards, outpacing the defence to score with Eccles again converting.

Number eight Danny Burke then marked his recent return from injury with a drive over the line, Eccles slotting the kick easily.

Power and pace were shown again as Moore forced his way over and Crabb weaved his way through a desperate defence to add MV's final try of seven.

Eccles converted both tries to make it 47-7 but as the hosts sat back the visitors rewarded themselves with a late try which was just reward for their efforts.

Next on the fixture list is an away trip this weekend to fourth-placed Wigton, who won 32-27 at MV in September.