TRAFFORD MV went down 22-17 to Lymm Under-23s in their final pre-season friendly on Saturday.

Lymm won the contest four tries to three and, as the score suggests, successful goal kicking was at a premium with the sides only landing one each in wet conditions.

MV's tries came from Jamie Kingdon (two) and Jonny Lord, with Pat Eccles landing a conversion.

With two narrow defeats in the pre-season games, MV will be keen to improve for next week's Lancashire Trophy first round fixture at Heaton Moor.

A good cup performance may give MV confidence ahead of a very tough start to the league season with three away games in the first four fixtures and the only home game against title contenders Aspatria, who finished the 2016/17 season in third place.

A regular squad and hard, committed effort in the training paddock will be essential for MV to get fitness up to the required levels and also to get proficiency in the set moves as well as competitiveness in open play.

Beneath the senior rugby squads at Trafford MV is their bedrock of junior rugby which sees a succession of talented players – seven last season – making their debuts at first XV level.

Mini/junior rugby opens at MacPherson Park on Sunday, September 3 at 10.30am and MV will be welcoming a host of new young players from four years of age upwards to the sessions.

Visit the club's website for more information or contact Greg on 07834 857905.

For more mature players MV are promoting walking rugby along with Sale Sharks' development team for the over-50s.

There are already around 20 players getting involved and more information is available from Wilf Dooley on 07771 913994 or by email to wilfdooley@virginmedia.com