TRAFFORD MV's assault on the North Lancs/Cumbria League continued with a sixth league win on the bounce – 39-25 at Eccles.

MV started brightly with an early penalty award and a quick tap by Pat Eccles brought the opening score as the home side were caught unawares. He converted his own try for a 7-0 lead.

He was instrumental again moments later as he put a probing kick through for Moore and Matthie to chase, the former collected and fed the latter who scored wide on the right.

The game settled into a forward battle, which suited Eccles' style of play and they used this to the full, working two tries themselves to excite the home crowd.

With the game close both sides realised a small advantage could be crucial and opted for shots at goal with MV kicking two and one for the home side.

MV were then struck a blow as Eccles ploughed through their defence with a series of short drives and a converted try pushed the hosts ahead for the first time.

The visitors responded and Andrew Moore, in the centre, linked well with Matt Coxon to regain the lead with Pat Eccles' conversion making it 25-20.

Entering the final quarter Coxon was again on hand as he cut straight through the defence from 30 yards to score to the left of the sticks, the conversion from Eccles making it 32-20.

The home side were not conceding easily scored a third but with minutes ticking away, man-of-the-match Moore crashed through the home defence yet again to score under the posts and as Pat Eccles converted, the final whistle blew.

The bonus-point win moved MV up to sixth, three points behind third-placed Tarleton.

This weekend MV welcome Congleton Vets XV to MacPherson Park to face an MV team of yesteryear, kicking off at noon.

It will be followed by live screening of the England v Australia clash as part of MV's winter ale festival, with tickets on the door priced £5.