TRAFFORD MV kicked off the 2019/20 ADM Lancashire Premier League season with a thrilling 24-22 win at Heaton Moor.

The hosts scored an early converted try and a further penalty saw them go 10-0 in front.

MV needed to react and captain Pat Eccles took the option of a penalty shot, which he hit comfortably to ease back to 10-3 and as the half wore on, the visitors were winning more set-piece ball and starting to show their merit in open play.

With Danny Burke and Lewis Kingdon starting to shine, and Andrew Clegg and Chris Ward working hard, MV were now in with a shout which became clear when scrum-half Eccles picked up and darted and jinked his way through the defence for a fabulous try, converting it himself to level at 10-10 at the break.

After the break, MV slipped behind again as Moor upped their game to make it 22-10.

However, as tiredness bagan to set in for the hosts, MV sensed the game was still there to be won.

The break came as former captain Andy Quigley put in a big burst and split the defence, driving through flailing tackles to cross the line leaving Eccles with an easy conversion.

Something special was needed to swing the game and it came as diminutive front-row substitute Chris Farmiloe stole a long throw off opposition ball which set the base for a driving MV attack.

Quigley made the yards for Andrew Clegg to appear off his shoulder for an easy touchdown under the posts for Eccles to convert with only a minute to go.

MV battened down the hatches and defended well as Heaton Moor searched for a way back to no avail.

At first chance with time out Eccles launched the ball into touch happy to take his first win as captain.

Number eight Kingdon was awarded the man-of-the-match honour for a gritty and determined performance.

This weekend MV are on the road again, this time at Fleetwood...