TRAFFORD MV lost 19-14 to Aldwinians in a close encounter on Saturday.

It was one of only three games played in the ADM Lancashire Premier League as torrential rain lashed the region and Aldwinians had been delayed en route by motorway conditions.

This hit them hard as from the kick off, pacy MV winger James Matthie raced up the touchline evading flailing tackles to open the scoring with just a minute on the clock.

The conversion was missed but MV maintained early pressure and secured a penalty from the boot of captain Pat Eccles to ease to 8-0.

Aldwinians were, however, getting themselves into the game and the bigger forwards were carrying the ball well in close play.

MV were being led in defence by Danny Burke who was putting in a massive amount of work, but Aldwinians were steadily winning more ball with their number eight being the driving force.

This step up in play earned its reward as the visitors powered over for a deserved try for a half-time score of 8-5 to MV.

Both sides suffered yellow cards in the second half, with two for Aldwinians and one for Trafford, with the South African referee keeping a good control on the game.

MV suffered a couple of injuries, too, and it seemed as though too many changes were making a big difference to their performance.

With Aldwinians winning good ball in tight play they now found space out wide and tries came their way as they began to creep ahead.

Firstly a move down the right flank took them 12-8 ahead, followed shortly by a break up the middle following a poor clearance to score again.

MV had kept in touch with a couple of penalties from Eccles but just did not have enough variation in play to get a second try.

In the end it was a deserved win for Aldwinians but MV could take some merit from their losing bonus point.

Man-of-the-match for Trafford MV was James Matthie, who scored the team's only try and worked hard in defence and attack.

Trafford moved up to sixth place in the league ahead of Saturday's trip to Wigan.

MV are looking for anyone who might want to play occasional over-35s vets games against local opposition.

To find our more, email wilfdooley@virginmedia.com.