TRAFFORD MV were well below form on Saturday and slipped to a 31-13 home defeat against a determined and well-organised Ormskirk team.

New to the division, Ormskirk arrived at MacPherson Park in very good conditions and they were soon into their running form as they launched early attacks  and got themselves quickly onto the scoreboard with a try and a penalty.

MV hit back with a penalty from Pat Eccles to keep in touch, but the visiting team were running hard in the forwards and carrying and looking after the ball well as MV were put on the back foot and regular incursions into their half brought scoring opportunities for the visitors.

Consistent pressure forced another score with a converted try taking the lead to 15-3.

Eccles kicked a second penalty for MV to keep their hopes alive but despite some determined work from Burke and Clegg, Trafford looked to be creaking under pressure.

The second half brought no relief for MV as Ormskirk opened with a penalty and then worked hard for two good tries to extend their lead to 28-6.

It left MV with a big job on their hands but captain Eccles strived to keep hopes alive as he sneaked in from close range, converting his own try.

But it was too little, too late and Ormskirk chose to kick a late penalty in the closing minutes to seal a deserved victory.

This weekend Trafford MV are away at Aldwinians in the ADM League Cup, while at home the second XV face Dukinfield in front of the Hoptoberfest Beer Festival crowds with a 3pm kick off.