TRAFFORD MV slipped to a 29-20 defeat at home to Didsbury Toc H in the ADM League Cup despite a spirited fightback.

The visitors brought good form into the game and opened well with two tries in the first quarter, looking well-organised and dangerous.

And their lead could have been more but for some woeful conversion attempts.

Despite heavy pressure, MV kept themselves in contention with two well-taken penalties from captain Pat Eccles, playing out of position at full-back.

With a score of 10-6 in their favour, Toc H were the team in control but an impromptu break out of defence saw second-row Chris Ward attack down the left flank.

With winger Gaz Bevan holding his wide position, Ward cut inside leaving the defence in two minds as he raced over the line close to the posts with covering defence closing in. Eccles converted for MV to go into the break 13-10 ahead.

Toc H were kicking themselves at being behind and this was evident as they came out firing on all cylinders for the second half.

Two quick tries once again upped the ante in Toc's favour as they opened up a 20-13 lead.

But it was proving to be one of MV's better performances and influential flanker Danny Burke once again brought them back into contention with a surging close-range try, Eccles converting to level it at 20-20.

However the extent of Toc's overall pressure took its toll on MV as their tiring defence was exploited late on.

This weekend the two clubs meat once again, this time in league action as MV seek to claw themselves away from the relegation zone by turning over a fifth-placed Toc H.

Kick off at MacPherson Park is 2.15pm and spectators are welcome.