Trafford MV entered the new year with high hopes of turning their form around however it took only a couple of minutes of the 48-12 defeat against Liverpool St Helens to realise that would be easier said than done.

The hosts found themselves under pressure right from the off in this ADM Premier Division clash.

A poor clearance kick up the middle of the park gave LSH too many options to play with and MV were left floundering in the mud as the visitors opened the scoring.

MV had a number of changes to their squad bringing in debutant Johnny Dowler and returnees Luke Cox and Ethan Cornick plus veterans John Kevan and Andy Daniels on the bench but the opposition were a well-organised outfit showing talent in the back line and a much heavier pack.

Play was competitive but LSH edged the game in all departments and the scoreline steadily grew in their favour.

Big forwards made the yards and set the platform for an aggressive scrum half to push play on and pressurise the home defence.

MV were without a recognised kicker and struggled to clear their defence and had few chances to get on the scoreboard themselves.

The hosts did pick up a score in the first half from second row Justin Stewart and in the second half a another consolation score from number eight and captain Chris Ward which was converted by Luke Cox.

Recently appointed coach Kit Brammer knows he has a job on his hands and there is plenty of organisational work to be done particularly in defence where so many gaps occurred allowing the visitors to score seemingly at will on occasions.

The scoreline of 48-12 did not flatter LSH and confirmed Trafford MV’s place at the foot of the table with lots of work to do to overtake their rival rivals in the battle to avoid relegation, Heaton Moor.

This weekend MV have another opportunity to secure a home win as second-placed Fleetwood visit MacPherson Park.

MV will have players returning to the squad and will be hoping for better fortunes next week.

Away from 1st XV action Trafford MV are looking to launch a women's teams this season with a view to entering a league in the future.

Meetings have already taken place and a number of players have already committed to playing however Thursday, January 23, will be the first open training session for any girls or women aged 16 and over.

All are welcome whether having played the game before or not and there will be curry and fizz on offer afterwards to reward all attendees.

Contact wilfdooley@virginmedia.com for more information.