TRAFFORD MV returned to winning ways with a 36-12 home triumph against old rivals Littleborough.

The hosts were without Dominic West, who has a minor hand problem, and the ever-dependable Stuart Crampton who continues to recover from a neck injury, so they looked to Jonathan Lord to step into the scrum-half position with Pat

Eccles remaining at fly-half.

The early stages of the game were well balanced with only three points from the boot of Eccles separating the sides after the first 20 minutes.

On the half hour, a well-organised move saw Andrew Quigley recycle the ball effectively and it was shifted quickly through several hands to flyer James Matthie.

A one-on-one on the right flank was bread and butter for the winger as he outpaced his opposite number with relative ease.

As Littleborough’s defence struggled to adapt, second-row Andrew Clegg received an offload in space and raced away over the final 20 metres to score untouched under the posts. The conversion was never in doubt and MV led 15-0 at half time.

The second half began with Trafford giving away an early penalty and they were under pressure in their 22.

A spilt ball from Littleborough should have seen Trafford clear their lines but the home defence were in a generous

mood and a stray pass in the centre was gratefully received by the visiting outside centre, who will have

rarely scored many easier tries.

The home side regathered possession and winger Jamie Kingdon finished powerfully from close range,

?Littleborough enjoyed a series of strong runs into the MV defence and several drives at the line from close range eventually saw them score.

With 20 minutes to go it was Jonathan Lord, having a fine game, who shrugged off several tackles to score under the posts to once again settle the home support.

The bonus point was assured and Trafford looked to inflict a heavy score and make a statement of their ambitions to move up the table.

With this, Pat Eccles glided through before offloading to powerful centre Wilkinson, who finished under the posts to seal a fine victory.

There were strong defensive displays from returning full back Bevan and the ever-present Danny Burke.

Meanwhile, Clegg and Wilkinson made strong yards all game to put Littleborough on the back foot for

long periods.

MV travel to struggling Hawcoat Park next, confident of repeating their home win earlier in the season.