Sat 5 Apr 2025
Trafford MV 3rds travelled to an unusually sunny Littleborough but still with a very strong wind. This wind and the sloping pitch made the day interesting for players and spectators alike ! Trafford played uphill in the first and got off to the perfect start with a few good runs from centre James Halsall. Mike Kendrick broke the line to open the scoring for MV. Littleborough came back kicking with the conditions, winning a turnover ball to score. This was as close as Littleborough got for the rest of the game and MV extended their lead with a try from Joe Hynes following a break from Dale Beardsall. Liam Brimble rounded off the first half from a good supporting run.
James Knighton used the wind to his benefit in the second half and repeatedly pinned the home side back with successful 50 / 22's - probably his best game of the season. Richie Ryan also impressed with the boot kicking 6 from 7 conversions, mostly from difficult wide positions. Nico Pickard collected his first try for MV rugby following some strong surging runs. Mike Kendrick topped off one of his rare performances with a second try, scoring under the posts.
On the 55 minute mark the game was stopped and moved to another pitch following a leg break incident for the unfortunate Chris Lenferna (Get Well Soon Chris !). On the smaller pitch Nico Pickard scored the try of the game running almost the full length of the pitch to touch down.
The scoring was rounded off with a try for the hard working Dale Beardsall as Littleborough spent the remainder of the game encamped in their own half. This was a good all round performance from the TMV team and was probably their best performance of their season. Nico Pickard was awarded Player of the Match by his team mates. Final score was a deserved 5 - 47 to Trafford MV.
It is now onto Broughton Park where Trafford travel in a double header with plenty of local kudos at stake.
