Sat 18 Oct 2025
Trafford MV 1XV headed North to Tarleton and preparation for the game was again good with an effective warm up which had the team in good spirits. The team had some aims for this game which was to start strongly, stay positive, and attack out wide more, which in the end were not met enough.
Trafford did start the game well with good early possession, however momentum was lost, giving away costly penalties on a small pitch which pinned TMV down on their own 5 meter line from which Tarleton were able to maul over to take the lead 7-0. TMV continued to get decent possession and were not the only team giving away penalties, forcing several line-outs in the home '22 which they failed to execute. This was the difference in the game as Tarleton punished the TMV mistakes, who found themselves 3 tries down at half time 19-0.
Trafford MV opened the second half well with an early converted try from Luke O'Shea after a powerful line break from Micah Dyos. TMV were building into the game and with Tarleton on the back foot a penalty from O'Shea put TMV just 9 points behind with over 20 minutes to play 19-10. However TMV were making the game too easy for Tarleton with missed tackles and pointless penalties giving away cheap yards which Tarleton did not deserve, but punished.
TMV had opportunities with numerous line outs in the defending '22 not being executed. They managed to score a second try from a well worked backs move finished by debutant David Evans for his first try for TMV, converted by O'Shea. Late scores for the home side gave them a comfortable win in the end 36-20.
Poor set piece play, weak tackling and a lack of discipline, which had a negative effect on team moral, were the root cause of TMV's defeat. This game was winnable and TMV are not far away from picking up league points but they must channel their energy in training onto the pitch. David Evans made an impact on his debut and collected the TMV Player of the Match award.
Trafford MV 2nds won 27-24 against North Manchester, and the 3rd XV won 22-17 against Oldham 2nds.
Luke O'Shea on his way to the try line
