Trafford MV open their league season at home this Saturday afternoon with Liverpool St Helens the opposition in Counties 1 ADM Lancashire & Cheshire of Northern Division kicking off at 3.00pm.
With defeats by Burnage in a pre-season friendly and Warrington in the Lanc's Trophy Trafford MV have had time to look at the standard of opposition they will be facing in the league this season and judge how their performances need to be improved and what needs to be targeted. Coach Brian Collier has clear objectives and he is trying to instil these in the players in training so that they become second nature.
Changes have been made on the field and more may come as players return but the onus now is on the players wearing the shirt in this game to put in a good shot and stake their claim as a regular starter.
The front row see's regular Jack Gobbett starting at prop with Craig Collier hooker and Paul Davenport returning to 1st XV rugby following injury last season. The second row see's Kieran Edgar linking up with Andrew Clegg in the powerhouse. Mica Dyos plays flanker with Andrew Beales and former skipper Chris Ward picks up the No 8 shirt. All in all this is a decent pack and should give a good account of themselves as long as the game is entered with the right attitude and not complacency - the opening 20 minutes could determine the outcome of the game.
Pat Eccles captains the side from scrum half and he links up with Luke O'Shea at stand off. Last seasons centre pairing of Carl Yates and Jamie Kingdon will prove dangerous while on the wings last weeks POTM Fenton Dickinson will look to impress once again. Joe Owen holds down the other wing position while Jamie Parker switches from scrum half to full back, a role he filled several times last season.
On the bench young Joe Walls will look to continue the good form he showed in his appearances last season, Matt Coxon will provide strong cover for the back line while another young talent Dan Clark fills the remaining spot.
Lots of changes but lots of talent on the field. A good early start, confidence in tackling and defence plus concentration and good decision making with ball in hand should hopefully be enough to bring a victory. Let's see what Liverpool St Helens bring to the party.
The 2nd XV travel away to face Rochdale 3rd's with a much changed side from last season due to the absence of lots of players which surprises on the first day of a new season !
Beer Festival tickets are on sale behind the bar - please bring £5 cash to purchase - Festival dates are 27/28th September. A big event in the Club calendar - One not to be missed. Get your tickets now - when they are gone they have gone !
