Trafford MV made the short journey to Eccles on a glorious October afternoon to take on league leaders in a top of the table clash. The two sides battled for superiority for the opening 25 minutes with tough defence from both sides. It was Trafford that finally broke the deadlock with a well grafted try that saw scrum half Jamie Parker darting through a mass of Eccles defenders to get the touchdown 0-5. Just when you thought TMV had got the upper hand Eccles hit back directly from the kick off with an unconverted try 5-5 which was compounded when MV's Jack Gobbett collected a yellow card. The sides settled back into their attritional game until, with half time approaching, a TMV attack was thwarted by an interception which was run in for a try under the posts for the home side which was converted for a 12-5 lead at the break.
The second half saw Trafford spending long periods in the Eccles half with the pack providing good possession for the back to try and play. Trafford struck as young full back Dylan Mc Donald found space to race away and score his first senior try for the Club converted by Ben Wainwright to level the score at 12-12. With tries at a premium Trafford now utilised the boot of stand off Wainwright to better effect as Eccles gave away penalties and Trafford punished them. Eccles conceded a yellow card themselves and then Trafford kicked 2 penalties to earn a hard fought but deserved win 12-18.
This was a good performance for Traffords 2nd XV who have now taken over leadership of the league ahead of 2nd placed Wigan and then Eccles. The performance was a great credit to the young players in the Trafford team who worked hard in defence to provide the platform for the win.
This coming weekend see's Trafford MVs 1st XV Back in action as they look to kick start their campaign against Heaton Moor at MV's MacPherson Park.
The 2nd XV will play Aldwinians in the Cup.
