TraffordMVRFCC

Playing with a flat 15 couldn't hold the third team back from victory on the first day of the season, with players out of position , those new to the team and some coming back from retirement it was a classic third team game. The game started promisingly for MV with an opening try from Cam Smith after some incredible Fijian passing skills from Big Jon Mcluskie , the backs marshalled by Jason Alexander were beginning to take hold of the game before Broughton scored the first of their breakaway tries, utilising the speed on their wings. Trafford were not to be deterred though, sticking to the game plan and building on a strong scrum Ollie Meredith would score the first of a debut hat trick with Jon Mcluskie further extending the lead with a strong run afterwards. Park were not to be deterred scoring another breakaway try with a strong 30 yard run from their prop before Ollie Meredith would return the favour with his second of the game.

 

Half time loomed with TMV 10 points ahead and particularly out of breath. A massive thank you to Bill Thatcher for staying the full game after crying on the night before to only play a half which he hoped would be from the bench. MV continued shortly after the break with Meredith sealing his hat trick. Broughton would then break on MV in bizarre circumstances with Charlie Nielsen cleaning out the would be try scorer to receive a yellow card and penalty try. The next 10 mins were a case of survival with constant pressure from Park seeing MV begin to lose territory.

 

Thankfully due to some consistent poor passing in the Broughton backline MV broke away with Jasson Alexander scoring twice to add to the 3 "assists" he claimed from the first half. There remained enough time for Ritchie Ryan to score his first try for the club from range following an interception as MV ran out deserved 50-27 winners.

 

A huge shout out to 3 players in particular, Ollie Meredith for his hat trick heroics on his debut, he was a constant menace in both attack and defence, Simon Wan putting in his best ever performance in an MV shirt fantastic both tackling and ball carrying, and finally a triumphant try scoring return to MV for Jon Mcluskie who dominated scrums all game. Player Of The Match Ollie Meredith. Tries Alexander x 2 Meredith x 3 Smith x1 Mcluskie x 1 and Ryan x 1 Conversions Smith 5 from 8