Trafford MV 2nd XV made the long journey into deepest Lancashire to face Rossendale 3rd XV with an ambition for force themselves into a promotion pacing in the League. Having recorded a good home win 60-19 in February against the same opposition hopes were high.
The game kicked off with Trafford playing uphill in the first half in blustery conditions and on a heavy pitch. Trafford drove into the home danger zone after 10 mins with Chris Ward broke through a number of tackles before spinning out of final defenders grasp to stretch over and touch down, converted by Jason Alexander 0-7 to TMV. Rossendale prop gets yellow card for high tackle and then concede when dropped ball on half way is kicked through , Oscar Livings wins the kick and chase to touch down for 0-12 lead.
Connor Ryan kicks out of defence for Oscar Livings to pounce on loosely fielded ball, Livings links with Zak Gardner then Laurence Ryan eventually leading to Dan Clark scoring to left of posts. Jason Alexander converts 0-19 after half hour mark. The home side respond with some good forward driving play into the MV '22, good support play brings them a try 5-19. Rossendale again fall foul of the high tackle law as their centre gets a yellow card. Trafford No8 Chris Ward picks up from base of scrum in home '22 to dummy fly half and stroll in, Alexander converts again 5-26. Chris Ward is playing exceptionally well and with a show and go he crosses the line for his hat trick try, Alexander again converting for a half time lead of 5-33.
Trafford open 2nd half strongly with a constant flow of pressure but concede a yellow for Jason Alexander again for a high tackle. Rossendale strike back as good forward play again earns them a score and conversion 12-33. Trafford are not content to sit back and forward drives from Andrew Clegg and Dan Clark leads to inside pass to Jamie Parker for an easy run in 12-40. Rossendale kick deep to exit for Livings to field, he dances his way through defenders Linking with Joe Hynes then Zak Gardner who races in, Adam Mason converts 12-47. Jamie Parker collects a loose ball and races home from 35 yards out, Mason again converting 12-54. Rossendale keep digging deep and pick up a consolation score wide on the left and convert 19-54. Oscar Livings collects his second try as he runs around the defence to score under the posts, Jamie Parker converts 19-61. Minutes later he scores again as quick pass gives him space to outpace covering defence and again touch down under post, conversion from Parker seals result at 19-70 to Trafford MV 2nd XV.
Jamie Parker collected the Player of the Match award with Chris Ward also getting mentioned is despatches for his endeavours during the game. The result nudges Trafford MV into 2nd place in the league level on points with 3rd placed Littleborough 2nds but with a better points scored differential. Trafford have just one game left to play against North Manchester on April 27th.
