TraffordMVRFCC

Trafford MV were left with mixed emotions after a breathless 43–43 draw at home to New Brighton, a match that showcased our best attacking rugby of the season but also underlined our ongoing defensive frailties. Having led by 22 points with just 15 minutes remaining, MV somehow allowed the visitors back into the contest, conceding four late tries to turn a dominant performance into a frustrating share of the spoils. We once again suffered from a sluggish start, conceding three soft tries early on as New Brighton capitalised on defensive lapses to build an early lead. Trafford MV found themselves chasing the game from here, but to our credit, we responded superbly. Once we settled into the game, we began to impose ourselves with ball in hand, playing at pace and stretching the visitors across the pitch with sharp support lines and confident handling. For a 50-minute spell either side of half-time, Trafford MV were in complete control. Seven well-worked tries followed, built on solid rugby. Clearing our lines when needed, stealing opposition line-out ball, strong scrum, intelligent offloading and a willingness to attack from all areas.

 

Jamie Kingdon added some strong ball carrying and running lines, resulting in him crossing the line for 3 tries. Adam Mason has a good game, having been picked at 13, and responded well to his call up with 2 tries. Chris Ward ran a good support line to finish off a well worked move, and Joe Walls scoring of the back of a strong maul. It was the most fluent and creative attacking display we have produced all season, and at 43–21 ahead with 15 minutes to play, the result should have been beyond doubt. However, the final quarter told a different story. Defensive concentration dropped, tackles were missed, and New Brighton took full advantage, crossing for four late tries to snatch a dramatic draw.

 

It is easy for people outside of the playing squad to criticize, and some of it is deserved, however the palpable feeling of disappointment and frustration is felt hard by all players and coaches involved. In conclusion, there were so many positives to take from an attacking perspective, and these can’t be forgotten, the inability to close out the match is a major source of frustration, with defensive solidity again proving the difference between a memorable victory and a disappointing outcome.

 

Tries: Jamie Kingdon 3 Adam Mason 2 Joe Walls 1 Chris Ward 1   Conv: 4/7  

MOTM – Jamie Kingdon

DOTD – Ollie Jones

Photo - Scrum Half Ollie Jones launching TMV attack

Photo Credit - Ian Rogers