Recent poor results for the Trafford first XV looked to have been left far behind as a lively pack moved a less mobile visiting side around the park in a promising first half.

Tries for Jamie Kingdon and prop Carl Tanner, plus a conversion and penalty from captain Ben Wheeler, looked to have set the platform for a comprehensive home win.

This was not to be the case though as the change in halves brought a difference in fortunes for MV.

The home side sat back on their haunches as the visitors continued to chip away at the defence.

The signs had been there in the first period as MV gave away numerous silly penalties.

With the wind now in their favour, Hawcoat Park now found these penalties kickable and their stand-off’s steady boot saw four well judged kicks cross the bar.

Although Wheeler’s kick put MV 18-12 ahead, Park made it a cliffhanger of a game as pressure brought them a try out wide.

However, the conversion was missed – as were two late penalties which could have brought victory from the jaws of defeat.

Success was MV’s by the narrowest of margins but this did not stop MV slipping down a further place to fifth as other results went against them.

MV’s seconds turned recent promise into points with a hard earned 34-26 win at Alwinians.

The result moved MV up to eighth position and the quality of play will surely see them climb further up the table in weeks to come.

Unfortunately, the thirds lost their 100 per cent record at the seventh hurdle with a lacklustre 26-19 home defeat to Heaton Moor,

Dave Hughes’ side has felt the brunt of injuries higher up the club and he will look to rebuild the confidence of his side for this weekend’s visit to Old Bedians’ second XV.

The seconds will be the home attraction this weekend at MacPherson Park with the visit of table-topping Birkenhead Park.

The Wirral-based outfit will present a tough challenge to Trafford MV (kick-off 3pm).

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