ONCE again the sun shone on Trafford MV's MacPherson Park and MV took advantage of the fine autumn conditions to launch early strikes against the visitors.

Bedians hardly had time to settle into their rhythm before Trafford had torn their defence to shreds.

MV had opened at a blistering pace and Centre Hyde took good scrummage ball into a packed defence and burst his way through.

Winger Marfleet used more dexterity as good second phase ball was worked wide and he used his pace and guile to get the better of his opposite number.

Within five minutes Bedians found themselves 14-0 down and a rout looked the obvious outcome - this must have been Trafford's thoughts also as they eased up the pressure and allowed a much inferior Bedians side to build a platform to work off and to establish a steadier defence - the killer instinct was not there!

The remainder of the first half was somewhat scrappy with Trafford failing to control the game and Bedians spoiling and living off scraps of possession.

To their credit however Bedians struck back with a good try shortly before the break and MV's early promise now looked in doubt as the sides went into half time with MV leading 14-5.

Captain Shay laid down the law during the interval with a tirade that would have had Sir Alex Ferguson envious and the impact was obvious.

Trafford came out intent on making up for lost time and the forwards began to exert more sustained periods of pressure and the backs maintained possession better.

Continuous attacks stretched the Bedians cover and the try of the match came to full back Mike Peel who appears to be relishing his conversion from second row to the last line of defence.

The Trafford pack won the ball on their own 22 and moved it through hands to Adamson who split the opposite three quarters and made good ground.

Desperate cover halted this attack but flanker Hodgson was on hand to be brought down feet from the Bedians line, fast ball was whipped out to Peel by Hope and the bulky full back ploughed over for a superb try (one that his idol Jim Mallinder would have been proud of!)

Deserved tries were added by hooker Phil Gibbs, who continues to give his all and winger Mike Seed whose turn of speed is impressive.

Johnnie Marfleet had a good day with the boot converting 4 of MV's tries and adding a conversion.

Bedians showed their spirit with a late try and conversion but the truth of the story was that MV could have won by many more points had they controlled the ball better and stuck to their game plan.

The highlight of the game however was "hit of the day" on MV prop John Jennings by opponent Robinson who's thunderous tackle must have been felt miles away.

Despite this win pushing MV up into contention for 2nd place behind Fleetwood they will need to do much better over the coming months to maintain this position.

This weekend sees a real battle on the cards for Trafford as they face quality opposition in the form of West Park St Helens in the second round of the NP1 Cup.

As certain underdogs MV will have nothing to lose in this game but will see it as a true test of character.

A big crowd will be welcomed at MV for the 3pm KO.

Trafford's 2nd XV had a good 14-32 away win at Bedians and the 3rd XV lost out in a good game at Eccles 20-5.

The 4thXV fixture was cancelled at the last minute as neighbours Ashton on Mersey failed to raise a team through cry offs.

Trafford MV will be holding a Race Night on October 20th - Tickets available from the clubhouse.