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Late try brings defeat

30/10/2007

INJURY hit Littleborough entertained Trafford MV on a windy Saturday afternoon at Rakewood.

With the wind at their backs Boro went close to scoring in the first minute, but winger Nathan King just failed to collect Chris Kolbuck’s deft kick with the try-line begging.

The home team kept up the pressure, out-half Andy Walton’s kicks pinning Trafford deep in their own half.

Boro, though, failed to convert their superiority into points and the visitors surged upfield to score a well-worked try.

The hosts, aided by some strong tackling by number eight Ben Irvine, hit back and were rewarded with two penalties, both converted by Walton.

Boro looked to be on the way to their first try when Graham Shepherd intercepted and had a clear run to the line. But he was penalised for offside and the chance was gone.

Boro were then wrongfooted by a quickly taken penalty tap which saw Trafford’s wing forward slice through to touch down for a converted try.

But they responded with a long, raking kick which took them five metres from their opponents’ line. They gained possession and Irvine dived over for a try.

It was nip and tuck after the break as Scott Ripley and Paul Fino displayed their defensive skills to keep Trafford at bay.

The Boro forwards kept it tight and started to show some control.

The ball was won cleanly and whipped out to Shepherd who looked certain to score. He chose, however, to hand on to Ripley on the wing and he was clattered into touch.

Trafford then gave Boro a taste of their own medicine, launching a series of high kicks deep into home territory. But the hosts’ scrambling defence held them in good stead and Trafford were unable to break through.

Boro then provided the highlight of the match. A missed move in the centre saw Tom Galvin scorch through before handing on to Rick Davies for him to score.

Trafford mounted a late rally and despite the best efforts of Paul Jones and Michael Fletcher the visitors powered over for a try.

Littleborough gave their best, but there is still work to do. They need to create more openings, up their attacking pace, and find some continuity in their game.