Another close game as the season nears its climax.

The anticipated close encounter with local rivals Trafford MV became a reality in the wind and rain at Green Lane. It was quickly obvious that the visitors wanted to “claim a scalp”, going in front from a penalty after 10 minutes, but from the restart, Moor drew level thanks to a penalty from Martin Shelley. Moor’s attacking flair eventually paid off when Ivan Smetana was given the ball in a blindside move, which he finished off with a 40 metre sprint to the line.

Turning around 8-3 ahead, Moor found themselves facing a Trafford side determined to make their mark. For 20 minutes in the middle of the half, they pounded away at the Moor try line, but the home pack showed commendable defensive qualities. On the half hour, a quick passing move by Trafford produced a try in the corner that was converted in difficult conditions to lead 10-8. From the restart, Moor were awarded a penalty, but the kick drifted wide. With only a couple of minutes remaining, Trafford crucially lost their own lineout 10 metres out. Moor’s pack went for the line, driving hooker Joanathan Jenks over near the posts for Shelley to convert and put the side ahead. A long-range penalty chance in injury time went wide, but Moor were home and dry by 15-10.

A good day for Moor was completed as the 2nds defeated the top of their league, Littleborough, 12-6, which made it a double for them this season over this side, and the 3rds had a comfortable 40-3 win in their league match against Didsbury Toc H.

This Saturday sees 2 cup-ties at Green Lane; the 1sts contest the Lancashire Plate quarter-final against close league rivals Burnley and the 2nds play Sefton in their Halbro Shield semi-final.