The Colts continue their winning start to the season with a 36-5 win over Trafford MV.

Moor pretty much controlled this match from start to finish, but the journey could have been much less traumatic if decision-making had been better. The summer influx of players and regular training attendance has strengthened Moor, and they now compete with teams that would once expect to defeat them, Trafford MV included.

The first half was a dour affair with both teams cancelling each other out, but Moor having the most of possession and territory failing to make any telling impression on the scoreboard by basic errors and kicking the ball away in the opposition 22. Maybe the coaches need to hold their hands up but the team should not need reminding of the basic game plan! The Moor pack had the run of play, clearing rucks reasonably well, scrummaging with control, and the lineout improved as the game went on with Kris Bardsley looking agile in the air. The forwards have re-discovered the need to pick and drive and mixed their options well as the match progressed.

The first score came from turnover ball with the pill squirting out from a ruck and Jimmy Smith, showing alertness, pounced on the ball to outpace the defenders and score on the left. This proved to be the only score of the half.

After a few choice reminders at half time, Moor made a few replacements then went about their task with more purpose – perhaps it didn’t help that the squad had squandered the opportunity for a good warm-up and preparation by watching the Under 14s match!

Early pressure saw Moor win a scrum. Edwards danced from fly-half, showing good stepping and agility, to eventually power over next to the posts for a strong individual try which he duly converted. Trafford fought back with gusto and determination, scoring a try from a quick tap penalty which caught the home side sleeping. Almost from the kick off, Tom Ireland pounced on loose lineout ball and arced towards the Trafford midfield before giving a truly superb pass to fullback, Luke Whitehurst, who hit the line at speed and crashed over for a try. The same player then gathered a loose ball on the half way line and powered past three defenders down the left wing to touch down with a stylish dive beneath the posts. Edwards converted.  Edwards then offloaded to Ireland who ran evasively to score a great individual try without needing the great support that accompanied him.

The ubiquitous Ireland (now playing fly half, not number 8!) then emerged from a loose situation to step and dummy his way towards the Trafford line. Support arrived in the form of Ben Owens, playing out of his skin in the back row, and Ireland off-loaded to Owens who drove purposefully to the line, showing superior upper body strength to brush off two defenders and touch down. This was the icing on his cake, as Owens had been superbly vocal throughout and had made some crucial tackles as well as hitting the ball up on a number of occasions.

The final whistle blew to see Moor victorious, 36-5. Man of the Match must go to Ben Owens for a stirling performance – he must take on board the fact that he is a capable player and he must have the confidence to continue in this vein over the season.

Champagne Moment – Kris Bardsley – breaks yet again and drives the ball forward over the gain line. Would-be tackler takes a dive at Kris, and ends up on his shoulder – parrot-fashion. Kris looks bemused with the ball under one arm and an opponent over his shoulder. The crowd roars in approval. Colts rugby – love it!  Just wish it was a bit more Text Book.