TRAFFORD MV consolidated their place at the top of Lancashire (North) League with a good 13-8 win over title challengers Tarleton.

Conditions were atrocious with heavy rain and strong winds causing many fixtures to be cancelled in the region.

MV opened early with a penalty from scrum half Pat Eccles to go 3-0 ahead.

MV were looking strong in the scrums but Tarleton were competing well in all phases of the game.

After 20 mins MV drove strongly into the visitors '22' and drew in the defence.

As MV took the ball in again a driving maul developed and it was flanker Sean Garvey who muscled his way over for a try from a good driving maul with Pat Eccles converted easily.

Tarleton came back into the game with a score wide on the left but the conversion attempt into the wind fell short.

With conditions ever worsening MV were fairly content going into half-time with a 10-5 lead.

The second half was competed for well by both sides.

Eccles was on hand in a good position following some concentrated driving and his choice to slot over a drop goal was both astute and telling with scoring opportunities few and far between.

With a lead of 13-5 MV kept pressing but Tarleton added a penalty to make for a nail-biting finish but MV held on to close the game out.

It was an important win for MV who now look forward to their next big test at second-placed Littleborough on December 12.

MV have now gone 10 games unbeaten in the league and are looking stronger and more confident as each week passes.

Things are good at MV at the moment as for the second weekend all four sides have chalked up wins.

The second XV beat Widnes 10-8, the thirds defeated Ashton-on-Mersey 25-12 and the U17s had an emphatic 34-3 win over Leigh U17's XV.

This weekend MV travel to Hutton for their next League encounter.

If your are interested in playing for Trafford MV contact the Club on 0161 973 7061 or call down to watch a game and introduce yourself.