Manchester out on top

In contrast to the previous week at Widnes, it was a dry, sunny day for the trip to Sale to face a Trafford/Glossop team.

Four 'periods' were played allowing for good use of the growing squad with the new recruits seeing some good time on the pitch.

A strong and determined start resulted in Manchester going in at the break with a 3 - 0 advantage. A powerful early drive from Max accompanied by good team support saw Cieran going over for the first try of the game. After clearing access to the posts, this was cooly converted by Patrick whose kicking throughout the match was assured and effective. This first period saw Manchester dominate the game with the scrum providing good possession. A fine passing move ended with Matt B putting the visitors 2 - 0 ahead which was again converted by Patrick and shortly after, Max added his name to the score sheet with Luke succeeding with the conversion following the Coaches' tactic of giving kicking experience to other members of the squad.

The second period again saw good possession for Manchester with confidence growing as the passing game developed and Max added a further try, his second, which was unfortunately not converted. A harsh lesson was learned when to a man, Manchester failed to react to a tapped Trafford penalty which resulted in the hosts going over in the corner. The resulting conversion served as a timely reminder that until the final whistle is blown, the opposition will always remain a threat.

The third period proved to be a tight affair without breakthrough by either side. Nonetheless, some good work was undertaken with new and experienced players continuing to develop the team spirit which has so far seen an unbeaten start to the season.

As if reacting to the possibility that their dominance might yet go unrewarded in the event of a Trafford revival, Manchester stepped up the pace in the final period. Another strong drive resulted in a try for Tom before Max completed his hat trick to put the visitors 2 - 0 up in the period, 6 - 1 ahead on aggregate, a surely unassailable lead. Trafford, to their credit, continued to take the game to Manchester and a break, directly from the resulting kick off caught Manchester asleep for the final score of the game. This, together with some late indiscipline saw the boys on the receiving end of a sharp reminder from Mark of the importance that concentration plays.

Nonetheless, this was a good work out for Manchester which can only increase team and individual confidence in preparation for next week's Tournament in Littleborough. The forwards worked hard to make good ground but the game was also notable for some good passing moves, a true team performance.

Score: Trafford 2 -v- 6 Manchester (Tries - Cieran; Matt B; Max3; Tom: Conversions - Patrick 2; Luke)