A NEW look Tigers side visited Sale for this tough opening encounter with a well drilled Trafford side whose superior numbers saw them take the deciding second match against a flagging Manchester.

A pulsating 9-9 draw in game 1 set the tone for the tie with both teams looking to move the ball quickly from the start.

Resplendent in brand new scarlet kit, the Tigers also featured debutants in Louis and Finlay as they looked to build on last season’s championship success.

And the summer training looks to have paid off with the 8s playing fast, open rugby.

Direct running from Myles and William in the opening minutes of game 1 saw first score to Manchester, a pattern that was to be maintained for all but the dying seconds of the game.

The Tigers adapted quickly to the new rules in the 8s sections which sees the ball overturned after 7 tags and the value of a strong defensive line saw Manchester make the bulk of the tagging in the match.

Never behind, Manchester turned the ball over four times to Trafford’s none and an astonishing 4 of Trafford’s 9 tries came on the sixth tag.

A magnificent pursuit and tag from Josh prevented a near certain try by Trafford, almost matched by a similar effort from Eddie to deny Trafford’s star turn Nick who tormented the Manchester taggers all morning.

Manchester led by two into the second half with William and Luke scoring 2 apiece but Trafford’s large squad allowed them to refresh their line and it began to have an impact as the game progressed.

A fine solo effort from Eddie put Manchester further ahead before Trafford began to peg the Tigers back.

Manchester led by 1 as the final play began but as the clock ticked down a wide running effort from Trafford saw them snatch the draw.

Game 2 picked up where the first left off with Trafford establishing an early advantage, racing to a 3-try lead. Despite some valiant forward play from debutant Louis who slotted into the team impressively along with fellow newcomer Finlay, Manchester couldn’t close the gap.

Another fine, competitive game finished 10-6 to the home side with the spirit and attitude of both sides to be commended.

Manchester Tigers should be pleased with the performance on Sunday and the quality of the tagging and positional play bodes well for the upcoming festivals at Littleborough and Grove Lane.

This week's Tigers (with tries in brackets): Alex (2), Josh (4), William (5), Luke (4), Finlay, Myles, Eddie (2), Matthew and Louis. Player of the Week: Louis - a great debut from Louis who slotted right into the 8s and made a solid all-round contribution