Saturday saw Carnforth face the tough trip to an in form Trafford MV outfit in the final game of the 3 North season. Carnforth have been suffering with injuries and work commitments for the last few months and the squad has not been the same each week. Skipper Shane Weed has worked miracles and again the trip to Trafford showed many changes from last weeks trip to Rochdale. In came Mark Swanson and Graham Rich for their first game of the season, Lewis Madden made his club debut at hooker and a return for Jason Short, Sammy Griffiths and Chris Whaley to the starting XV.
Trafford MV have had a complete turnaround - they were rock bottom for the first few months but a superb run of results have seen them climb the table steadily with a decent mid table finale - Carnforth finishing 4th in their debut season in 3 North which is very respectable. Carnforth had the early chances and took an 8th minute lead with a well worked try. Swanson was well involved before Dan Blenkharn and Shane Weed combined to free Steve Wilkinson, the winger had plenty to do before finishing rugby league style in the corner with a great one handed touch down, Mathew Short converted superbly from the touchline.
Short and Griffiths were making great runs through the middle of the park but Trafford soon got into their stride. Carnforth defended well as the hosts battered the try line, Weed, Madden, Rich, Matti Davenport and Jason Waterhouse helping the Carnforth cause. Madden saved a certain try with a great covering tackle but the line was breached on the half hour with a converted try.
Carnforth hit back, Swanson thought he had scored when he grounded the ball on the line but the play was brought back and Short slotted a penalty on the half time hooter for a 10 - 7 lead.
Trafford had the luxury of a 20 man squad with a couple of them not travelling with the first team to Workington, one replacement came onto the wing and immediately caused havoc to the Carnforth defence with his direct running and pace, a superbly taken try from deep in his own half saw the hosts take the lead and one they never relinquished. Five minutes later and another superbly taken try from the centre saw Trafford take a 21 - 10 lead - shortly increased by 3 from a penalty.
Carnforth refused to lie down and hit back strongly and the hosts started to concede penalties, from one quickly taken penalty Blenkharn was able to power through and burrow his way over the try line, Short adding the extras to reduce the gap to 7. Carnforth suffered a blow when Short was taken out off the ball and had to be replaced, a switch round in the backs.
Trafford took advantage when their replacement winger completed a fine hat trick, one converted and a penalty saw the hosts claim victory 39 - 17.
Trafford - many thanks for the excellent hospitality and good luck for next season.
Carnforth - many thanks to all the players for the season - 4th in the table after two promotions is excellent and is an achievement to be proud off. Lets all attend the Presentation Dinner 13th May.