AFTER hammering Glossop the previous week, Atherton RU U15s found Trafford a tougher nut to crack, going down 25-17.

Trafford's early dominance brought two tries for a 10-0 lead before Atherton responded with a try from Nicky Marsh and another effort from Pete Bailey to level the scores.

Trafford managed another touchdown before a length of the field try from Richard Newsham, converted by Alan Scollick, gave Atherton a 17-15 lead. Trafford showed their superior fitness in the final 15 minutes, clinching the game with two more tries.

Atherton's man of the match was James Harrison.