Rugby League: Mayfield preview

Photo: Aidy Gleeson

Aidan Gleeson the backbone of Mayfields pack for over ten years takes his experience into battle with Thornhill

Mayfield have a massive game on Saturday, as they take a trip over the Pennines to Dewsbury to face fellow NCL premier division side Thornhill Trojans in their Coral Challenge Cup 2nd round tie.

Opponents Thornhill gained promotion last season from the highly competitive first division and just to prove their pedigree they disposed of last year’s premier division champions, the all-conquering Hunslet Club Parkside in the first-round tie of the week a fortnight ago.

Thornhill will be out to show Mayfield today that that victory was no fluke, and that they intend to pose a real challenge in the league.

Mayfield however have their own agenda after two great showings against Hornets and then a superb first round victory at Kells they are a team full of confidence and will be taking that into today's encounter.

Sam Butterworth and Steve Wood are getting the best out of the team with an improvement in discipline and a fantastic team spirit under new captain Lewis Sheridan.

One of the most pleasing aspects is the way the team are playing for each other, the effort and industry they've showed so far has been very impressive.

Despite losing some absolute class players in the close season to the pro ranks they have retained a superb forward pack.

In Callum Marriott and Jimmy Connaughton, they must have two of the best forwards in the league and with old warhorse Mark Biggins showing a resurgence in form there won’t be many teams that better them in the middle of the park.

If the forwards take control Mayfield have enough quality in the backs to cause any team problems. Dec and Lewis Sheridan in the middle, with Cole Connolly running the show coupled with Zac Hartley's kicking game make this a formidable side in anybody’s books.

A win today sees the victors in the draw for the third round shown live from Coventry on the BBC sport website at 6pm on Monday.

Fixture 9 February 2019

Coral Challenge Cup 2nd round: Thornhill v Mayfield KO 2pm