Rugby league: Mayfield 44 - 24 Waterhead

Photo: Aidy Gleeson Snr

Corey Newsham grabs another try for his side

A man of the match performance from half back Dev Long saw his side retain the Oldham Standard Cup at Boundary Park on Saturday 30 March. In great conditions on a great pitch Mayfield put in a great performance, which had the Oldham press calling them 'the pride of Rochdale'.

Waterhead played their part in making this a game to remember, holding the NCL Premier Division side to a narrow 18 - 12 lead at half time. The second half saw Mayfield slip into gear and they showed their class as they began to play the fast open style of rugby they are known for. The conditions were just what the Rochdale side had hoped for and they relished the opportunity to show their flair. Long was pushed all the way for the MOM by fellow Aussie, Sam Wright, who bagged himself a second half hatrick. Other tries came from Zac Baker, Ben Metcalfe, Corey Newsham and Jordan Parr.

After this break in the league programme, Sam Butterworth and Steve Wood take their side on the road with a long trip to Whitehaven where they face Kells. Their hosts have played three games so far in the league programme, they've won one, drawn one and lost one. That looks like an average start to the season but the draw was against champions Hunslet and the win was a resounding victory in the local derby against Egremont. Bearing that in mind Kells are not a side to be underestimated.

Mayfield will be travelling with a strong squad as Butterworth looks at his available players. The weather will play a part in the game without doubt and also in team selection. Mayfield definitely play their best rugby in the dry conditions they enjoyed at Boundary Park last Saturday, but they are able to switch their game about to take into account the wet grounds, so Butterworth will select his side accordingly.

The Australian contingent are playing particularly well, with scrum half Devlin Long absolutely on fire at the moment. Also impressing at the moment are the forwards who have dominated their opposition in most games so far.

The NWML side are also back in action as they host Widnes side West Bank Bears. This will be a tough game for Andy Reed's side, with the visitors sitting at the top of the league with three wins from three starts. Mayfield will be hoping to benefit from the return of several NCL players over the last fortnight and Reedy will wait until Saturday before naming his side so he knows exactly who he has available.

Saturday 6 April 2024

• NCL Premier Division: Kells v Mayfield, kick-off 2.30pm
• NWML Division 2: Mayfield v West Bank, kick-off 2.30pm