Mayfield’s promotion hopes shattered by York defeat

Date published: 15 August 2012

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Mayfield coaches Sam Butterworth and Matt Calland were left disappointed by the display of their charges as Mayfield’s promotion hopes were hit by defeat at York.

Despite a dramatic fight-back in the final quarter, the Rochdale team fell just short in a game that all felt was winnable.

Now eight points adrift of the York side, Mayfield were in desperate need of victory and, as the interval passed, that seemed the likely outcome.

However, a slow start following the resumption allowed Acorn to edge 10 points clear, leaving Mayfield - who were unbeaten in three prior to kick-off - chasing the game in spite of prop forward Aidan Gleeson’s tireless efforts.

The York side took the lead through a touchline converted try from the scrum base.

Mayfield hit back to lead after 20 minutes with an eye-catching double courtesy of Matt Calland and stand-off Paul Brearley; the latter converted by Aiden Gleeson.

York scored twice to push ahead again to an 18-10 lead as half time approached, before Sam Butterworth finished off a superb length-of-the-field move to slide over. Aiden Gleeson then converted for an 18-16 half time scoreline.

The next quarter belonged to York as they took the game with three tries; answered only by a Paul Brierley effort for Mayfield.

Late Ben Simpson and Matt Calland tries, converted by Ieuan Higgs, gave the 200-plus crowd a scare, but it was to no avail as York held on to take the points 38-34.