Mayfield 20 - 24 Leigh Miners

Photo: Aidy Gleeson

Sean Watkins: Mayfield v Hornets Challenge Cup 3rd Rnd

Mayfield will look at this result as two points thrown away after allowing Leigh Miners back into the game after taking an early lead and looking like a side that meant business.

Gaz Ellison and Callum Marriott both repelled repeated drives and did not allow the Miners forwards in the game with an awesome display of tackling.

Paul Brearley made the most of the gaps in the defence as he slipped an inside pass to Sean Watkins who strolled under the posts to continue his impressive scoring record. Sam Butterworth added the two.

This was a confident start from the Mayfield side and they continued in the same vein as Ellison and Marriott lead the way.

Mayfield were in control but began to look maybe a little blase and a break away against the ron of play found Lewis Sheridan on his own with three Miners attackers bearing down on him, there wasn't much he could do and Miners raced away to level the score.

Miners would have taken the lead but for a brilliant try saver from Marriott again who also managed to dislodge the ball.

Mayfield made their way out of the twenty and a fine 40/20 from Callum Ogden gave them great position but poor decision making at the crucial time let the opposition off the hook at a time when the next score was all important.

Dec Sheridan tried hard to create an opening but again the chance went begging.

You can't miss chances against sides like Leigh Miners and not pay the price and Mayfield did just that when Miners threw caution to the wind, throwing speculative passes which came off for them.

Mayfield also let their guard down as they missed tackles out wide which allowed the Miners winger in at the corner for a converted score.

Miners then showed their pedigree as they added another six pointer after catching Mayfield cold.

Half time: Mayfield 6 - 18 Leigh Miners

Mayfield started the second half as they had finished the first and only a great tackle from Rhys Carruth prevented them from extending the lead.7

Mayfield had three sets in the Miners ten but failed to capitalise on the position and the possession.

Miners made the most of every mistake making the possession count. Every time their scrum half got the ball worked a little magic, and it was he who created the next score for his side to increase their lead.

Miners defenders repeatedly held down and interfered at the tackle resulting in a sin binning. This was the spur Mayfield side needed and they upped their game as Lewis Sheridan put the rampaging Marriott over for a score.

Mayfield were a different side now playing some really good rugby and showing the sort of form which saw them pushing for glory last season.

Butterworth and Brearley began to take control and with crisp ball from Ogden they were looking dangerous.

Mark Biggins, Aidan Gleeson and Si Moore took the ball to the line and Jack Sampson, coming in from the wing, created problem after problem for Miners.

This was more like Mayfield and when Butterworth ghosted through for a converted try they really fancied their chances.

Eight points to the good with just over fifteen minutes left, Miners took every opportunity they could to slow the game down and waste time so as to disrupt the resurgent Mayfield.

Brearley was unlucky not to get on the score sheet after a good break.

Lewis Sheridan scored in the corner to put Mayfield within four points of Miners and set up a tense final few minutes but time ran out for Mayfield. 

The Mayfield coaches and players know this was an opportunity lost, a real chance to shock the champions and shake up the league but they will take the positives from defeat and build on them in preparation for the next game - the Standard Cup final on Good Friday.

Paul Brearley took the Mayfield man-of-the-match award but he was pushed all the way by Ellison and Marriott.