Rochdale Mayfield 40 - 34 Lock Lane

Sean Watkins, Rochdale Mayfield 40 -34 Lock Lane

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Mayfield survived a huge scare at the end of this first home game of the 2016 season, scraping home just a score in front after Lock Lane scored four tries in the last ten minutes of a pulsating game.

Both sides opened strong and traded sets in the first 10 minutes.

Sam Butterworth made a smart midfield break but it came to nothing when Mayfield turned down a shot at goal after Lock Lane were penalised for trying to slow the play down.

Strong straight drives from front rowers Mark Biggins and Gaz Ellison took Mayfield to within 20 metres and Paul Brearley capitalised to dummy through the line to score. Sam Butterworth converted.

Lock Lane equalised after Lewis Sheridan dropped a catch and allowed the Lock Lane chaser an easy score.

Mayfield showed some of last season's form as they took control of the game.

Callum Ogden darted over from acting half back. Sam Butterworth converted.

Butterworth chipped over for Jack Sampson to collect and send Sean Watkins in under the post. Butterworth again converted.

Lock Lane hit back when a lack of concentration saw Mayfield knock on at the play the ball when clearing their line and Lock Lane took advantage of the resultant possession to score a try.

Mayfield pressed again and Watkins took an interception and drew the penalty that saw Callum Marriott crash over wide on the right,

Lock Lane tried hard to hit back again and were only denied a try by great cover tackling from Rhys Carruth.

Half time and Mayfield were good value for their 10 point lead.

At the start of the second half the referee gave penalties for both sides and Mayfield were first to capitalise as Gaz Ellison crashed over for a Sam Butterworth converted try.

Butterworth then sent Ogden in under the posts and he converted.

Paul Brearley, with a classic show and go bust through the line to put the game well beyond doubt.

Mayfield were flying and almost extended their lead but Jack Sampson was pulled back for a marginal forward pass.

With 10 minutes to go and sparked by a try from a speculative kick that rebounded off the posts, Lock Lane threw caution to the wind and scored four tries to ensure a nailbiting finish for the large Mayfield crowd.

Mayfield had done enough earlier in the game and held to take the points.