Rochdale Mayfield 36 – 14 Kells

Rochdale Mayfield

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Mayfield needed to get back to winning ways in this Kingstone Press NCL Premier Division and did so in this fixture against Kells at the Mayfield sports centre on Wednesday evening.

Mayfield were off to a flying start as Paul Brearley flicked a clever pass out to Munya Samanyanga who went over in the corner for a Chris Hough converted try.

Kells weren’t just here to make up the numbers though and it took some strong defence from Gareth Ellison, Mark Biggins, Si Moore and debutant Joe Schofield to keep them out.

When Sean Watkins put Dec Sheridan in in the opposite corner for a score - again converted by Hough - it looked ominous for Kells.

Kells had other ideas and their number six jinked his way through under the posts.

Mayfield didn’t respond well and Kells took the upper hand for a while with the half backs getting hold of the game.

Mayfield plugged away though with Nick Hargreaves, Zac Baker and Samanyanga taking the game to opposition.

Lewis Sheridan bagged a try - again converted by Hough- five minutes before half time.

With a minute to go to the break, Hough slotted over a penalty from the half way line.

Kells looked like they would fold but with seconds on the clock Mayfield failed to deal with a high bomb and the Kells scrum half hacked at the ball wildly and it ended up in the arms of a surprised winger who raced over to again narrow the gap.

Mayfield were in danger of allowing Kells back into the game in the early stages of the second half and it took great efforts from Rhys Carruth and Paul Brearley to prevent this.

Mayfield had plenty of chances to secure the game but were guilty of squandering opportunities at the final pass.

From one of the missed Mayfield chances, Kells seized on the possession and powered up field scoring a good try to cut Mayfield's lead to just six points and worry the Mayfield crowd.

However, that was the last Kells score, as Mayfield took control with Samanyanga and Carruth making good yards before Schofield grabbed his first score at this level.

Although Kells still threatened, the game was sewn up by Mayfield when Brearley added a brace of scores before the end - the Mayfield crowd breathing a sigh of relief.

Another two points as the season enters the final quarter.

Gaz Ellison, Biggins and Dave Ellis all ran well for Mayfield but Lewis and Dec Sheridan made the difference on the night.

Mayfield continue the season on Saturday with a trip to face York Acorn.

This should be a tight game as York who have made some big signings recently begin their push to get into the top half of the table and Mayfield attempt to secure a place in the top three for the all-important end of season play-offs.

Calland and Butterworth will again have a wealth of youth and experience at their disposal as they attempt to select the right team for the game.