Rugby League: Skirlaugh 12 - 24 Rochdale Mayfield

Man-of-the-match James Connaughton

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Mayfield made their fourth journey already this season to Hull, and came away with the two league points and a return to some form - from what was a tough fixture.

Skirlaugh are newly promoted to the top division and have been strong at home, but Mayfield showed great patience and discipline, with and without the ball. Prop forward James Connuaghton epitomised the basis for Mayfield's improvement, with his strong direct running and refusal to be beaten in defence, whilst young centre-three quarters Cameron Connolly and Lewis Butterworth were also good all game.

Mayfield held the ball well in the opening minutes, and opened the scoring when Connaughton drove hard to the posts and the impressive Paul Brearley took the next drive to the line and offloaded to supporting Callum Marriott, who crashed over for a Chris Hough converted try.

With 100% ball retention and no penalties, Mayfield pressured Skirlaugh and they cracked when Lewis Butterworth stepped through the defence on the left to scored untouched. Hough converted.

It stayed that way until half time, as Mayfield continued a controlled style of rugby but still asked questions and created chances that Skirlaugh only just held back.

It was all change in the second half as the officials evened up the penalty count, and Skirlaugh took advantage to pressure the Mayfield line.

Mayfield held out three sets on their line but the fourth was too much and Skirlaugh hit back.

With defences on top, Chris Hough took a penalty goal and two points to give Mayfield an eight-point lead.

The value of this was clear when Skirlaugh scored a converted try to cut the gap to 12-14.

Mayfield felt the pressure and failed to clear their lines a number of times.

Simon Moore fell for the provocation and was dismissed for punching, he left his team lots of defensive work to do as Skirlaugh had three repeat sets, but Mayfield held firm.

With 10 minutes remaining and a slender two point lead, Mayfield finally broke out of their half, last tackle kick pressure forced a repeat set, and hooker Lewis Ainley took advantage of quick play the balls, to dive over for a try. Converted by Chris Hough for a game winning lead.

Mayfield cruised the last 10 minutes, until, with the full-time beckoning, Declan Sheridan outstripped the tiring Skirlaugh defence to crash over for a try.

James Connaughton was man-of-the-match for his tough, relentless and uncompromising forward play. He was well supported by Paul Brearley, Chris Hough and Wayne English - who had his best game for Mayfield - bringing the ball out well time and time again. A good team effort and Mayfield thoroughly deserved the points.

Mayfield Team: Wayne English, Jack Sampson, Lewis Butterworth, Cameron Connolly, Munya Samanyanga, Chris Hough, Zak Baker, James Connaughton, Lewis Ainley, Callum Marriott, Sean Watkins, Liam Whalley, Paul Brearley, Nick Hargreaves, Simon Moore, Aidan Gleeson, Declan Sheridan.