Rugby League: Mayfield Preview confident ahead of crunch game

Mayfield go into Saturday’s game at Wath Brow in "a confident mood".

Sitting in their best position for months - although their league position is down only to points difference - they have put in a big effort to get themselves in this position.

Their opponents on Saturday have not had the best of times over the last few weeks with four losses in their last six outings, but they also have a season;s best for the division with a 94 - 10 victory over Myton, so they are a team that is more than capable of scoring points.

Mayfield are having their best spell of the season, winning three of the last four and putting in some good performances.

The forwards in particular have been outstanding, dominating their opposite numbers for long spells in most of the recent games.

The inclusion of Matty Hadden has been a boost to the side with the younger players inspired by his industry on the pitch.

Mayfield are without Liam Whalley, who is serveing a one match suspension, but welcome back two quality players in Si Moore and Aidan Gleeson who will be a boost to the squad.

Asst coach Sam Butterworth said: “Going to Cumbria is never easy and few teams make the journey expecting to bring back the points, but we are a team on the up at the moment and we proved at Kells that we can go anywhere and produce a result. We have some quality players in the side and I have no doubt that if we play to our potential we have it in us to repeat that performance.”  

 

The NWML side are hosting the league's nine-a-side competition at the Mayfield Sports Centre.

With sixteen teams scheduled to compete, the games start at 12.00pm with the losers from the first round going into a plate competition, with the final to be played at 4.00pm, while the group winners go on to compete for the main trophy.

The final to be played at 4.30pm.

This is a competition which should suit the young Mayfield side with players like Corey Newsham, Joe Schofield, Zac Hartley and Luke Hartley looking to exploit the wide-open spaces.

Coach Craig White said: “I fancy our chances in this one. As long as we start off ok we should do alright.

“The youngsters have pace to burn as well as experience beyond their years but I think Tom Fitz could be the one to watch, he is carrying a bit of weight at the moment but I think he will do well for us.”

Aidan Gleeson and Dec Sheridan are holding their family fun day fundraiser at the club on Sunday 19 August to raise money for their tour to Fiji with the BARLA side.

Fixtures
18 August

NCL Premier Division
Wath Brow v Mayfield
Kick Off: 2.30pm

NWML Nines
At Mayfield
Kick Off: 12.00noon