Rugby League: Mayfield preview

Rochdale Mayfield have a mouth-watering clash on Saturday (13 April) as they travel to face Hunslet Club Parkside in the Kingstone Press NCL Premier Division.

Hunslet were the undisputed champions last season after winning every game in a record-breaking run.

This season however they have come back to earth somewhat, losing two of their opening four games including a 28 - 20 defeat at Underbank last week.

Mayfield will be looking to exploit that as they look to start building some early season points so as to avoid last seasons end of year brush with the drop zone.

Coaches Sam Butterworth and Steve Wood said: “Their record so far won one, lost one, and drawn one, could have been so much better, having literally let the lead slip from their hands away at West Hull and home to Leigh Miners last week.

“These are points you can’t let go and they will have to tighten their game and improve on their discipline to avoid a repeat.

“We have worked hard in training to make the side aware, these are eighty-minute games, and as such you need to concentrate for eighty minutes, nothing else will do.

“There were some great performances last week, with Lewis Sheridan and Zac Baker in particular standing out.

“They have a strong squad with Liam Whalley back in contention, after sitting last week out due to suspension.

“We will look long and hard before making selection and deciding on the best seventeen for the game.”

Saturday also sees the NWML side play their first home game, entertaining Halton Farnworth at the Mayfield Sports Centre.

Craig Whites said: “The side have had a torrid time of it since promotion to the premier division, the loss of first team players to the pro ranks has hit them hard as lads have stepped up to fill the void.

“The lads rallied last week, but went down to a useful Hindley side in the cup.

“Saturday’s opponents have only one win to their credit so far from four starts, so a close fought battle is anticipated.”

Fixtures 13 April 2019

NCL Premier Division: Hunslet v Mayfield KO 2.30pm

NWML Premier Division: Mayfield v Halton Farnworth KO 2.30pm