Rugby League: Mayfield preview

Defence has been the focus in training for Mayfield this week, both attitude towards it and aggression in it.

Coach Sam Butterworth said: “The first fifteen minutes of last week’s game, and the last fifteen, saw Mayfield loose six tries, which is just not good enough, you can’t win games with statistics like that.

“Saturday’s opponents are Thatto Heath who have failed to live up to their potential in the league after their heroics in the Challenge Cup, currently sitting mid table, Thatto are there to be beaten, they've lost three already and I am hoping to make it four.”

Saturday sees a double header of quality rugby league, with Thatto fetching their second team to play Mayfield’s second team as well, so it's a real feast of Rugby League at the Mayfield Sports Centre.

The NWML sides kick off at 2.00pm so spectators will be able to catch the last half hour of the NCL game.

Coaches Sam Butterworth and Steve Wood have been pleased with the response to last week’s defeat and had over thirty lads at training this week. There will be changes to the team as players return and Butterworth is hoping to field a strong side as they look to pick up that all elusive second win.

Si Moore has made a welcome return to the club and Liam Whalley has recovered from his injury which prevented him making the trip to Serbia, both are in contention on Saturday.

Baker and Connaughton have returned from their Serbia tour, unfortunately Connaughton is ill and will not feature.

Coach Sam Butterworth said: “Baker looks set to join the other Mayfield lads who have signed for Hornets, as Callum Marriott and Aidy Gleeson signed last week.

“All these players will be sorely missed, but all at Mayfield wish them nothing but success as they make the step up.

“The signings show that the youth set up at Mayfield is 'doing it right' as these players, all products of the Mustangs, join the pro game.

“With the list growing longer each week it may mean a period of transition for the club but there are no complaints from Keswick Street, and the Mayfield Club are the first to follow the results on Sunday to see how their lads have fared.”

The NWML side take on the Thatto NWML side who are also mid table.

They have shown they are a class side but have not quite lived up to their potential. Craig White should have his strongest squad of the season as new signings arrive at the club and he will be fielding a seventeen that he hopes will put Thatto under pressure as they fight for that elusive first win.

Fixtures 25 May 2019

NCL Premier Division: Mayfield v Thatto KO 2.30pm

NWML Premier Division: Mayfield v Thatto KO 2.00pm