Rugby League: Mayfield preview

Wayne Bannister will be hoping to have an impact on the result

Mayfield have another tough game on Saturday afternoon (27 July) as they continue their fight to remain in the top flight.

They have tough Cumbrian opposition in their way again in the shape of Egremont Rangers.

Coaches Sam Butterworth and Steve Wood will be hoping for a similar performance from their side to the one they gave last week against top of the table Wath Brow, when Mayfield could have gone on to win the game but fell just short. Egremont are in fourth position and have six defeats against them, so again they are beatable.

Two major factors in last weeks showing were the return of Zac Hartley and the first half performance of James Tilley. Hartley seemed to unite the team and gave them direction whereas Tilley added a degree of steel both in attack and defence as he approaches match fitness. The forwards appeared to be more composed last week against Wath Brown and at times dominated the opposition which is something they haven't done much of this season.

Nick Hargreaves, Shaun Hurley, Mark Biggins, Luke Fowden all played well and were marshalled by Dec Sheridan and Cole Connolly.The backs, bossed by Hartley used the space created with Rob Kershaw and Wayne Bannister both making yards. 

If the side play as well this week and do it for the full eighty minutes they have the capability to overturn Egremont, pick up two points and begin the fight for survival. 

The NWML side have a long trip to Cumbria to face Walney Central.

Walney like Mayfield have struggled this season having only two wins under their belt. If the Mayfield lads can get their acts together this is a fixture they are capable of winning and salvage a little pride from a so far dire campaign. All lads are urged to get to the club early for the trip.  

Fixtures 27 July 2019

• NCL Premier Division: Mayfield v Egremont KO 2.30pm
• NWML Premier Division: Walney v Mayfield KO 2.30pm