Rugby league: Mayfield preview

Photo: Ian Nield

Dec Sheridan has returned to training and could be available for selection this weekend

If you enjoy your rugby league then the Mayfield Sports Centre is the place to be tomorrow. There are three games on Saturday 23 July; Rochdale Masters start the afternoon with a 12.30pm kick off followed by the NWML Division 3 side and the main event, the NCL Premier Division game.

Sam Butterworth and Steve Wood will be looking for a big improvement on last week when their Mayfield side take on Castleford Lock Lane. Their opponents this afternoon have been more up than down this season but they have also had some unexpected defeats, most recently losing to Leigh Miners. Last week, however, they reverted to form as they despatched Wath Brow 14 - 0.

After a decent enough start at Hunslet CP last week Mayfield showed their frailties and lack of confidence. Two tries disallowed and the heads went down and there was no way back. This week against Lock Lane, who are just below Hunslet in the table, Mayfield will have to improve in every department, mental as well as physical. With players coming back this week, the coaches have more to work with and as always they are hopeful they can turn things around. This week has seen Ieuan Higgs, Wayne English, Dec Sheridan, Reece Hamlett and Si Moore all training and all could be pushing for places today.

Andy Reid and Craig White along with the NWML side welcome Widnes side Halton Simms Cross. Mayfield are still sitting proudly on top of division three and will be looking to strengthen their position. Reidy is looking to strengthen his relatively young side as the senior players return to the NCL side. With a big mobile pack and quick creative halfbacks there is no reason why they won't take the points today.

First up is Carl Abrahams' Rochdale Masters side who entertain Golborne Parkside in what should be a closely fought contest. It's been a while since the Masters' last outing so they will be raring to go today.

Its going to be a busy day and as always Mayfield stress the importance of respecting its neighbours. Please drive carefully and park responsibly. The overspill carpark by the Keswick Street gate will be open and in use.

Fixtures Saturday 23 July 2022

• Rochdale Masters v Golborne Parkside, kick off 12.30pm
• NWML Division 3: Mayfield v Halton Simms Cross, kick off 2.30pm
• NCL Premier Division: Mayfield v Lock Lane, kick off 2.30pm