Rugby league: Mayfield preview

It's another big game for Mayfield on Saturday 25 March as they make the trip to Humberside to face last year's play-off grand finalists West Hull.

There is no doubt about it West Hull is a quality outfit and the game will be a great benchmark for a Mayfield side who fancy themselves to be up there where it counts come the end of the season.

The two sides have already met this season, with Wests taking the spoils back in February in the BARLA National cup.

Mayfield has gone from strength to strength since that day winning all five games played, including two impressive Betfred Challenge Cup victories away to both Cornwall and Leigh Miners.

Coaches Sam Butterworth and Steve Wood know that none of that counts for anything, West Hull will be looking for another win to cement their excellent start with two wins from two starts.

Butterworth will be looking to welcome back Sean Penkywicz and Sam Wright who both missed last weeks victory over Siddal. Wright will face a fitness test but is hopeful of being ok, the inclusion of these two players will be a massive boost for the side.

Even though Mayfield triumphed last week without them, these two lads are the playmakers and most of the game comes through them.

Team selection on Saturday will be a tough one for the coaches as the team continues to build on it's strength in depth.

"Headaches like this are good to have and it's been a while since we were in such a good position as a squad," said Butterworth.

"I'll look at the players this week in training and we will select what we feel to be the best seventeen for the game in hand. West Hull have a big mobile pack and useful halves taking them round the field. We will be going out to play our game, moving the ball in possession and stunning the opposition with some ferocious defence.

"If we turn up on the day we have enough quality in this side to fetch the two points back over the Pennines."

Andy Reid's NWML side is back in league action after the late call off of last week's fixture.

Reidy is grateful to the Army Infantry side who stepped in at short notice to provide the lads with a game. It turned out to be a right game too with the Army boasting several big Fijians in their ranks.

It was always going to be a big ask but Mayfield gave a good account of themselves with Jimmy Connaughton and Brad Gartland making a welcome return to the game.

Mayfield counted several under 18s in their numbers but never gave in and scored some good tries.

Best performers on the day were big Jimmy, Travis Holden and Tyler White. The coaches' man of the match went to Sam Hilton who put in a non-stop performance for his team.

Saturday sees the lads on the road as they make the trip to Woolston of Warrington. Woolston lost last week away at Walney so will be looking to get back to winning ways while Mayfield are looking to get their campaign moving with a good performance and an away win.

Fixtures Saturday 25 March 2023

• NCL Premier Division: West Hull v Mayfield, kick off 2.30pm
• NWML Division 2: Woolston v Mayfield, kick off 2.30pm