Rugby league: Mayfield 44 - 12 Wath Brow

A great game was forecast for this NCL Premier Division third versus fourth clash at the Mayfield Sports Centre on Saturday 2 September and a great game is what it turned out to be.

In the end, it wasn't the close game that was expected, but an outstanding performance from Mayfield really gave the large crowd a spectacle worth seeing.

Mayfield fielded a strong side but with only two minutes gone, they were caught out as a nothing kick from the Brow half back somehow evaded the Mayfield defenders, and the visiting winger eased in for the opening score of the day, 0 - 4.

Mayfield switched on and began playing the rugby they have become known for this season, fast and flowing.

Centres Dakota Tolhurst and James McDade were attacking like their lives depended on it and hooker Sean Penkywicz was at the helm, steering his side around the pitch.

Despite Mayfield's pressure, it was Brow who managed the next score as they opted for the conversion when awarded a penalty for a high shot. 0 - 6. This decision at such an early stage maybe showed a little lack of self confidence from the visitors and, in turn, it seemed to pick up the Mayfield side.

Within minutes, a great crossfield move finished as Sam Wright put McDade through for a brilliant try, converted by Harry Ratcliffe, 6 - 6. Mayfield were on their game now and Brow seemed to struggle to live with them.

It was all Mayfield and a good break from Travis Long was backed up by Joe Taira, Penkywicz dictated play from acting half and put Aidy Gleeson through for the score which gave his side the lead, Ratcliffe added the two, 12 - 6.

The introduction of Dec Sheridan put Mayfield on another level, his play being completely different to Penkywicz who he replaced. Smart halfback play from Sheridan put Wright away for yet another break and he found an outstanding pass to put Tolhurst in with a chance.

Tolhurst still had a lot to do but he made it look easy as he carried four defenders over the line with him to ground the ball, Ratcliffe again added the two with a great kick from wide out, 18 - 6.

Wath Brow were not out of it by a long shot as they kept plugging away at the Mayfield line but strong defence from Dave Mills, Travis Long and Corey Newsham made sure they never got through. Mayfield nearly went further ahead when Wayne English intercepted and went 70m, only failing to score as he had to stop for oxygen on the way.

This was a very good first forty minutes for Sam Butterworth's side and the coach must have been very pleased with the way they played against what undoubtedly was quality opposition.

Mayfield started the second half like a house on fire and in only the second set Tolhurst had again crossed the line to score.

Mayfield were completely dominating Wath Brow - that's not a sentence that's used very often - and the tries came at regular intervals. With only ten minutes of the second half gone, Travis Long and then Joe Taira had both scored, Ratcliffe converting the second, 34 - 6.

Sheridan was running the show now but as he took a scoot from acting half, his luck turned as he twisted in the tackle and sustained what appeared to be a bad injury. After a lengthy stoppage, he left the field with his leg immobilised. It later turned out the leg was broken, devastating news for Dec and his team.

The disruption favoured Brow and they attempted a fightback while Mayfield were regrouping. Unfortunately for them though, when Dec left the field, Penkywicz returned and more than steadied the ship. Within minutes, he had his side back on track and even managed a try himself as he scooted in from a play the ball, 38 - 6.

With ten minutes to go, Brow were awarded a penalty in the Mayfield half and caught the home side cold with a quick tap and the half back exploited the gaps as he put his centre in for a converted score, 38 - 12.

Mayfield and Penkywicz weren't finished yet though and it was Penky who was the orchestrator again as he put in a delicate kick on the last set for Tolhurst to nip in and complete his hat trick.

Taira added the final two points for a final score of 44 - 12, Wath Brow's heaviest defeat of the season. This was a great all-round showing from Mayfield against a very good Brow side who had travelled full of confidence to avenge the defeat Mayfield inflicted on them back in May.

There were solid performances all round: Jack McConnachie never put a foot wrong and was solid in defence, while Harry Ratcliffe once again showed what a bright prospect he is.

The sponsors were split as usual with their MOM award with the ladies opting for Joe Taira while ACE Electrical and Murphy's Transport went for Sean Penkywicz.