Rugby league: Mayfield 32 - 14 Heworth

Date published: 22 May 2024

Heworth arrived at Mayfield Sports Centre on Saturday 18 May fourth from bottom and with only three wins to their name, but for most of the first half they matched their hosts in every department and even managed to score the first try.

It took Mayfield a while to settle into any kind of rhythm in a scrappy first half hour but once they did, they controlled the rest of the game. Much of this was down to Max Riseham and his refusal to be tackled every time he touched the ball. Riseham's strength and determination saw him score a first half hat trick which left his side leading 18 - 4 at half time.

Heworth tightened up their defence after the break and it was fifteen minutes before Dakota Tolhurst managed to get on the end of a neat Dev Long kick for the first score of the second half, 22 - 4.

Harrison Chappell, Gaz Ellison and Elijah Ponton worked tirelessly to help Mayfield regain the upper hand. With several players missing, Butterworth and Wood called on the youth and they didn't disappoint, with James Duffy on the wing and debutant Noah Lawson in the middle standing out.

Sam Wright and Dev Long were now running the show, made easier by the quality of ball they were getting from Lewis Ainley and Sean Slater. The Heworth line was holding strong until Travis Long took them on and tore them to pieces to score from the half way with defenders grabbing at air, 26 - 4.

An uncharacteristic lapse in the Mayfield defence saw Heworth score next to cut the gap, 26 - 8.

Lawson capped a useful debut when he picked up a loose ball and steamrollered the Heworth defenders for a great try, converted by Parr, 32 - 8.

In great spirit which belies their league position, Heworth never gave in and even managed to have the last say with a converted score to make it 32 - 14 at the final whistle.

This was not the finest Mayfield performance of the season, but coach Butterworth said after the game: "I was really proud of the lads today. We are doing it tough at the minute, with so many players missing.

"The lads who came in have really impressed, Noah Lawson and James Duffy from the U18s along with Harrison Chappell from the A team, were a credit to themselves and the club. Up front Gaz Ellison and Travis long were awesome and laid the foundation for the victory."

Photos: Tony Lees