Rugby league: Heworth 16 - 28 Mayfield

Cole Connolly, Deacon Connolly and proud dad Marvin Connolly before Deacon's debut at Heworth

In a hard fought game at York on Saturday 27 July, Mayfield showed their the strength of their squad as they ran out winners against Heworth.

Fielding a team with six players aged 18 or under this was always going to be a tough ask for the Rochdale side and when Heworth took an the lead after just three minutes with an unconverted try in the corner, the task looked even tougher, 4 - 0.

This game was a credit to both sides as they moved the ball wide at every opportunity, playing some really entertaining rugby, it was a proper end to end affair and the next try was going to be important. Through grit, determination  and no shortage of skill, Mayfield Winger Max Riseham grabbed the score that levelled the game for his side, 4 - 4.

Both sides continued to play rugby and Heworth's performance belied their league position as they once more took the lead as their big centre powered over by the sticks for an easily converted try, 10 - 4.

It took Mayfield until just before the half time whistle before they could level the scores again, this time through Lewis Butterworth, who was impressive at loose forward, Parr added the two points, 10 -10.

Both sides must have been happy with the way the game was going but Mayfield's coach knew his side still had more to give, and they did this in the second half. The first half of the second half saw Mayfield take the game to the home side and Heworth just couldn't live with it as first Dakota Tolhurst and then Jordan Parr pushed Mayfield in front, Parr converted both tries to give Mayfield a 10 - 22 advantage.

Heworth showed a great fighting spirit as they refused to lie down and when their stand off jinked through a gap to score from 30 yards out it was game on again, 16  - 22.

Once again the game was finally balanced and it showed, as both sets of players gave their all to claim the victory. Mayfield had more to give and a well crafted try from industrious hooker Sean Slater, converted by Parr, sealed the game and the all important two points. This was a consummate performance from Mayfield under difficult circumstances.

With such a young side and the home team fighting for survival this game could have gone either way but Mayfield pulled it out of the bag when it mattered and at the end of the day were just too good for Heworth. The Mayfield forwards were once again strong but they were mobile as well and the backs fed off their supremacy to seal a well earned victory.

Man ofthe match went to Dev Long at scrum half who once again showed what great acquisition he has been for the club. Special mention also for Deacon Connolly who on his debut looked strong, confident and gifted as he weighed in with three try assists. Deacon follows in the family footsteps with dad Marvin and brothers Cole and Cameron all having played for Mayfield's first team.