Rugby league: Mayfield preview

Photo: Tony Lees

Mayfield play Kells on Saturday 10 August

Kells are the visitors to the Mayfield Sports Centre this weekend for their NCL Premier Division round 19 clash.

The Cumbrians are hovering just above the drop zone, so they will be keen to take the two points which would go a long way to securing their survival in the division. They have lost the last three so, with just four games left to play this really is a must win game for them.

Mayfield on the other hand are riding high in third spot with a resounding win at Kells' neighbours Egremont last week. Coach Sam Butterworth was full of praise for his side after that game, really proud of the way his charges had responded to the changes he had had to make after both James McDaid and Sam Wright failed their fitness tests. There is a good chance that these two will make the cut this week but Butterworth isn't counting his chickens.

The team will be out for a win that is for sure with the team that finishes in third place getting that all important home tie in the play offs. Selection will be tough for the coaches after such a good performance especially with the young lads doing so well, but like Butterworth says: "It's a great headache to have."

The NWML side have no game this weekend but have a fixture on Thursday evening as last week's opponents Leigh Miners return to fulfil the fixture after it was abandoned following a nasty injury to Josh Cragg. Andy Reid and Craig White will be looking to put out a full strength squad as they, like the first team push for the play offs.

Fixture 10 August 2024

NCL Premier Division: Mayfield v Kells, 2.30pm kick off

Fixture 15 August 2024

NWML Division 2: Mayfield v Leigh Miners, 7.30pm kick off