Rugby league: Mayfield preview

Mayfield, as seems to be the norm over recent weeks, were under the cosh before they even took to the field on Humberside last week. Once again Sam Butterworth and Steve Wood had to name six under 18s in their team.

Games against West Hull are never easy games and this one was no exception. At 14 - 0 down after half an hour it looked like the hosts could run away with it. Mayfield had other ideas and the troops rallied as Dev Long crossed to narrow the gap, 14 - 4.

As if to compound their woes Mayfield lost Hamlett to a red card before half time.

After the break Mayfield went straight at Hull and cut the gap even further as Rafael Van Osselaer scored on his debut, 14 - 8.

This was a tough but scrappy game and when a fight broke out half way through the second half both sides had two players red carded each, making it eleven against ten.

The effort the Mayfield ten put in was unbelievable, there were gaps all over the pitch but the boys in blue and white ran themselves into the ground in an effort to shut the opposition out but it was just a matter of time really before they scored a converted try, 20 - 8.

That's how the score finished and Mayfield were glad to see the end of a game in which everything seemed to be stacked against them. Butterworth commented that he was immensely proud of the way his charges had performed in extremely adverse conditions.

After last week Sam is hoping to be welcoming a couple of his injured players back for this weekend's game against West Bowling for the last league game of the season.

The Bradford based side have had an up and down season with some outstanding results and some poor ones. They are in 8th place and have an outside chance of still making the play offs, other results would have to go for them and they would have to win well today, so an absolute battle is guaranteed.

Mayfield really need the win to assure themselves a third place finish and that all important home game in next weeks play offs.

All the ingredients are there for a classic game of rugby league and a sizable crowd is expected to see this one. Whatever team selected, the coaches are confident that they will have enough in reserve to win this one and secure that home tie come next week.

Andy Reid takes his side down to Widnes on Saturday to face second placed West Bank Bears. Bank are a very good side and a tough game is in prospect for the young NWML side. An extra incentive for the boys is that a win today could see them finish third in a very competitive division. 

Both of these Mayfield sides deserve a lot of credit for the way they have performed this season as injuries have taken their toll. The lads who have stepped up to fill the gaps have shown an exemplary attitude and have shown that the future at Mayfield is bright for sure.

Fixtures 7 September 2024

• NCL Premier Division: Mayfield v West Bowling, 2.30pm kick off
• NWML Division 2: West Bank v Mayfield, 2.30pm kick off