Rugby league: Mayfield 52 - 6 York Acorn

Photo: Alan Wilde

Harry Ratcliffe touching down for his first try against York Acorn

A close game was expected at the Mayfield Sports Centre on Saturday 21 September as York Acorn arrived for this first round play off game.

From the kick off Mayfield knocked the ball on and the Acorn side and supporters looked fired up and expected something from it. From the resulting drop Ieuan Higgs managed to somehow regain possession. Dev Long broke upfield and found Cole Connolly in support. With only 90 seconds on the clock Connolly was converting his own try for a 6 - 0 lead.

On a good day for playing rugby league Mayfield stamped their superiority on the game as the tries came thick and fast throughout the first half. By half time Mayfield had an unassailable 34 - 0 lead thanks to tries from James McDaid, a Harry Ratcliffe brace, Deacon Connolly and Travis Long. and a further three conversions from Cole Connolly.

Acorn, had a purple patch for ten minutes before half time and were unlucky not to get on the scoresheet. Great defence from Harry Sheridan and Max Riseham kept Mayfield in command.

From the start of the second half the visitors looked more lively and pressed the Mayfield line looking for that evasive first score. It was in fact Acorn who opened the second half scoring with a well crafted try after Mayfield showed they had gone off the boil and they could have cut the deficit further but for Max Riseham's efforts on his own line.

It took until the 62 minute before Mayfield found their rhythm again as Cole Connolly bagged his second converted try. Harry Sheridan nicked another and then in the last minute Travis Long added his second and Connolly rounded of the scoring with yet another brilliant conversion.

This was Mayfield's day and they revelled in it, the Long brothers were again outstanding along with Noah Lawton Ieaun Higgs and Dave Mills. However, the man of the match award went to Cole Connolly who was outstanding and is playing some of his best rugby for years.

Mayfield now face one of the best teams in the country, and current champions, Hunslet this Saturday (21 September) at Mayfield Sports Centre. This will be a real game of rugby as the two combatants take to the field. Only a win will do, as the losers will bow out of the competition and the winners will go on to face the losers of the other day's game, Siddal or West Hull.

Sam Butterworth and Steve Wood will have a couple of headaches as they ponder on team selection. Big Joe Taira is back in contention and there are several scholarship lads who are also available. This won't be a game for the faint hearted, and that goes for the spectators as well as the players, as Hunslet are desperate to retain their crown and Mayfield are equally as keen to move a step closer to their first ever NCL Premier division title.

Fixtures 21 September 2024 - NCL Premier Division play offs round two

• Mayfield v Hunslet, 2.30pm kick off
• Siddal v West Hull, 2.30pm kick off