Rugby league: Mayfield 10 - 23 Hunslet

Mayfield's season came to an abrupt end at  the Mayfield Sports Centre last Saturday at the hands of a tough, strong and well disciplined Hunslet. At the end of the day Mayfield were outclassed by their opponents in a very entertaining game of rugby league.

Sam Butterworths hopes of moving on to the semi finals were dealt a bitter blow before the game had even begun when, first, Joe Taira and then Gaz Ellison, had to pull out with injuries, knee and wrist respectively.

This left Mayfield very light in the forwards, up against, arguably, the best pack in the division.

The lads that stepped in didn't put a foot wrong, but Hunslet were just too strong. It was nip and tuck for the first ten minutes as the teams sought to establish themselves and it was Hunslet who did that first as a poor kick on the last from Mayfield was fielded easily.

The Hunslet side seemed to jump into gear and their response was just what they needed as they streamed toward the Mayfield line. A quick play the ball saw the visitors open the scoring, 0 - 6.

Mayfield reacted strongly and Noah Lawton and Dave Mills took the game back at Hunslet but there was no way through the solid defence.

There wasn't much in the game at this point, but when the Hunslet half back put in a long kick from within his own forty, Mayfield couldn't deal with it and it resulted in a 40/20 and possession back to the Yorkshiremen. Two plays later they were celebrating their second try and 0 - 12 lead.

Hunslet took control now and looked strong but Mayfield kept battling and when Deacon Connolly gathered the ball on his own twenty and raced 80m to touch down it was game back on, Cole Connolly added the two, 6 - 12.

Mayfield were unlucky not to narrow the gap further after good work from Ben Metcalf and Ieuan Higgs created a chance for Harry Sheridan, unfortunately he just came up short. Ht 6 - 12 and all to play for.

The second half started much the same as the first as both sides again fought for the upper hand, with ten minutes gone Hunslet, sensing a tight finish, uncharacteristically opted to go for the 2 after being awarded a penalty, for which James Duffy was sin binned, they missed the shot but within two minutes had managed to go over out wide after creating an overlap against a twelve man Mayfield, 6 - 16.

Mayfield never doubted themselves and kept attacking whenever they could and with a bit more luck would have scored after a great kick from Cole was almost finished off by Dakota Tolhurst.

The tails were up, epitomised by a powerful effort from Travis Long as he crossed for a try. Cole was unlucky with the conversion attempt. 10 - 16.

With ten minutes to go Mayfield suffered their second sin binning as play maker Dev Long was shown the yellow card.

The sin bins ultimately took their toll on the Mayfield side as their energy levels dropped. Hunslet sensed this but were also acutely aware of the danger the home side presented, this showed as their half back popped over a well taken drop goal to push the lead to two scores, 10 - 17.

Mayfield were out on their feet now but were still giving their all and making sure this game was a contest right up to the end, but Hunslet had the final say as they sealed the game with well worked converted try to make the final score, 10 - 23 and advanced to the next round, an away game at West Hull next week. 

Although bitterly disappointed by the defeat, Butterworth and Wood were reflective, saying 'apart from a couple of decisions that went against us and the bounce of the ball, this could have been a different story.

What the lads have done this season against the adversity is nothing short of remarkable. Me and Steve are so proud of them as a group and of the club as a whole'. 

Sam wouldn't say this, and in no way is it offered as an excuse or a moan, rather it shows just how far the club has come and what could have been, but as Sam and Woody were making their preparation they got the call that Gaz Ellison would have to drop out, due to his wrist injury.

This meant that in all there were 14 yes 14 players who were unavailable on the day, 9 of them  due to long term injuries.

When the season is analysed there is no doubt that it will be classed as an out and out success. To finish third in the country's top amateur division while having to juggle players every week, is nothing short of amazing and an absolute credit to coaches and players alike.

The coaches are especially proud of the youth players that have stepped up to the plate, from the U18's and the lads who are playing at academy level.

Not once has any of these players let themselves or the club down and everyone involved should feel an immense sense of pride at this seasons achievements.

Recruitment has already started for next season and everyone at the club is already looking forward to 2025.