Rugby league: Mayfield 64 - 16 Telford

Photo: The Ashton Snapper

Mason Riley going over

Mayfield took to the field on Saturday 18 January with a strong looking side for their first round game in the Betfred Challenge Cup.

New signings Jack Wright and Connor Ratcliffe couldn't wait to get a game under their belts while the inclusion of dual reg player, Joe Taira, gave the crowd and his team a boost after news in the week that Mayfield had lost their other new signing, Luke Polselli to London Broncos, before he'd even pulled on a Mayfield shirt. Another massive moment was the return to fitness of Dec Sheridan, after losing last season to a serious illness, great to see you back Dec.

Telford started the game really strongly, as expected, and they caught Mayfield out as their big prop powered through some weak tackling to score his club's first ever Challenge Cup try, 0 - 4.

Mayfield took this on the chin and it wasn't long before the floodgates opened, with Mayfield racking up 42 points in the first half. There was some great rugby and some brilliant tries as Sam Butterworth's side showed the gulf in class between the two sides. Mason Riley, Jack Wright, Deacon Connolly, Connor Ratcliffe, Max Riseham (2), and Dec Sheridan. Cole Connolly added a conversion and Ieaun Higgs slotted six over. The half was not done though and neither were Telford, after an interception saw their winger sprint 50 yards for a converted try to cut the gap before the whistle to 42 - 10.

Dec Sheridan, Riseham, Ratcliffe and Noah Lawson all put in strong performances in an action packed first half.

The Telford coach must have given a truly inspiring speech in the dressing room. When the game restarted Telford were on fire. They went close on a couple of occasions and only some superb defence from Taira, Harry Sheridan and Higgs kept them out. It took a great passage of play from the home side to get the game back on track and a good try from Higgs settled them down again, Higgs converted, 48 - 10.

Mason Riley grabbed his second and then Billy Pirouzan capitalised on some great rugby, instigated by Cole Connolly, Higgs converted both, 60 - 10.

Telford were down but certainly not out as they showed a strong team spirit and scored their third try, admittedly, with a little help from Harry Sheridan. 60 - 16. The Connolly boys rounded off the scoring with Deacon getting his second and Cole converting. 64 - 16. 

This was a good all round performance from Mayfield with some very good individual showings. Several players were pushing for the man of the match award but sponsors Dave Marcroft and the Kirkholt (very) old boys went for Max Riseham after a brilliant first half.