Mayfield preview

After last weeks excellent victory over unbeaten Bank Quay bulls in the Challenge Cup, its back to league action today (Saturday 29 January 2011) for Mayfield as they make the journey to Wigan where they face Ince rose Bridge.

Today’s fixture is a revised one, as scheduled opponents St Annes are involved in National Cup action.

Ince occupy the third spot in division one with Mayfield in fourth. To say this is a big game is something of an understatement, while defeat would not be devastating a win would certainly go a long way in the quest for promotion from division one.

Saturday’s victory saw Mayfield display a great deal of control in the face of some ‘enthusiastic’ tackling from the visitors and, apart from one uncharacteristic incident, involving full back Rob Kershaw, the restraint and discipline shown was a credit to the players. Also on show was some scintillating attacking rugby and that is what the coaching staff will be hoping to recreate this afternoon.

Butterworth noted: “Ince have a very good defensive game second only to leaders Oulton in the points conceded table so we will be working hard to break them down and get the points on the board. It is sometimes hard to motivate your side the week after a big game but there has been no sign of that this week on the training ground.

“The whole squad is raring to get back on the field and continue where we left off last week. We should have a full squad to select from and again it will be difficult but I will put out what I consider to be the best team on the day.”

Ko is 2.00 with coach departing at 12.15 all players meet as per pre match text.

After having last weeks fixture fall victim of the weather the Mayfield NWC side entertain Thatto Heath at the Mayfield Sports Centre.

After joining the division late in the season Thatto have found the going tough but they are a quality club with quality players and it’s only a matter of time before it all clicks into place for them.

Mayfield on the other hand are riding high at the moment in second spot that said they will certainly not be taking their opponents lightly training has seen the coaching staff instilling the need for concentration, communication and application, for the full eighty minutes.

Ashworth and Connelly stressed the fact that the team is still taking a break for 20 minutes and have been lucky not to be punished more often for this. Lads are improving with every game and players like Biggins, Ellis, Simpson and Lee are at their best at the moment and the rest of the team are not far behind. Ko is 2.00 players meet at club as per pre match text.

Fixtures;
Nat con div 1; Ince rose Bridge v Mayfield ko 2.00
NWC div 4 ; Mayfield v Thatto heath. Ko 2.00

The draw for the second round of the Carnegie Challenge cup was made on Monday and saw Mayfield gain a mouth watering home tie against Siddal or East Moor Dragons on 5 February.

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Mayfield would like to wish the best of luck to player and Paratrooper Sean Snape who leaves on Sunday for a tour of duty in Afghanistan.

Mr Snape has been at the club since he was twelve years old and has progressed through the Mustangs section, the academy side the NWC side and has now cemented himself a spot in the first team.

Mayfield Mustangs chairman Pete Duffy said: “Sean has been with us man and boy and has earned the respect of all at the club with his exploits both on and off the field. He is a great lad and a credit to himself. Everyone involved at Mayfield wish Sean a safe trip and a speedy return, we will keep his shirt warm for him.”