Mayfield preview

The Challenge Cup is once more the focus of attention at the Mayfield Sports Centre this afternoon (Saturday 5 January 2011) as Mayfield take on the mighty Siddal in the second round tie.

Siddal are a quality side with a quality pedigree currently in joint second spot in the NCL premier division and having featured in the grand final for the last two seasons.

This really is a tough game for the hosts, but it is also a game they are relishing.

Sam Butterworth was left rubbing his hands when he heard the draw. He said: “If you play any sport you want to test yourself against the best, and Siddal are up there at the moment showing that they are certainly among the best amateur teams in the country.

“After our recent performances however we fear no one. In our last game against Bank Quay we showed we will not be intimidated and we also showed we can play first class rugby. They were undefeated and came to us with victory in their minds, but we totally outclassed them and we showed steel in our game that we haven’t shown all season. If we apply ourselves in the same manner this afternoon we are in with a shout of progressing to the next round.”

The Mayfield forwards have dominated their opposition in most if not all games so more of the same is expected from them, and the backs have improved week on week so they go into this game confident of their abilities and knowing that given the bounce of the ball Siddal are there for the taking.

There was a clean bill of health at training this week and also the return of Damian Gibson so there are, once again selection headaches for the coaches but as always Butterworth will put out what he deems to be the best seventeen for the game.

In the Zone with Ace electrical this week are Tony and Phyl Pratt of Tony Pratt Property Development. Tony and Phyl are long term friends and sponsors of Mayfield and indeed rugby league in the town in general, and the Mayfield committee and players would like to extend a heart felt thanks to them for their continued support.

Match ball sponsors are Unique Sports.

The NWC side play at Waterhead today in a rescheduled fixture. The Oldham side are having a struggle this season and are languishing near the foot of division four while Mayfield are riding high in second spot. This counts for nothing though in a derby game like this where age old rivalries reign supreme.

Ashworth and Connelly have a full squad to select from and have been looking closely at all the players in the training sessions this week.

“Everybody is playing well and it will be tough to leave anyone out for this game but we will put out what we think is the best team to take the two points on offer,”said Ashworth

Fixtures;
Challenge Cup, Mayfield v Siddal ko 2.00
NWC div 4 Waterhead v Mayfield ko 2.00