Mayfield preview

After the disappointment of last weeks cancelled fixtures it’s all systems go at the Mayfield Sports Centre today (Saturday 12 February 2011).

There is a fantastic afternoon of rugby league in prospect with both teams in action against in form opposition. The first team are up against premier division side Siddal in the Challenge cup, while the NWC side entertain undefeated league leaders Hindley in a div 4 top of the table clash.

The Challenge Cup always draws the crowds and when you are up against a good side this is even more so. 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 a 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 we go into this game confident of our 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 with the weeks rest doing the lads good 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.

One notable absentee from Butterworth’s squad is Saqib Murtza the big forward who impressed in every outing this season has signed for London Skolars, all at Mayfield wish him well and thank him for his efforts while at the club.

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.

As mentioned the NWC side entertain runaway league leaders Hindley in a top of the table clash. The visitors are undefeated this season and in fact have only lost two games in the last two seasons, ironically both games to now defunct Rochdale side Milnrow.

Mayfield have yet to meet the Wigan side but are only too aware of the quality of the side, assistant coach Marv Connelly helping to mastermind the Milnrow victories.

“We have worked exceptionally hard at our training sessions this week,” said Ashworth, “Trying to pinpoint any deficiencies that the visitors may have. Their defence is very strong so one up rugby will not work against them. Luckily, in Andy Lee we have a an in form stand off who we hope along with Marsland will take control of the game early on and lead us round the field.

“We’ve worked hard on our set plays and we are capable of scoring from anywhere. We are missing Ellis in the forwards so we will be expecting the rest of the lads to up their work rates to compensate for this, but with Simpson and Biggins both at the top of their form at the moment we are confident we can get something from this game.”

Fixtures;
Challenge Cup, Mayfield v Siddal kick off 2.30pm
NWC div 4 Mayfield v Hindley kick off 2.00pm