Preview: Derby day at Mayfield

Any one who has ever played or been involved in team sports of any kind is well aware that there is nothing more exciting, more unpredictable than a local derby. Well get ready rugby fans because there’s not just one, but two derby’s on show at the Mayfield sports centre today (Saturday 12 March 2011).

The first team face arch rivals Oldham St Anne’s in the National Conference division one game, while the seconds entertain the team they have already faced twice in the league season the Rochdale Cobra’s in a NWC cup game.

St Anne’s come to Mayfield today having lost to Myton Warriors last week while their hosts defeated Stanningley to maintain their grip on the third spot in division one, but form counts for nothing in these games it’s all about passion and the will to win and these elements will be there in bucket loads today.

Mayfield are slowly regaining some of their early season form and again producing some quality rugby.

New signing Taurean Sheehan made his debut last week at Stanningley and made a big difference to an already good side. Also in the running again this week will be the returning Matt Gartland who returned to the club last week after a spell in the wilderness. Several players are hitting form at the moment with Foy, Duffy, Gleeson and O’Brien in particular showing that extra touch of class.

Coach Butterworth still beaming after last weeks performance said: “The lads could have sat back after beating Stanningley but to their credit they have responded well with a fantastic effort at training, and are chomping at the bit to get at St Anne’s.

“Derby games are what it’s all about and I will be expecting a supreme effort to dispatch the opposition. We are producing quality rugby right through the side, where as in the past it’s been either the backs or the forwards doing well, now from 1 to 17 we are producing the goods. If we take this into today’s game St Anne’s shouldn’t be able to live with us.”

Sponsors today in the Ace Electrical sponsors suite are Recruitment Solutions and Kevin Brett Building Services With the match ball being sponsored by Unique Sports.

With the honours even this season the NWC side face Rochdale Cobra’s in a NWC bowl cup game. Cobra’s and Mayfield occupy the second and fourth spots in div 4 and over the two games played already have proved to be two evenly matched sides.

As with the senior side Mayfield are keen to get on the field for the derby day experience, as coaches Ashworth and Connelly commented: “These are the games you want to play in there’s always an added edge when competing in a local derby.

“Both sets of players know each other, both on and off the field, so we as coaches have to try and work something different into the game, possibly with the use of set plays, maybe just by upping the mental attitude and the will win. Whoever walks onto the pitch today with the most desire and the right mental attitude will be the team that progresses to the next round of the cup.

“We have a fully fit squad and are training well like the first team we are also playing well as a team. All we need to do is play a bit smarter and cut the penalties and we can beat anyone on our day.

“Lee, Simpson, Kelly and Nyland are all playing well at the minute with youngsters Johnson and Duffy developing with every game.”

Fixtures; Nat Con div 1 Mayfield v St Annes ko 2.30; NWC div 4 Mayfield v Cobras