Mayfield preview

Mayfield travel to promotion rivals Stanley rangers in the NCL div 4 this afternoon (Saturday 26 March 2011).

It is getting to the business end of the season now with five games left to play, Mayfield are in a good position but have one of the toughest run ins of the top four teams with most of their remaining games being against teams in the top half of the table, including one against undefeated Oulton.

That said the Rochdale side are confident in their ability to get something from most of these fixtures, so their destiny really is in their own hands.

“We registered a good win last week at Normanton but we could have played better,” said Coach Sam Butterworth

“The 28 – 16 scoreline some what flattered Normanton and didn’t really reflect the game. That’s history now and we go to Stanley looking for two points, they were well beaten last week at Myton and we are hoping they are still reeling from that.

“Our squad is not quite at full strength, there is a doubt over Todd O’Brien who injured his arm after colliding with the post in last weeks game and full back Rob Kershaw is still suspended. Apart from that its all systems go, preparation has been superb all week and we have several players hitting peak form, among them Aiden Gleeson, Ben Simpson, Andrew Maroney, and Chris Brett along with John Foy, Kristian Duffy and new boy Taurean Sheehan in the backs.

“If we play as I know we can there is no reason we can’t come back to Rochdale with the points secured.”

After last weeks dismal showing Mayfield NWC entertain Bamber Bridge at the Mayfield Sports Centre both players and coaches alike are hoping to put that performance behind them and produce the kind of rugby they know they are capable of.

“Last week’s gone,” said Coach Leon Ashworth, “The lads know they let themselves down, I had a quiet word with the team after the defeat and pointed out our failings in the game, the lads agreed and we are now looking forward to this afternoon.

“This is our last league game so we really want to make amends and finish the season on a high.

“Our opponents had a very good away victory last week so the pressure is on us to perform as a team and take the points on offer.

“Simpson, Ellis and Hancock are all doing well in the forwards add to this Kelly and Lee in the backs and we should have enough to see us past Bamber Bridge this afternoon.”

Fixtures;
Nat Con div1 Stanley rangers v Mayfield KO 2.30pm
NCL div4 Mayfield v Bamber Bridge KO 2.30pm