Mayfield preview
Date published: 24 September 2011
Rochdale Mayfield will entertain local rivals Saddleworth Rangers today (24 September) in a National conference league clash.
Like Mayfield, Saddleworth have had a disappointing start to the season winning only one of their five outings, Mayfield however, have had three or four players return to action recently and are looking good and feeling confident.
Last week’s win over Milford was an illustration of what they are capable of, especially the first forty minutes when they totally dominated the opposition.
“Admittedly we have taken time to hit any kind of form this season,” said coach Sam Butterworth, “But now we have I feel sure we will carry on improving. This season is all about preparing for the switch to summer rugby in 2012 and that is what we are building towards at the moment.
“We have three home games on the trot, last week’s victory over Milford, today’s game against Saddleworth and then next week’s return fixture against Siddal which will be a real tester for us and will hopefully show both us and our supporters how far we have come.
“Johnson, O`Brien and Higgs are adding that touch of class at the moment and the other lads are responding to that.”
Mayfield Alliance face a massive test today as they travel to Leigh where they face the challenge of Leigh Miners Rangers.
Leigh are a quality outfit with class players throughout the squad and Mayfield will have to be at the top of their game to overcome them.
That said Mayfield have won both their opening games comfortably and are brimming with confidence.
“There is a new found optimism around the club at the moment,” said coach Ashworth, “And players from all three open age teams are going out hoping to win every game.
“We will travel to Leigh today with certain expectations and as long as we fulfil those i will be happy.”
Fixtures:
NCL Group D, Mayfield v Saddleworth kick off 2.30pm
NCL Alliance Leigh MR v Mayfield kick off 2.30pm
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