Mayfield preview

“This is the game we want at this stage of our season,” commented Mayfield coach Sam Butterworth as he relished the thought of in form Siddal coming to the Mayfield Sports centre this afternoon.

Siddal are one of only two undefeated teams in the whole of the national conference leagues eight groups.

This season so far has not been the best for the Rochdale side but they have hit a vein of form recently and hope to take this into today’s game.

Wins against Milford and Saddleworth have seen an increase in morale and confidence in the Mayfield camp and these are qualities which will be needed in bucket loads against Siddal, but Butterworth said: “This won’t be enough against today’s opponents; we also need to play rugby from the basics, through set plays and improved defensive strategies.

“We have a good strong squad with Aussie Taurean Sheehan having returned to the club and Atkinson facing a late fitness test.

“This is probably the strongest squad we’ve had this season, take into account the fact that O’Brien, Johnson, Moor and Moores are all hitting form and we are in with a realistic chance of turning the opposition over.”

In the sponsors Zone with ACE Electrical are Hopwood Hall lecturers Barratts Haulage of Heywood and Rochdale Boro darts. With the match ball sponsored by Unique sports.

Mayfield Alliance team are also at home today where they play hosts to Wigan St Judes. Although Judes record shows played two lost two, they are indeed a force to be reckoned with in amateur rugby league.

The Wigan side will come to Rochdale with only one aim, to turn over their hosts.

Marvin Connelly takes the reigns today in Ashworth’s absence and he is confident he can maintain the standards the coach has instilled in this young side. With several players in the squad having first team experience Connelly is expecting these players to influence the game and bring the young players through.

The Mayfield Academy is on the road today with player coach Chris Brett leading the young lads into battle once more, their opponents are as yet unconfirmed, with either Blackpool or Fitton Hill the likely candidates. With a large squad to select from Brett is in a positive frame of mind.

“We just want to play rugby - bring it on. We don’t care who our opponents are” he said.

Also prior to the first team fixture Mayfield will stage a masters game against Siddal. This is a return of the away fixture from three weeks ago and it is all about fun. Some of the elder statesmen from both clubs will take to the pitch in a contest designed to bring out the enjoyment of the game rather than be an out and out war.

Fixtures:
NCL Mayfield v Siddal kick off, 2.30pm
NCL alliance, Mayfield v St Judes kick off 2.30pm.
NWC Blackpool/ Fitton Hill v Mayfield kick off 2.30pm
Mayfield masters v Siddal kick off 1.00pm.