Mayfield Masters v Siddal Masters

Mayfield Masters made it four adult teams turning out for Mayfield on Saturday when they were first up at The Mayfield Sports Centre in Castleton facing Siddal Masters in a curtain raiser to the big National Conference game.

Mayfield stalwarts including Tony Hilton, Steve Wood, Shaun and Steve Gartland and Niel Wood put on a great display of open, if somewhat gentler, Rugby League.

Andy Battersby and Dave Ramsbottom showed that despite being (just) over 35, they still had the silky skills and Ryan Wilson and Dave Widdup provided the necessary ‘speed’ on the flanks.

In the withering heat, both teams worked up a considerable thirst as they powered to a draw (as all Masters games end). Highlights of the game were Steve Gartland’s 40 yard ‘show and go’ try and Tony Hiltons ‘down in one’ isotonic lager straight after the final whistle.

Masters is a modified version of Rugby League for over 35 year olds. Games are competitive but the rules are structured towards player safety and enjoyment.