North West Counties Division 4: Mayfield Academy 34- 24 Westhoughton

Rochdale Mayfield turned out three teams again last Saturday and the third team – an ‘academy’ team of promising young players supported by a few old heads, did the Club proud with a fine home win over a determined Westhoughton team.

A tough opening quarter saw both sides make mistakes, but Mayfield were the first to take advantage as under 18 player Luke Senior scythed through off pass from under 17 Jack Ashworth.

Ashworth and Senior were stand out players in the backs and were ably supported by the tireless Ben Widdup and the ageless Andy Battersby in the forwards.

Widdup drove strongly for the line on the stroke of half time and fed Dean Hartley who when held just short of the line, produced a sublime offload to the rampaging Adam Pirouzan to crash over. 12-4 at half time and the Mayfield youngsters were answering the questions of the larger Westhoughtners, and asking questions in attack.

Mayfield flew out of the blocks in the second half, as they put the game beyond doubt in the first 10 minutes of the second half. Jack Ashworth was unstoppable as he stepped through the cover for a try, and Doug Carre matched this feat with strong direct running to break the line and fancy footwork to beat the fullback.

Ryan Drennan and Anthony Greaves added further tries and despite a spirited comeback from Westhoughton late in the game, Mayfield ran out comfortable winners.