Mayfield Preview

Leigh Miners are the visitors today as Mayfield’s Alliance team’s season draws to a close.

Miners are unbeaten this season and, indeed a formidable side. That said they were lucky to take the spoils in their home fixture, as unforced errors allowed them to gain the advantage and claim a 28 – 26 victory.

Mayfield are well aware that they had victory in their sights and know what is required of them this afternoon.

“We have worked hard in training pinpointing what we now know as their weaknesses,” said coach Leon Ashworth, “We spotted a couple of the side who are a bit weak in defence and we aim to capitalise on this as we go all out for the win.”

He continued: “There is nothing surer than the fact that we want to beat the visitors and we know we have the capabilities to do it.

“With a big set of forwards being bossed around the park by in form Paul Hancock, and John Marsland making the backs do the work.

“Also this season Jack Ashworth has been a revelation since he stepped up from the academy side.

“We haven’t focused solely on the opposition we have our own strengths and we intend to play to them. Hopefully we have enough to take the two points on offer and finish our season in style.”

The academy side are on the road again today as they travel to St Helen’s where they face Wild Boars in the challenge bowl cup competition.

Wild Boars are a decent side and in the division above Mayfield, but this won’t deter the young side, who after last week’s spirited performance, are keen to face better opposition.

Team manager, Ian Kershaw, said: “We struggled for a side last week after late cry offs and travelled with only 15 fit players, this week should be different and we have prepared well for the cup game.

“We won’t know the team until Ashworth has selected his seventeen for the Alliance game but we do know that who ever we put out will give 100 per cent for Mayfield.

“We have some good young lads like Luke Hartley, Ryan Drennan and Ben Emerson. Along with the more experienced campaigners like myself, Andy Battersby, and Phil Cockayne so we have a good mix and are looking forward to today’s game.”

Fixtures:
NCL Alliance; Mayfield v Leigh Miners. Kick Off 2.00pm
NWC bowl; Wild Boar v Mayfield. Kick Off. 2.00pm

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Death of Bob Rushton.

A spokesperson for Mayfield said: “All at Mayfield were saddened to hear of the death of keen supporter Bob Rushton who passed away last week after a long illness. Bob followed Mayfield for many years and even after relocating to Blackpool he was still a staunch follower of rugby league in Rochdale. This year’s youth festival at Mayfield was named in honour of Bob. The thoughts of all at the club are with his family.”