Mayfield preview

Rochdale Mayfield are hoping it’s third time lucky this week after two Challenge Cup cancellations due to the weather.

The forecast is definitely more favourable and the probability is that the game against Gloucestershire All Golds will be on. 

The delay will probably work in Mayfield’s favour with their injured players having had time to recover.

Matty Moores is back in the squad after a shoulder problem and that is a big plus for the side as he is the type of player who will lead the defensive line from the front.

In a cup tie like today’s, defence is of the utmost importance, if the opposition get points on the board early on there is no telling what can happen.

The big Mayfield pack will be hoping that they can dominate their opposite numbers and that the backs can then capitalise on the space that will be available.

Coaches Sam Butterworth and Matt Calland are confident that if their team perform to their potential Gloucestershire will not be able live with them.

“I know our season hasn’t started yet so we may be a bit rusty,” said Calland, “But with the quality available to us and the intensity we are used to playing at we should have too much for the All Golds. That said we are not for one second underestimating them, they are a good side and have had some good results so we have been going all out at training and will be putting out the strongest side available to us.”

Match sponsors in the Zone with Ace Electrical, are Kevin Brett Construction and Hannan Electrical, along with match ball sponsors Unique Sports.

The Mayfield NWC side are also hoping to be back in action this afternoon as they visit Leigh East.

Leigh are one of the front runners in the division and as always will prove to be tough opponents on their own patch.

Coach Joe Harte will be hoping the long lay off hasn’t take the edge of the side as they were playing some good rugby before the enforced break.

He said: “It’s always tough at Leigh and will be even tougher without having games under our belt. As always we will have the blend of youth and experience with players from 16 to 50 years of age, but we know that to a man each and every player on that pitch this afternoon will give their all for Mayfield.”

Fixtures:
Challenge cup, Mayfield v Gloucestershire All Golds, kick off: 2.00pm.
NWC div 4, Leigh East v Mayfield kick off: 2.30pm.