Mayfield preview

Rochdale Mayfield NCL make the short trip to Oldham this afternoon (10 March) where they face Oldham St Anne’s in the Standard Cup.

St Anne’s were on the wrong end of a 32 – 10 score line at York Acorn last week.

It’s been many years since Mayfield faced today’s opponents in this competition and a full blooded encounter is guaranteed.

Mayfield’s opening league game against Hunslet last week was probably the perfect preparation for a local derby against fierce rivals.

It was a patchy performance to say the least, last week but there was some encouraging signs as Mayfield got to grips with a very big, physical side.

“Anne’s will want to win this one and will turn out their best side, as will we,” said Mayfield coach Matt Calland.

“They are a good side and are always hard to beat on their own pitch with the noisy Oldham crowd, but we will be going all out for a victory here.

“Saqib Murtza, Ben Simpson and Liam Whaley caused problems for Hunslet and we will be looking for more of the same here.

“Tod O’Brien will drive the forwards round the pitch and Eric Johnson will be looking to impress in his home town.

“We felt we had a strong squad for our first game but hopefully we will be adding to that with Taurean Sheehan, Simon Moore and Kristian Duffy looking like being available for today.”

Also in action this afternoon Mayfield NWC travel to Oldham. Their opponents are Fitton Hill. The two teams have met twice already this season with the honours even. The performances from the NWC side have been patchy so far and this afternoon is chance to get a roll going after last weeks win over Ashton.

Fixtures;
Oldham Cup - St Anne’s v Mayfield kick off 2.00pm
NWC div 4 - Fitton Hill v Mayfield kick off 2.00pm.