Mayfield preview

Leeds based Milford Marlins are the opponents this weekend for Mayfield in the NCL Division 1.

Milford won their first league outing quite convincingly against Stanningley. They then went on to lose a thrilling Challenge Cup tie at second division Normanton Knights.

Mayfield go into this one having beaten fellow Division 1 side St Anne's last week and are raring to go.

Coaches Matt Calland and Sam Butterworth have been discussing the benefits of last weeks victory: “Not only was it important to get to the final of that competition, it was also important that we beat our fellow Division 1 challengers.

"We played some great rugby and were consistent in both attack and defence. Carl Abrahams, SaqibMurtza, Si Moore and Matty Moores were particularly impressive on the defensive front, while Eric Johnson, Tod O’Brien and Ben Duffy were at the heart of everything we did in attack.

"There have been some tough games for Mayfield at Milford over the years and this one will be no different,

it will be a lot tougher than last week's fixture. Milford are a hard side to beat, especially on their own

pitch.

"Most of Milford's play emanates from their scrum half, so this week at training we have worked on

closing him down.

"Things are looking good and there is a confidence in the squad that was missing up to a couple of weeks ago so we are just looking forward to getting on the pitch this weekend and doing the job.

"Team selection will be a lot harder this week with Taurean Sheehan and Ben Simpson available after missing

last week's victory.

Mayfield’s NWC side from last year are now playing in the unlikely titled North West Men's League Division 2.

This weekend they face their first test as they entertain Latchford at the Mayfield Sports Centre. It’s quite a few years since the sides last met so nobody knows what to expect. One thing is for sure though, Mayfield will be going all out for the win.

Coaches Leon Ashworth and Marvin Connolly have been pleased with the preparation for the game and again team selection will prove tough with a large squad to choose from.

"We will put out what we consider to be our best seventeen on the day", said Ashworth. "We have some good young lads at the club and I think we have enough about us to turn Latchford over."

Fixtures
NCL Div 1; Milford Marlins v Mayfield KO 2.00pm
NWML, Div 2; Mayfield v Latchford KO 2.30pm