Rochdale Mayfield 29 - 16 Milllom

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Mayfield v Millom

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Mayfield got their Hattons Solicitors National Conference League Division 3 points tally off the mark on Saturday with an improved performance against stubborn Cumbrian opposition.

Millom came to The Mayfield Sports Centre on the back of a victory over Leeds side Milford, who had themselves comprehensively beaten Mayfield just two weeks ago, but coaches Matt Calland and Sam Butterworth have obviously worked hard on their charges in training and the reward was two league points.

The Cumbrians showed no ill effects of their long journey when they struck first on 5 minutes for a converted try, as Mayfield again seemed hesitant and on the back foot.

Mayfield worked their way back into the game, but the lead was increased to 8 points on 17 minutes, when Ben Butterworth, who had an outstanding game in defence, was penalised under the sticks for what appeared little more than a grab round the shoulders. A poor start, but Mayfield hit back on 25 minutes when Mark Biggins and Simon Moore made an instant impact from the bench and the forwards drove up the field prompted by Danny Moran from hooker.

Once on the Millom line, Matty Moore trusted his playmakers and Taurean Sheehan found him in the gap as he ran a great hard straight line to dive under the sticks for a Sheehan goaled try. 6 -8 became 12 - 8 when on 30 minutes wide passes from left to right in the Millom quarter, after Simon Moore had fought for territory, found Paul Brearley who dipped a shoulder and skated in between the posts. Aiden Gleeson converted. Mayfield were flying now and Millom simply had no answer to the speed of thought and deed as Taurean Sheehan chipped over the defence and Todd O'Brien kicked the ball on for the chasing Danny Moran to touch down, too wide for the conversion.

16 - 8 at half time and despite the slow start Mayfield were good value for the lead as they seemed to have found some belief and go forward, in no small part due to the direct and powerful charges of prop forwards Biggins and Gareth Ellison.

Danny Moran carried on as he had in the first half and but his break was thwarted as Taurean Sheehan lost the ball under over the line under intense pressure. Sheehan made amends on 60 minutes Ieuan Higgs collected the ball on the last tackle, mid-field, 30 meters out. A sublime side step and jink found him in space and he drew the full back to pass inside to 'T' who finished of the break. Gleeson goaled for 22 - 8 but Mayfield immediately switched off. Non communication allowed the kick off to be caught on the full by Millom and on the next tackle a simple scoot from acting half back gave the visitors a try. Millom cut the lead further on 70 minutes when Mayfield conceded two silly penalties to gift field position, then failed to move off the line to allow a soft try. 22 -14 but Mayfield regained some composure to pressure the Millom line.

Breaks by Matt Calland and Kage Duffy were only just stopped short, before Aiden Gleeson slotted over a drop goal for a 23 - 14 lead. On the last play of the last set Mayfield ran the ball and found Gleeson on the right, he tapped the ball through the line for John Foy to hack it forward into the in-goal, where Lee Bradley was first to react and touch down for a Gleeson converted try that sealed the win and points for Mayfield.

Overall Mayfield deserved the win and when they showed enthusiasm in defence and attack looked a very good side, but the hesitancy that has plagued them this campaign still reared its head at times. The loss of a couple of strike and cornerstone pack players from the season has hit the team hard and it needs someone to step up and take their place if regular success is to be found.

Team; Rob Kershaw, Kage Duffy, Matt Calland, Lee Bradley, John Foy. Paul Brearley, Taurean Sheehan. Gareth Ellison, Danny Moran, Aiden Gleeson, Matty Moores, Ben Butterworth, Terry Whalley. Simon Moore, Mark Biggins, Ieuan Higgs, Todd O'Brien.