Oldham St Anne 28 - 29 Mayfield Alliance

Mayfield Alliance turned out probably their strongest side of the season when they faced Oldham St annes on Saturday.

Without a win, Anne's should have been easy pickings for this Mayfield team, but to their credit they set of with all guns blazing and manage to grab the first try as they caught Mayfield napping.

Stung into action the Mayfield forwards began to take control of the game, Mark Nyland ploughed his way forward, Paul Hancock found Luke Hartley who in turn got the ball out to John Foy. Foy made twenty metres before being tackled and Hancock then found John Marsland who grabbed the score which he converted himself.

Mayfield were playing some outstanding rugby and when John Foy took advantage of a penalty with a quick tap he showed a clean pair of heels to go over from 30 metres, Marsland converted.

Marsland grabbed his second shortly after, following good work from Jake Johnson and James Percy.

Mayfield were in total control at this stage, making a mockery of their league position.

A big hit from Anthony Bamford dislodged the ball on the half way line, Craig White pounced and made 20 metres before finding the supporting Marsland who completed his hat trick.

Then came the now expected Mayfield melt down, as they gave away unnecessary penalties and totally lost their discipline.

Anne's made the most of this and pulled back a try just before half time.

The alarm bells were ringing for the coaching staff and stand in coach Anthony Greaves laid down the law at the interval, unfortunately his charges took no notice and were in complete disarray for the next 20 minutes while Anne's racked up four unanswered tries to take the lead.

The score could have been worse but for some sterling work in defence by James Kelly, Luke Hartley, and Sean Hill.

Constant prompting from Paul Hancock, Andy Lee and Ben Duffy kept Mayfield in the hunt and reignited the forwards, giving the Rochdale side opportunities to draw level.

Chris McCormack went close, as did Jake Johnson, but it took the power and pace of Anthony Bamford to break the resolute Anne's defence and get his side back on level terms.

Both sides had opportunities for the drop goal; Mayfield opted for the power play and failed to score, Anne's reclaimed possession and forged to the Mayfield line where their attempted drop goal sailed wide.

Mark Nyland then James Kelly, James Percy and Chris McCormack drove up field with one minute to go on the fifth tackle. Paul Hancock found John Marsland forty yards out, with the crowd and the coaches urging him on Marsland slotted the ball straight through the posts to claim the victory and send the Mayfield contingent wild.

Once again Mayfield showed they are capable of playing quality rugby but also showed they can put themselves under unnecessary pressure allowing their opponents chances to win.

Best on the day for Mayfield were Chris McCormack and Andy Lee with Marsland's contribution also worthy of note.

Mayfield Team: Anthony Bamford, Sean Hill, John Foy, Luke Hartley, Dylan O’Shea, James Kelly, Ben Duffy, Mark Nyland, Paul Hancock, James Percy, Jake Johnson, Chris McCormack, Craig White, John Marsland, Andy Lee, Jason Hesketh, Chris Leach.