Mayfield Alliance 2 - 12 Halton Farnworth

Mayfield Alliance entertained league champions Halton Farnworth Hornets at the Mayfield Sports Centre on Saturday.

Halton, having lost only once this season, were crowned champions last week and arrived expecting a walk in the park. Mayfield however had other ideas and set out looking to upset their visitors in a first half that belied their lowly league position.

The defence on show from both sides was immense with some big hits going in all over the pitch. Particularly impressive on the defensive front were Kristian Duffy, Chris Leach, Andre Durrand and Mark Nyland.

Mayfield were unlucky not to take the lead when Jake Johnson was held up over the line after good work from James Percy and Craig White allowed Paul Hancock to pop up a neat ball for the onrushing Johnson.

With the game developing into a defensive battle Mayfield opted to kick for goal when awarded a penalty and duly took the lead 2- 0 as John Marsland converted.

This remained the score until deep into the second half when Halton crafted two converted tries as Mayfield tired.

This was a great game and a great performance from Mayfield showing once again that they are only a couple of players away from being real contenders in the league.

Andy Lee and Paul Hancock were, as usual, at the heart of everything that Mayfield did while James Percy and Nick Hargreaves put in good second half performances.

Also on the plus side there were returns to action for Durrand and Danny Walker after long lay offs.

Mayfield Team: Sean Hill, Kristian Duffy, Nick Hargreaves, Chris Leach, Andre Durrand, Andy Lee, John Marsland, Mark Nyland, Paul Hancock, James Percy, Craig White, Anthony Greaves, Jake Johnson, Eric Johnson, Curly Kershaw, Aidan Gleeson, Danny Walker