Eccles 40 - 8 Rochdale Mayfield

Mayfield’s winter league side returned to action on Saturday with a defeat at Eccles. Despite the 40 – 8 score line coach Derek Buckley was pleased with both the performance and the attitude shown by the players. The idea of these remaining winter games is now to prepare the side for the fast approaching summer season.

“Nothing is better for match fitness than playing competitive games, although Saturday’s outing was somewhat one sided, as Eccles fielded a side comprising mostly of their National Conference team. They were bigger faster and stronger than us,” said Derek Buckley: “But we never took a backward step and showed great spirit scoring two great tries and even dominating play for spells.

"Craig White was a revelation showing the way forward and urging his team mates on in a performance that belied his years.

"Paul Hancock was as always at the heart of everything that Mayfield did as was Sean Hill at full back, tackling everything that came near him, his tackle count of thirty two was testament to his effort especially when you take into account the size of the Eccles pack."

Mayfield’s first try after strong play from Andy Battersby and Joe Harte drove their team into the opposition half Billy Percy then made more yards before White took the ball to the Eccles defensive line where he found the gap before slipping the ball to Danny Chrimes who squeezed over.

The second try was a real team effort with Jake Johnson and Anthony Bamford particularly involved allowing Battersby space to burst the line and find James Percy who powered over.

Team

Sean Hill, Gavin Lowe, Jake Johnson, Billy Percy, Danny Chrimes , Craig White, Paul Hancock, James Percy, Andy Battersby, Curly Kershaw, Paul Carmody, Mark Nyland, Joe Harte, George Yewdale, Danny walker, Dunc Simpson Andy Lee.

After last weeks victory over Hornets u 20s Mayfield NCL play their first competitive game as they travel to Oldham where they face St Annes in the Oldham Standard Cup.

As holders, Mayfield will looking for a good performance in their defence of the trophy. This season sees some big changes for the Mayfield side with six new players joining the squad and pushing for a place in the starting line up. Returning to the club are Halfback John Stott, forward Adam Dybdall and utility back Kieran Harmer.

All three played their junior rugby at Mayfield before gaining experience with pro clubs and it is with great pride that they are welcomed back to the club.

Also joining this season are three new Australian signings centre/second row Wayne Ryburn, prop Mitch Spackman and Matt Ovington who plays anywhere in the backs.

Coaches Sam Butterworth and Matt Calland are delighted with the quality of the new arrivals, "this gives us more strength in depth," said Calland, "and allows us to experiment a bit with the team before the season starts on 3 March".

"Training has been fantastic with the players showing a real hunger for the game. This game should show us where we are with our preparations and we are keen to get going."

The NWC side have a home fixture against St Helens side Thatto Heath after last weeks efforts the lads are looking forward to this game to see if they can continue with their improvements. There will be a real competition for places with more players returning in readiness for the summer competition, starting in march.

Fixtures 9 February 
Standard Cup, St Anne's v Mayfield ko 2.00
NWC, Mayfield v Thatto Heath ko 2.00