Mayfield Preview

With the season proper due to start next week what better way for Mayfield to continue their preparations than with a Standard Cup semi final, and what better team to meet than long time rivals Saddleworth.

This week's game will be played on Sunday and should add a little something extra to the occasion.

Saddleworth were relegated from the Premier Division at the end of last season but will prove to be tough opponents.

Coaches Matt Calland and Sam Butterworth are relishing the opportunity to test their team against quality opposition.

"We have had a successful pre-season so far" said Matt Calland: "Having won all three games so far and we are looking to continue the improvement.

"In each successive game we have shown a definite improvement with players like John Stott, Paul Brearley and the two new Australians Matt Ovington and Mitch Spackman standing out already.

"The experienced players are also on song already, Todd O’brien and Eric Johnson especially are running their opposite numbers all over the park, add to this the rock solid defence of Luke Sampson and Joe Qanuici and you start to see the makings of a formidable team.

"We are exactly where we wanted to be at this stage and can’t wait for next week, but first we aim to give our all on Sunday and progress to the final of this competition."

Fixtures Sunday 24.02.13

Standard Cup semi-final; Mayfield v Saddleworth ko 2.30pm