Mayfield review

Mayfield have a home fixture today with the visit of undefeated Wigan St Jude.

After their thrilling victory over Millom last week Mayfield could have been excused for resting on their laurels. Nothing could be further from the truth, with the visit today of St Jude, coaches Matt Calland and Sam Butterworth have intensified the training schedule, with all players knowing the importance of this fixture at this stage of the season. To win would give the side a massive boost and move them up the table again.

“We have put together a run of impressive victories” said Calland, “but last week's was the most satisfying, with everyone involved fulfilling their role.

"The forwards were particularly impressive with Joe Q, Si Moore, Matty Moores Ben Butterworth and Eric Johnson head and shoulders above their opposite numbers.

"Also the play makers were in fine form, Paul Brearley, Todd O’Brien and Sam Butterworth brought the team together in a way they have struggled to achieve in some games.

“The most pleasing aspect for us as coaches was the way we maintained the intensity for the full eighty minutes and even when tiring we kept our discipline and didn’t give away too many penalties”.

“Another pleasing aspect of the game was the way the team responded after conceding two quick tries just after half time. Some teams would have folded after that but not this Mayfield side, they maintained their composure stuck to the game plan and if anything upped the intensity to fight their way back and at times dominate the opposition.

“Today’s visitors St Jude are sitting on top of the division having only dropped one point out of seven games, so they will be formidable opponents.

“They also boast several international players but we know if we perform like we did last week we have enough quality in the ranks to cause an upset.”

On top of last week's squad Calland and Butterworth look likely to have Aidan Gleeson, Kristian Duffy and Matt Ovington back in contention for places.

In the sponsors box along with Ace Electrical for today’s game are Danielle and friends, Barrets of Heywood and Bradleys Buffets.

Also at the Mayfield Sports Centre today the NWML side play hosts to local rivals Saddleworth Rangers.

Mayfield had a fantastic victory last week over Leigh Miners in the cup and are now relishing the opportunity to take on someone in their own division. The performance last week was almost faultless and had coach Derek Buckley and Anthony Greaves in rapture.

“This is the sort of rugby we are capable of” said Buckley, “and we will be looking for more of the same today. We included players last week who had plenty of NCL experience and depending on first team call ups should have more or less the same squad available to us this afternoon.

"Our forwards last week were very good but it was the backs who scored the tries with Neil Connolly being involved in almost everything that happened, John Foy and Alex West were also impressive in the backs while James Percy and Jake Johnson caught the eye in the pack.

"If the side performs to their ability today we should be good enough to take the two points on offer.”

With both sides being at home today players and supporters are asked to park responsibly and if there is no room on the car park please respect the neighbours.

Fixtures:
NCL div 1 Mayfield v St Jude’s. Ko 2.30
NWML div 4 Mayfield v Saddleworth. Ko 2.30