Oulton 28 – 24 Mayfield

This was another game that Mayfield should have won. Players coaches and fans alike left the Oulton ground knowing it was another two points which they had let slip from their grasp.

In a fast paced game Mayfield were slow out of the blocks as Oulton took early control as their quick play lead to a converted try, 6 - 0.

Ten minutes later they added to this after a chip through on the last caught the Mayfield defence cold and the Oulton centre pounced on the loose ball, 10 - 0.

Twenty minutes gone and ten points down this is now the norm for this enigmatic Mayfield side, one minute not at the races, the next playing scintillating rugby league which even the best sides would struggle to live with. This was the case again as for the next twenty minutes they stormed back with some great play.

As so often this season, Mayfield relied on the power and determination of the dynamic duo, Joe Qanuici and Mitch Spackman, these two have been responsible for most of the fight backs Mayfield have staged with defence that is nothing short of awe inspiring and a desire to take the ball to the opposition which lifts their team mates.

Player coach Matt Calland tagged on the back of a Qanuici break after twenty minutes and found Ian Sampson who in turn found Alex West with the pass of the game. West crossed for his side's first score, 10 – 4.

The introduction of Aidan Gleeson further galvanised the attack and Oulton were finding the visitors hard to deal with, with Todd O’Brien and Paul Brearley taking the game by the scruff of the neck and directing the play.

Adam Dybdall and Matty Moores took the team forward at every opportunity.

Ten minutes before half time Gleeson broke again finding Ian Sampson in support.

Calland was now giving his all and crashed onto the pass from O’Brien after Sampson was halted short, he proved unstoppable, Gleeson converted, 10 – 10.

Mayfield were looking good at this stage with Rob Kershaw and Kristian Duffy taking every chance they got to make yards, keeping the team on the front foot.

Joe Qanuici was proving a real thorn in the side for the hosts, this showed as he was fouled after another 60 metre break. Gleeson took the penalty and kicked his side into the lead for the first time just before half time, 10 -12.

Five minutes into the second half Mayfield once again hit the self destruct button and a needless penalty gave Oulton the advantage as they scored a converted try to regain the lead, 16 - 12.

More penalties and lost possession made it difficult for Mayfield to regain their superiority and Oulton again capitalised with a six pointer, 22 – 12.

Coach Sam Butterworth pleaded with the players as the conversion was kicked trying to re-instil that belief and there was a quick response as Luke Sampson and Dan Kaufman made yards upfield.

Mayfield were unlucky not to score as Spackman lost the ball over the line.

The game was now develoing into a real end-to-end affair with both sides trying their upmost to seal the game.

Rob Kershaw and Dan Kaufman combined well to give Joe Qanuici the position to smash his way to the line for a score converted by O’Brien 22 - 18.

Then it was all undone as the Oulton centre turned his opposite number inside out as he went in for a converted try which effectively sealed the game, 28 – 18.

Mayfield managed another score as Paul Brearley grabbed a well deserved try, converted by Alex West after good work from Seta Tala, 28 – 24.

It was not enough and as the whistle went Mayfield were left rueing lost possession and opportunities missed.

A completion rate of only 35% in the second half is the main reason this game was lost. Looking forward it the side can take comfort that they lost by only four points with such a poor rate of completion.

Joe Qanuici once more picked up the MOM, with mention going to Seta Tala whose constant probing and direction kept his side on their toes. Spackman, Matty Moores and Luke Sampson's non stop performances were to be applauded in the hot conditions.

Team. Dan Kaufman, Rob Kershaw, Matt Calland, Alex West, Kristian Duffy, Paul Brearley, Seta Tala, Mitch Spackman, Todd O’Brien, Adam Dybdall, Luke Sampson, Joe Qanuici, Matty Moores, Ian Sampson, Aidan Gleeson, John Marsland, Wayne Ryburn.