Rugby: Mayfield preview

Mayfield welcome Hunslet Warriors this weekend. There have been some terrific clashes between the two teams in recent years.

The reverse fixture earlier in the season was abandoned due to a brawl both sets of players and both clubs will be hoping there is no repeat of in this game.

It is still expected to be a firecracker of a game with Hunslet's physical style of play up against Mayfield's more skilful approach.

Hunslet were lucky to salvage a draw last week at Oulton while Mayfield beat Dewsbury 26 – 33.

Coaches Matt Calland and Sam Butterworth are happy with certain aspects of their teams’ performance while still a little concerned with the amount of tries they are conceding.

Calland isn’t too worried though: “We leaked three late tries last week but that was understandable after being reduced to eleven men for ten minutes in the blistering heat. The defence was colossal while we short handed and this eventually took its toll. We still managed to win while a lot of teams would have gone under in the same circumstances.

“Team selection will be the most difficult we have had this season, we have no less than six players returning to action with the most exciting could be the return of Jack Sampson after a shoulder operation. Jack is a great player with a great future and we will be over the moon if he comes through training ok and declares himself fit for action.

“It will be hard to leave anyone out after last week's performance but we have players returning and we anticipate being very strong today. We will have at least four players back after holiday and first team call ups so we will have to sit down and go through the squad. The only guarantee is that the seventeen who go out will be the right lads to do the job and secure us the points.”

The squad is the strongest seen at the club for a while, with players of the calibre of Callum Marriot, Ieuan Higgs, Damian Corcoran and the old guard of Joe Harte, Anthony Greaves and the silver fox Andy Battersby. This great balance is needed in any good side.

After their superb victory last week, the second team are again at home this afternoon when they play host to Burtonwood. Their opponents are just one place below Mayfield occupying fourth spot, so a tight contest is anticipated.

Leon Ashworth will have a few selection headaches.

Sponsors for the game are Neil Ramsden and friends along with Alan Brierley and associates.