Mayfield 80 – 16 Hunslet

Mayfield continued their fantastic run of form with an 80 – 16 victory over third placed Hunslet Warriors at the Mayfield Sports Centre on Saturday.

This was undoubtedly Mayfield's finest performance of the season as they ran in 14 tries, with Joe Qanuici having a field day with five of the best.

It’s been no secret that Mayfield have struggled for a number of years with the lack of half backs, all of a sudden that’s in the past with three half backs in the team all on top form.

Sam Butterworth, Paul Brearley and Lewis Sheridan are tearing it up at the moment sharing the workload between them and complimenting each other in everything they do.

Although Butterworth is in the twilight of his career, his influence on the team, and the other two half backs, was undeniable on the day.

Mayfield have won their last four games scoring 201points on the way and this is in no small part down to the influence of the aforementioned players.

Notwithstanding that, as Matt Calland pointed out, “our forwards have been absolutely outstanding recently with Mitch Spackman, Joe Qanuici Todd O’Brien and Luke Sampson performing heroics every week.”.

Saturday's game was won in the first ten minutes with Mark Biggins and Mitch Spackman punching holes in the Hunslet defence before the irascible O’Brien put Qanuici through the gap for the opening score which Lewis Sheridan converted.

A Butterworth kick, which Luke Sampson gathered before advancing up the field, led to Rob Kershaw taking full advantage and racing over for his first try, again converted by Sheridan.

The scoring came thick and fast, averaging a try every six minutes or so, and an under strength Hunslet side had no answer to the rampant home team as they racked up the points.

The large crowd basked in the sunshine and were appreciative of the efforts of their side as the visitors sank deeper and deeper.

Mayfield must be commended for their professional attitude as there was no let up, even when a spirited Hunslet side staged a mini comeback, scoring tries either side of the break.

The second half was much as the first, relentless, with the tries again coming with regularity.

The visitors were completely demoralised and Mayfield chalked up a victory which will live long in the memory for all those present.

The last try of the game was the one which received the biggest cheer as Sean Hill received a pass ‘out of the back door’ from Paul Brearley, beat two men and grounded the ball to make it two out of two for a young lad who is rapidly maturing in the game.

Both coaches, Calland and Butterworth, would like to mention Jack Sampson who gave a solid performance in his first game back after major surgery on a serious shoulder injury.

Scorers: Qanuici, 5, Kershaw 2, Spackman 2, L Sampson 1,Kaufman 1, Brearley 1, Sheridan 1, Hill 1, conversions Sheridan 12. 

Team, Jack Sampson, Dan Kaufman, Matt Calland, Rob Kershaw, Lewis Sheridan, Paul Brearley, Sam Butterworth, Mitch Spackman, Todd O’Brien, Adam dybdall, Luke Sampson, Mark Biggins, Joe Qanuici, Wayne Ryburn, Komai Nuamaltua, Aidan Gleeson, Sean Hill.

All supporters are reminded that this week's game is a Friday night fixture at Eccles.

Kick off at Eccles is 7.30pm.

Eccles beat basement club Saddleworth last week and are a team that can pull a few suprises, so Mayfield will be travelling down the M62 with that in mind.

"We are stringing together not only good performances but also good wins and we go to Eccles in the right frame of mind looking to extend that run,” says Butterworth.

Fixture 19.07.13 
NCL Div 1. Eccles v Mayfield. Ko 7.30