Blackbrook 14 - 14 Mayfield

Mayfield NWML Team went to Blackbrook with eight lads under the age of 20 and stood up well.

Mayfield started slowly and were playing up a slope that even the Blackbrook side struggled to play up.

In the second half this showed with Mayfield’s performance. Within ten minutes Blackbrook scored a try making it 4 -0.

Missing the conversion, Mayfield then started to play and all 13 defended well.

Connor Fitton scored a try in the corner which was ruled out due to being in touch but was a try all day. This didn’t affect the lads even with the loss of Andy Lee due to a knee injury.

Blackbrook then scored plus converted another within 30 minutes making it 10 – 0;  both tries poor defensive efforts.

With seconds to go, Johnny Marsden kicked a high bomb which was followed up by Luke, plucked out of the air to touch down. Marsland converted to make it 10 - 6.

Half time changes were made with veteran White on to stand off. He rolled back the years as he, Declan Sheridan and Marsland ran the show. They had the forwards punching holes down the middle of the pitch.

Props James Percy and Mark Nyland lead by example.

The Mayfield pack tired the Blackbrook forwards and capitalised out wide, Dave Devlin touched down to make it 10 – 12.

Blackbrook replied to make it 14 – 10.

With 25 minutes left Mayfield brought on Anthony Greaves and Andy Battersby to settle the ship.

Mayfield were awarded a penalty that Marsland converted to make it 14-14.

With minutes left, a drop goal attempt by Marsland was just short to deny Mayfield of the win.

Greaves and White said a draw was the right result and they were proud of all 17 players, especially the five under 16s lads. Macaulay Donnelly, Connor Fitton, Luke, Steve, and MOM Declan Sheridan were all outstanding.

With no NCL game this week the NWML side take centre stage with a friendly fixture against neighbours Rochdale Cobras at Firgrove. This should be a cracking game with both teams having quality players in their ranks. Mayfield will again be fielding a good number of Steve Gartland’s Under 16 side as they mature and come of age.

Anthony Greaves, who played with the youngsters last week, said: “I really enjoyed last week’s game. Having the lads in was great and the way they performed was a credit to both themselves and the club. If they perform to the same level this week, along with the more experienced players, we should see a great game of rugby league.”

There are no Mustangs fixtures this week as they enjoy the summer break.

Fixtures

10.8.13.  Friendly: Cobras v Mayfield, KO 2.30pm