Mayfield preview

Todd O'Brien of Mayfield, Mayfield v Millford Marlins

After having last week off Mayfield return to action this weekend when they make the short trip to Oldham where they face Saddleworth Rangers.

Their opponents have had a poor season for a club with a rich history, but that will count for nothing as Mayfield roll into town. These are always tough games and this one will prove no exception.

Mayfield come into this game knowing they have to win all their remaining fixtures to stand any chance of promotion while Saddleworth need to start winning if they are to escape the drop, so this has the all the makings of a classic game of rugby league.

Mayfield have four games left, two at home and two away and maximum points are needed to keep alive their promotion dreams; as coach Matt Calland says: "all our remaining fixtures are like cup finals, and we will prepare for each one as if it were.

"Our last game is away at St Jude's, who are currently second in the league, but we will treat this weekend's game with the same importance.

"Saddleworth may be second from bottom but they need the points as much if not more than we do so we need to go there with everything right, the right seventeen with the right preparation and above all the right attitude.

"Our lads have trained hard over the break with myself and Sam (Butterworth), but also on their own doing a lot of gym work.

"The commitment of this team is second to none, as is evident from our recent record of ten wins from the last ten starts, so if we carry this same commitment into this game we should prove to strong for the opposition."

Mayfield are the form team at the moment with recent results showing the hard work they are putting in with the coaches is paying dividends.

Forwards Joe Qanuici and MattyMoores have been superb in the last few games with Luke Sampson probably having more game time than any other forward in the league.

In Todd O’Brien, Mayfield undoubtedly have the best hooker in the amateur game and his performance will be crucial in the run in.

The recent signings of Lewis Sheridan and Callum Marriott have been great for the club both in terms of morale and their performance on the pitch. 

Fixture 21.09.13

NCL Div 1 Saddleworth v Mayfield