Mayfield prepare for the new season

Mayfield v Oulton Raiders last season

Mayfield coaches Matt Calland and Sam Butterworth are relishing the new season and the challenges it presents.

Their pre season training regime has been well received by the players, who have risen to the challenges put before them.

Calland has been very pleased with the response the players have shown after just missing out on promotion at the end of last season.

"We are setting ourselves a goal and that goal is to be playing in the Premier Division next season," said Calland.

"I know it is early to be making statements like that but the way we finished last year with 14 wins on trot we can have no other goal. We are not disrespecting the other teams and we certainly won’t be underestimating them but we have supreme confidence in our own ability, and if we play to the standard I know we are capable of, everyone at the Mayfield will be celebrating come the end of the season. "

With five weeks to go until the season proper starts, and only one week to go before their first competitive game, away at Skirlaugh in the Challenge Cup, Mayfield take to the field on Sunday with a pre season selection game. The aim of the game is to give the coaching staff a chance to run the rule over all the players.

Calland and Butterworth already have a good idea of their squad but everyone has the chance to impress on Sunday and force their way into the reckoning.

A Mayfield spokesman said: "There have been a couple of new additions and the welcome return of some quality players.

"Matty Williams returns after a long absence and has looked very useful in training. Matty is a strong running hard tackling second rower and is most welcome back at the club as will utility backs John Stott and Ieuan Higgs both who gained plenty of good experience at Salford."

As well as the new players, last season's squad will be playing for places.

The second team, under the guidance of coaching trio Simpson, White and Greaves, have also benefitted from the training given by Calland and Butterworth.

Sunday's game will basically be a training session but under strict game conditions with recognised referee taking charge.

The game will kick off at 12.00. Admission is free.

The club spokesman added: "All are welcome to what should be a very entertaining and hard fought outing."