East Leeds 40 - 16 Mayfield

Photo: Aidy Gleeson

Dave Wood, Mayfield

Mayfield knew from the start that this was going to be a tough game as the Leeds number eight hit Liam Whalley in the face with his elbow in the first minute of the game. And so it proved as East Leeds proved too strong for Mayfield, despite Mayfield matching Leeds for spells and playing some good rugby.

Leeds boasted a big strong set of forwards who worked hard and were uncompromising in the tackle. They had the best of the first ten minutes gaining repeat sets and only resolute tackling from Mayfield's Dave Wood, Ben Butterworth and Sean Mulcahy held them at bay.

Mayfield worked their way upfield through Mulcahy and Callum Marriott before Declan Sheridan found Rob Kershaw with a great pass and the winger did well to cross the line powering through three defenders on his way to open the scoring.

Leeds stuck to their game plan and fought back hard spending long spells camped on the Mayfield line. It was only a matter of time before they scored and they did so after being awarded a penalty for an off the ball incident.

Leeds took control of the game with their forwards dominating for long periods. Mayfield struggled to deal with the increase in tempo and Leeds ran in two more converted tries before half time.

Half time: East Leeds 16 - 4 Mayfield

Matt Calland kept Mayfield out on the pitch for the break and whatever he said had the desired effect as from the kick off Joe Quanici regathered, fed Declan Sheridan who jinked his way into the Leeds ten metre zone where a quick play of the ball then saw Todd O'Brien scoot over from acting half back. Sam Butterworth converted.

Mayfield's resurgence didn't last as their hosts scored four converted tries and sealed the game before they managed to pull one back through Dave Wood.

The final score of 40 - 16 left both the team and their travelling fans shell-shocked.

After the game, Mayfield's Sam Butterworth said they failed to stick to a plan and played without structure. However, there were some good individual performances with Sean Mulcahy, Aidan Gleeson and Ben Butterworth working hard throughout.

Liam Whalley also put in a solid performance whist Dave Wood continued his improvement but the Man-of-the-Match award went to Joe Quanici, who worked tirelessly for the team.