Mayfield Preview

Photo: Aidy Gleeson Snr

Aidan Gleeson will be missing with a broken bone in his hand from last weeks game

Siddal are Saturday visitors to the Mayfield Sports Centre for the Kingstone Press premier division fixture. There have been some mighty battles over the years between these two teams and the encounter is expected to be no different.

Siddal had a quiet start to the season by their own high standards, losing the first two games but they have returned to form with two good wins in their last two outings.

Mayfield still have just the one win to their credit.

Saturday's coaches Matt Calland and Sam Butterworth will be looking to rectify that statistic.

They were a few players short last week with Matty Moores failing a fitness test and Paul Brearley, although having served his ban, being unavailable due to long term commitments.

Calland also missed the game through injury. Calland and Moores will face fitness tests midweek although Brearley should be clear to make his return.

More bad news was the loss of star performer Aidan Gleeson who suffered a broken bone in his hand in last week's game. Gleeson will be a big loss to the team having been in fine form so far this season.

Most of the side have been playing well its just seems to be a matter of cohesion and sticking to the game plan as coached by Calland. The side also needs to cut the errors and the penalties given away as they are paying dearly at this high level for any loss of possession anywhere on the field.

Mayfield have actually scored more tries than Siddal but have also conceded more, so if they can tighten up on the defence and still play their exciting open rugby then a good win could be on the cards.

Dave Harmer's NWML side will be looking to come back strong after last week's defeat at Widnes. Opponents Woolston will be a tough nut to crack but the players are up for the challenge with a better turn out at training this week. Harmer will be looking to a blend of youth and experience as he mixes it up a bit in an attempt to upset the visitors.

There is also a masters game planned, numbers permitting. The game will be played before the main attraction and any ex player over the agee of 35 is welcome to go along and take part in the game. Masters is a much gentler game than full contact with players from 35 right up to their 60s taking part regularly.

Meet at the club with your boots at 12.00 - ring Simon on 07920 865 106.

Fixtures 18 April 2015

NCL Premier Division: Mayfield v Siddal - kick off 2.30pm
NWML Division Two: Mayfield v Woolston - kick off 2.30pm
Masters:  Mayfield Select v Siddal Select - kick off 12.45pm