Mayfield Preview

Photo: Aidy Gleeson

Ben and Sam Butterworth back in contention for places on Saturday

Mayfield entertain Castleford side Lock Lane at the Mayfield Sports Centre on Saturday, in this Kingstone Press NCL premier division fixture.

They will be looking to improve on last week’s poor showing as they beat Saddleworth in the NCL cup.

Mayfield's Sam Butterworth said: "Last week was a cup game plus a local derby and Saddleworth really lifted themselves for the game. They caught us cold from the off and we struggled to regain our composure, we admitted to performing poorly but the main thing was to win and we achieved that.

"On Saturday we will be looking for a return to our recent league form which has seen us beat some good sides in recent weeks.

"Our victory at Hull Dockers a fortnight ago was superb, showing that when we are firing on all cylinders we are a tough side to beat."

Coaches Matt Calland and Butterworth were left counting the cost of the cup win with star performer for the last couple of weeks, Mark Biggins, sustaining broken ribs and fast improving Aussie centre Dave Wood receiving a broken nose. Eric Johnson will face a fitness test after feeling the strain on his recently recovered shoulder injury.

On the plus side the Butterworth brothers should both be back in contention.

This will be another tough fixture for Mayfield but that’s life at this level and the players are relishing the challenge ahead.

Saturday's opponents have had a similar start to Mayfield with three wins but they have also drawn a game, which leaves them one point above Mayfield in the league table.

Lock Lane have finished in the top four for the last two seasons and this season have the best points difference and have scored the most tries by far courtesy of a 98 point score over an under strength Egremont.

Over the last three games Mayfield have reduced the number of penalties given away and this has had a positive effect throughout the game reducing the try scoring opportunities for the opposition and increasing those for themselves, if they take this into the game on Saturday they should come out with the two points.

With cancelled fixtures and the Bank Holiday weekends Dave Harmer's NWML side have not played for five weeks and will be hoping to get back into action this Saturday with a visit to Halton Farnworth of Widnes. Halton have played one lost one so far so Mayfield will be feeling positive about their chances as they make the trip.

Harmer says: "It's been difficult to keep the lads interested with games being cancelled and rescheduled but we will be looking to put a good side out and give a good account of ourselves.

"The injuries to first team players has cut our squad and we are looking to strengthen the side with new blood."

Fixtures: 9 April 2015

NCL Premier Division: Mayfield v Lock Lane - kick off 2.30pm
NWML Diviion Two: Halton Farnworth v Mayfield - kick off 2.30pm

Mayfield will be holding a collection at Saturday’s game to contribute to the support of the family of Keighly Cougars and Wales player Danny Jones who tragically died after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest during last Sunday's game at London Scholars.

He leaves a wife and five month old twin boys.

Mayfield head coach Matt Calland has asked that the collection be made saying: “I signed Danny when I was coach at Halifax; he was a class player and a great bloke this is a real tragedy.

"My thoughts and the thoughts of everyone in the rugby league world are with his family at this time.”