Mayfield preview

Joe Quanici and Mark Biggins

Mayfield are cup action on Saturday afternoon as they take on Featherstone Lions in the Conference Challenge Cup.

Lions are in the second division sitting in second place with six wins from eight starts, so they will be no pushovers when they arrive at the Mayfield Sports Centre.

Mayfield have been preparing accordingly; Matt Calland and Sam Butterworth have a strong squad to select from and that was made stronger last week with the addition of former Rochdale Hornets and Leigh player John Cookson.

Cookson is a big strong robust prop, just what we need at Mayfield said coach Matt Calland, he will be a welcome addition to the team and brings with him a wealth of experience.

The Mayfield players know they will have to take the game to Featherstone right from the whistle and not allow them to get any kind of momentum. They will be looking to take a big scalp and progress to the last eight of the competition but Mayfield should be too strong for them.

Featherstone don’t play at the same intensity week-in-week out as Mayfield do but are capable of raising their game for a one off situation like the cup provides, so Mayfield have prepared strongly this week and aim to come out of this game with their names in the hat for the last eight draw.

Saturday's game is sponsored by Brent Andrews and friends along with Ace Electrical.

The NWML side is also at home on Saturday in their second division clash with local rivals Bury Broncos.

Broncos have had a similar start to the season to Mayfield having managed only two wins so far but Dave Harmer will be hoping his side turned the corner last week. Despite going down at home to Leigh Miners there were some very encouraging signs with Luke Sampson in particular standing out. Also impressive were the half back partnership of Matty Ashton and Jordan Strand.

Harmer hopes to welcome back a couple of injured players so competition for places will be fierce and hopes that will carry into the performance on the field and give the side a much needed two points.

Fixtures 6 June
NCL Conference Cup - Mayfield v Featherstone Lions, ko 2.30
NWML Div 2 - Mayfield v Bury Broncos, ko 2.30