Welcome to the new look site
July 10th, 2008Welcome to the new look site, I hope you like it?
2008/9 NCL Premier League Fixtures
July 7th, 20082008/9 NCL Premier League Fixtures
1 Thornhill Trojans H Saturday 23rd August 2.30pm
2 Thatto Heath Crusaders A Wednesday 27th August 7.00pm
3 Leigh East H Tuesday 2nd September 7.00pm
4 Wigan St Patrick’s A Saturday 6th September 2.30pm
5 York Acorn H Saturday 13th September 2.30pm
6 Skirlaugh H Saturday 20th September 2.30pm
7 Wigan St Jude’s A Saturday 27th September 2.30pm
8 Siddal H Saturday 4th October 2.30pm
9 Leigh Miners Rangers A Saturday 11th October 2.30pm
10 East Hull H Saturday 18th October 2.30pm
11 West Hull A Saturday 25th October 2.30pm
12 Oulton Raiders A Saturday 1st November 2.00pm
13 Hull Dockers H Saturday 8th November 2.00pm
14 Thornhill Trojans A Saturday 15th November 2.00pm
15 Wigan St Patrick’s H Saturday 22nd November 2.00pm
16 York Acorn A Saturday 29th November 2.00pm
17 Skirlaugh A Saturday 6th December 2.00pm
18 Wigan St Jude’s H Saturday 13th December 2.00pm
19 Thatto Heath Crusaders H Saturday 27th December 2.00pm
20 Leigh East A Saturday 3rd January 2.00pm
21 Siddal A Saturday 10th January 2.00pm
National Cup Saturday 17th January
22 Leigh Miners Rangers H Saturday 24th January 2.00pm
Rugby League Challenge Cup Saturday 31st January
National Cup or Backlog Saturday 7th February
23 East Hull A Saturday 14th February 2.30pm
National Cup or Backlog Saturday 21st February
24 West Hull H Saturday 28th February 2.30pm
25 Oulton Raiders H Saturday 7th March 2.30pm
26 Hull Dockers A Saturday 14th March 2.30pm
NCL Backlog 21-03-09 to 11-04-09
Play-Offs & Grand Final 18-04-09 to 09-05-09
Pre Season Training
June 14th, 2008Pre Season Training
Pre season training for all three open age teams starts Tuesday 17th June 6.30pm at Hopwood Hall college boxing gym, and continues Thursday 19th June at 6.30pm at Springfield Park (marland). The same times and venues for the next few weeks.
For the first team Ste Gartland continues as head coach and will be assisted by Janan Billings and Simon Howe.
The second team continues to be coached by Tony Appleyard assisted by Leon Ashworth and Billy Hill.
The academy / third team will be coached by Dean Hartley assisted by Richard Higgs and Curly.
All players old and new and any standard / ambition are welcome - with three teams there’s room for everyone!
Contact me (Simon) on 07917883779 for any further info.
Mayfield masters
May 16th, 2008Mayfield masters will host blackpool, eccles and saddleworth this sunday the 18th at castleton sports centre, kick off at 1330.
as seen on sky sports a few weeks ago - masters is friendly version of our game played by over 35’s retired from competive rugby. the rules are generally the same, but tweeked a little to prevent mishap to older bones / joints.
the mayfield team will feature some ex-hornets ( andy duffy, lee durrand, ste gartland) and many old mayfielders.
all spectators are welcome - the bar will be open - even players can be accomodated as it’s 13 a side with unlimited substitutions.
Mayfield A.G.M.
May 10th, 2008The Annual General Meeting will be held on 22nd May at Castleton Sports Centre, starting at 8.00pm.
All members are invited to attend.
26/04/2008 Skirlaugh 22 Mayfield 21
April 26th, 200826/04/2008 Skirlaugh 22 Mayfield 21
By “Mad Mal The Mauler”
……..defeat was snatched not by Dick Turpin (who at least wore a mask!) but by another Hull & District T.J. shipped in at the last moment after the scheduled T.J. from Featherstone failed to show! After the debacle two weeks ago at Hull Dockers with the same district’s officials it left a really sour taste in EVERYONE’S mouth! More about this later!
With a fair wind blowing diagonally across the pitch Mayfield had the first half advantage, that is if you could call it that? Mayfield came out with intent like rolling thunder, it only took 3 minutes to register the first score when big Josh Peacock broke the Skirlaugh line from ‘Field’s 30 to the Skirlaugh 30 handing a sweet pass to Pete Draper who put in a terrific chip and with Paul Rolls and Pete in pursuit Mike Kaufman was first to drop on the bobbling ball under the post, Mike easily converted 0 – 6.
In the 5th minute with Rolls attempting to weave his way through a stiff arm flattened him, but one of the other Skirlaugh players decked Jack Sampson off the ball who was laid out for a couple of minutes. The officials all missed the incident? Another penalty on the very next play for another head shot on Kaufman gave him the chance to increase the score, but the wind took the ball and hit the left hand upright and bounced out!
Skirlaugh now launched into several minutes of sustained pressure on Mayfield’s red zone ending when Josh caught a Skirlaugh attacker high and hot shot kicker No6 Jordan Precious popped it over to open their account 2 - 6.
On 15 minutes with Mayfield again calling the shots Paul Rolls put up a cross field kick which was well taken by fullback Lee Waterman under the attentions of the marauding chasers, however while trying to make inroads into Mayfield territory a wayward pass went straight into touch to give Mayfield a relieving scrum. Moments later another Roll cross field kick was just too strong with the wind taking it into touch!
On the next Mayfield attack in the 19th Matt Calland showed his strength and determination to blast out from his own 30 to the opposition 30. Draper took the ball from dummy half and being on the last hoisted a huge up and under taken by Jack Sampson and passed to Jonathon Muir who tried to grubber through only again to go dead!
With 20 minutes on the clock another bullocking run saw Matt Calland crash over under the cross bar only to have the ball dislodged before getting it on the turf, tough luck?
Skirlaugh came close in the 28th minute when Precious put in a kick collected just in time by Jack Sampson, but he slipped in goal and was swallowed up by the onrushing attackers. Tony Hilton used the wind to good effect from the ensuing drop out to put it way over the half way line. Barely a minute later Skirlaugh were awarded penalty out on the touchline, but Precious made the kick look easy? 4 – 6.
On 32 and 33 minutes to consecutive high shots gave Kaufman the chance to stretch Mayfield’s lead from 35 metres but unfortunately sliced it wide!
Mayfield had the ball back a minute later and Draper slipped the ball out to Steve Gartland who put a chip over the advancing defensive line and slipped through to collect and dive in under the bar. Great try! Kaufman added to extras. 4 – 12.
Half time was only a minute or so away and Mayfield were in possession, but a rushed play the ball by Rob Kershaw saw him knock on. From the scrum the ball went out to the short side and scrum half Chris Brown dusted down the right touchline to gleefully touch down in the corner. Again Precious’s trusty boot made no mistake adding the two which then brought up half time. 10 – 12. A very entertaining first half, if you were a neutral, if not, a nail-biter!
The second half started with the wind now mostly in Mayfield’s faces Paul Rolls hoisted a high short kick off Skirlaugh’s No4 David Wilson went up for the ball under the attentions of Draper who forced the knock on. From the scrum the ball went rapidly right from draper to Rolls and on to Jack Sampson who raced down the right touchline to be hauled down a metre short, but with elastic arms managed to reach out onto the whitewash for a tremendous 41st minute try. Kaufman again couldn’t master the difficult wind and the ball shaved past! 10 - 16.
In the 47th minute Calland had again taken the ball 30 metres to the half way, but reacted to interference on the floor with a push/punch giving away a penalty according to the touchie! A minute or so later Mayfield retrieved the ball with Rolls who darted and weaved his way through to hand on to Ian Sampson who was just caught and put down a couple of feet short!
A penalty on half way for holding in the tackle on 50 minutes gave Precious a chance to narrow the margin, but his kick died short. Bringing the ball away towards the Skirlaugh 40 on the last Muir put up a huge up and under with both Skirlaugh’s No1 Waterman and No2 Paul Hannath converging on the descending ball got in each others way and Steve Wood swooped to gather and shot off down the left touchline to dive over 5 metres in. Kaufman again couldn’t improve? 10 – 20.
In the 59th minute the slippery Rolls shook off a couple of tacklers and broke down the left centre of the pitch, but took the wrong option passing inside instead of to Komah Naumatua racing unopposed on his outside? The move died in the tackle!
Both sides now were end to end for the next 10 minutes without getting anything to show for it. Gutsy stuff!
75 minutes however with some sustained attacking by Skirlaugh and a little lax defending from Mayfield gave Skirlaugh No12 Gary Smith his chance to crash over at the side of the upright, Precious again adding the two 16 – 20. Game on again!
Mayfield again collected the ball from the short kick off and on 77 minutes Steve Gartland took what turned out to be a wrong option popping over a drop goal for the one point. 16 - 21.
Precious drilled a hard kick off along the ground with the wind and a couple of metres in front of Mike Kaufman caught the point of the ball and soared way over his head into touch! Skirlaugh could sniff a chance with a couple of minutes on the clock and gave everything to cross the whitewash, but a knock on in front of the sticks seemed to spell the end for them. Mayfield only needed to stick it up their jumpers for a set and hoof it up field or into touch and the game would have been theirs, but on the second play the ball was passed to Ian Sampson who obviously wasn’t expecting it, like every Mayfield fan watching, and knocked it on.
From the scrum Skirlaugh heaved the ball hopefully out the their left touchline ending in No13 Mark Spence’s hands who tried to force his way over in the extreme left corner only to be held up in goal! To the surprise of all the players and Skirlaugh species at that end, Dick Turpin the Hull T.J. who hadn’t given a single decision in Mayfield’s favour all game and with the referee unsighted decided to administer the coup-de-grace and flag for a try with Spence STILL on his back!!!!! A total disgrace/farce……..fill in a necessary! The score now at 20 – 21 and virtually nothing on the clock Precious showed why he’s the top goal kicker in the Conference with 127 goals to his credit before this game. From the whitewash of the touchline and the wind still difficult made a cracker of a conversion! 22 – 21.
Mayfield raced to kick off and yet again retrieved the ball frenetically passing out wide to the right find Kaufman on the wing who was hammered in a ferocious tackle dislodging the ball into touch. The ref blew for time and Skirlaugh celebrated an unlikely victory! Mayfield were gutted, not in losing, but in the manner of it?
In the clubhouse after the game Skirlaughs coach Colin Brown actually apologised for their win as everyone knew who should have won? That gesture was extremely honest and sporting of him as most would have sworn the try was good. Thanks for that Colin! Good luck next week at Leigh Miners who got hammered at home by East Hull 24 – 40. East Hull now march on to the Grand Final at Post Office Road, Featherstone on 10th May.
Skirlaugh M.o.t.M. was Mark Spence
Mayfield M.o.t.M. was Pete Draper
Perhaps the dream is over for this season and a disappointment in losing today but let’s not forget what a brilliant season we have had with some expecting both us and Leigh East to go straight back down into the 1st Division and our own hopes/expectations of consolidating in the Premier that we have excelled in every way! Mayfield have become much more than team, more a Band of Brothers to be very proud of. Our Antipodeans are a credit to the sport and great guys to be around! Unfortunately this was Pete Draper’s last game with Mayfield and fittingly got yet another M.o.t.M. award, as he returns Downunder in May to resume his life there with his gorgeous Missus, Candice. Thanks from all of us go to Pete and Candice, we all wish you well for the future whatever that brings? I hope to look you up in Toowoomba next November and have a couple of cold ones with you both?
The other question is….is it Matt Calland’s last season playing or will he give one more?
Watch this space!
Thanks must also go to coaches Matt and Steve for getting the team to this level! Also Mick and Andy in the dugout who put in so much effort with the lads! Rod and Paul for keeping the ground in great condition. John O’Donovan and Cassie too for keeping things running smoothly, also Barry and John for their great input at the club.
Here’s to more and better next season 2008/9 who knows we could go the whole way? Good luck to Janan Billings who signed for Halifax on Friday which unfortunately made him ineligible for today’s game, but has been massive for Mayfield every time he played!
Finally thanks to each and every player who donned the Mayfield shirt who gave us fans so much to shout about! Well done Lads!
Now that’s me signing off and getting my Saturday night back, I hope you enjoyed the scratchings!
19/04/2008 Leigh East 16 Mayfield 21
April 19th, 200819/04/2008 Leigh East 16 Mayfield 21 (A.E.T.)
By “Mad Mal The Mauler”
Today saw two teams who were promoted from D1 last year and in some quarters were expected to go straight back down again? The two sides have proved their pedigree in the Premiere Division by ending the regular season in 4th and 5th respectively and both were determined to progress to the next round of the play-offs.
With the brisk wind at their backs Leigh were first to threaten in the 3rd minute trying to use the wind with a stab through kick which just had too much on it and went out of play! Having taken the ball into the Leigh half using their set ended with Rob Kershaw held up to be denied on the last!
Leigh’s turn to take the ball towards the halfway and a long kick down field was collected by Mayfield fullback Jack Sampson who returned almost to the half way where he copped the first of a high number of high shots in the game! From the tap the ball was taken into the Leigh 20 where Pete Draper worked a beaut run around to recollect the ball, bamboozling the defence to slip in for the first score of the game. Mike Kaufman’s trusty boot gaining the extras! 0 – 6 only 6 minutes gone!
The score stung Leigh into more action and they pressed forward on the Mayfield line for the following 5 minutes finishing with No1 Mark Kay combining with Carl Redford to squeeze in the right corner to open Leigh East’s account. From out wide with a swirling wind Dave Radley was unable to add the two. 4 – 6.
On 13 minutes another kick over the top was taken by Jack Sampson who again scooted back from deep to the 30 metre line. Mayfield took the ball forward and on the fifth tackle Janan Billings was stopped inches short.
Back came East with a great set taking them deep into Mayfield territory, but yet again the final kick was mis-judged and sailed out!
17 minutes with Mayfield again threatening, Billings slipped a grubber through only to see Josh Peacock denied with referee Jason Page disallowing his effort!
In the 21st minute Leigh scrum half Ryan Peters was helped off the field with what appeared to be a knee injury?
On 27 minutes Mayfield took the sensible option when a holding down penalty was awarded 25 metres out and Kaufman increased Mayfield’s lead to 4 – 8.
In the 32 minute with Leigh pressing Paul Rolls took an interception virtually on Mayfield’s line and was only stopped by a swinging arm to get a relieving penalty!
On 34 minutes Chris Brett went down in what appeared to be an innocuous tackle, but the reaction of Lee Hanson told us something else? Brett had dislocated his ankle! Thankfully it went back in, but Chris’s day was over!
Not long before half time, Leigh thundered back at Mayfield with No14 Chris Eccles, No3 Carl Radford and No6 Danny Kilshaw combining and stretching Mayfield to their limit, but they tenaciously defended for two consecutive sets to keep the marauding East’s out. With seconds to go Kilshaw flattened Tony Hilton with a high shot and was given 10 minutes in the bin to reflect on his actions! Half time 4 – 8 and nothing in it, all to play for.
With the wind now in Leigh’s faces they used local knowledge to restart with the first of several 10 metre high kick offs which most of them the ball was recovered by Leigh!
In the 45th minute a run from dummy half by Billings almost caught Leigh out and he was again stopped inches short, but holding on too long cost Leigh a penalty easily converted by Kaufman to extend the lead 4 – 10.
Again Leigh recovered the ball from the short kick off, but somehow their hooker John Taylor was injured and was carried off?
Mayfield came close once again when Billings weaved his way past a trio of defenders passing to Calland and on to Rob Kershaw who was brought up short by determined defending!
In the 62nd minute on the last tackle Mayfield conceded a needless penalty giving Leigh an extra couple of plays which ended with Danny Kilshaw whipping in from the play the ball for a fine opportunist try. This time Dave Radley slotted over to make it 10 – 10. Game on again!
67 minutes Kaufman broke down the right side only to be laid out by another high tackle. Only two minutes later Jack Sampson got the same treatment and from 38 metres Kaufman attempted a field goal which was batted down by a Leigh defended only 6 or 7 metres away, another penalty nearer goal, but no card for the offence? This time Mike made sure with a superb kick to regain the lead 10 – 12.
Again Leigh collected the ball from the restart, much to the annoyance of the watching Mayfield fans?
With 77 minutes gone Leigh went into a frantic passage of passing more in keeping with a basket ball game, from one side of the field to the other several times with manic defending from Mayfield. Pete Draper came off his line like a greyhound to intercept a pass, but Mr Page gave him offside? Dave Radley gratefully took the two to level the game 12 - 12.
Knowing there was only a few seconds left in the game Leigh opted for a field goal attempt from 40+ meters out on the right after another penalty against Mayfield, but the kick stalled in the wind and the whistle sounded!
3 minutes into the first period of extra time Mayfield were almost on the Leigh line when Matt Calland tried an overhead basketball type pass out to Jonathon Petty, but the lanky Leigh No 5 Leon Brennan was head and shoulders above everyone else and took the ball to relieve the situation!
After a couple of passes took Leigh to their 35 metre line a huge kick downfield was just saved being a 40/20 by Jack Sampson right on the touchline. Had that gone over it could have been the game, but again he ran it back to the 30! Mayfield took the ball back toward the Leigh line and on the 5th tackle with every Mayfield speccie screaming for a drop goal Billings got the ball to Draper who pivoted out of the tackle to go in for his second of the game. Kaufman’s attempt was driven wide by the wind! 12 -16. Nail biting stuff for both sets of fans now!
Mayfield were now playing the best football of the day and seemed to get a second wind? After Leigh No11 Mark Starkie knocked on, Billings again came4 up just short after some ferocious Leigh defending, but the cool Paul Rolls took the one point option on the last with a cracking drop goal. 12 – 17. End of 1st period!.
From the restart Mayfield actually got the ball this time and took it down field with Grant Bithel ending up short of the line!
With a quick play the ball in the 4th minute, Ryan Douglas broke through to hand on to Sampson who slipped a peach of a pass to Kaufman who stepped over the line to cheekily lower the ball to the turf in the far right corner! From out wide again the conversion couldn’t carry against the wind 12 – 21.
Leigh again tried the short kick off but this time it didn’t carry and Mayfield got the penalty on the halfway. Billings took the tap and put Jonathon Muir through on the left and a storming run batting off defenders was spoiled when he was tackled and lost the ball sliding over the whitewash!
Leigh didn’t give up and again forged forward with some great hands and slick passing found Leon Brennan out wide on the left to crash in a t the corner. Radley again couldn’t make the extras? 16 – 21.
With only a minute to go all hell broke loose when Tony Hilton copped a fist in the back of his head from Simon Stephens who got a bloody nose off Hilts for his troubles, but Kilshaw came in from out wide like a man possessed and flattened Hilton with flying punch to the head where he couldn’t see it coming! After a committee meeting with the t.j.’s Kilshaw and Hilton got a yellow each, which was pointless really as this was the last action of the game and spoiled what had been a thrilling encounter!
Well done to both sides who showed great commitment in a feisty, but mainly fair, encounter and were a credit to their respective clubs. No doubt next year will see these two turn in more outstanding performances in the Premier Division!
After Skirlaugh’s win over Siddal, Mayfield have another mountain to climb over in Hull next Saturday. I hope we get officials who are at least neutral and not from the Hull District as we had against Dockers a fortnight ago?
Mayfield’s M.o.t.M. was Jack Sampson
Leigh East’s M.o.t.M. was Carl Redford
12/04/2008 Mayfield 29 Oulton Raiders 10
April 12th, 200812/04/2008 Mayfield 29 Oulton Raiders 10
By “Mad Mal The Mauler”
Last game of the regular season saw Oulton Raiders as the visitors. The ground showed the ravages of the last few days rain, but the endeavours of the ground staff Paul and Rod made it at least playable though sticky underfoot. A very cold wind blowing west to east along with the wet conditions made handling a little difficult for both sides!
Within two minutes of the kick off Oulton No1 Scott McDonald found a huge gap on Mayfield’s left and skipped through for the first score of the game in the corner. No 13 Danny Stanley stepped up to convert a great kick from way out on the touchline. 0 – 6 The die was cast by Oulton who showed they were here to compete!
With only 5 minutes on the clock Paul Rolls tried the first of many intelligent kicks to wrong foot the Raiders defence, but McDonald was alert enough to bundle Mayfield into touch.
In the 10th minutes Oulton were unlucky not to register another score with a cross field kick into the right corner almost catching out the Mayfield defence with the attacking Raider to be bundled off the ball in goal, unfairly, in the opinion of the referee Mr Grundy resulting in a penalty 10 metres out which came to nothing when the ball was spilled once more!
The arm wrestle continued back and forth with no real threat for the next 10 minutes, but after a series of passes Oulton had Mayfield at sixes and sevens until Raider No4 was grounded up a couple of metres short on the last!
A penalty on for a high shot saw Neil Ramsden come up a metre short on the last. On the 27th minute with Mayfield getting up field to the Oulton 40 a speculative cross field kick by Pete Draper to the right found Paul Rolls quickest to react and run round for Mayfield’s first score. Mike Kaufman easily slotted over the conversion to even up the score 6 – 6.
33 minutes saw a yellow card for Oulton No8 Lee Williamson for a high tackle which Mr Grundy had indicated to their captain for several previous warnings.
With the numbers in Mayfield’s favour 36 minutes found Grant Bithel on the 10 metre line at the play the ball scrambling from dummy half to catch out the Raiders defence napping to score at the side of the upright. Mike again slotted over to gain the advantage 12 – 6.
Right on the stroke of half time Oulton’s No5 Chris Dunhill slotted through a deft kick into open space with a couple of Raiders in pursuit only for Komah Naumatua to get there first, although he knocked on and re-gathered there wasn’t enough time to form the scrum and the half time whistle sounded!
The second half started much as the first had with Mayfield knocking on from the kick off turning over possession.
45 minutes saw the dangerous Oulton No10 Danny Burton just held 2 metres out on the last!
Mayfield worked their way towards the halfway line and a spirited break from No16 Simon Moore took the attack to Oulton’s 20, a quick ball out to the left took ‘Field to a couple of metres out and Steve Wood took advantage with a sneak to touch down from the play the ball. Kaufman again sure with the boot added the extras 18 – 6.
Outon then upped their game and put Mayfield under tremendous pressure with three consecutive sets only to break down with a knock on just short! A let off for sure!
On 55 minutes Mayfield were awarded another penalty for yet another high one and Rolls hoofed the ball to the Outlton 40, in the ensuing attack Mike Kaufman crossed the whitewash only to be held up in goal.
57 minutes with Mayfield again pressing, passes went from right to left and the final pass from Pete Draper was knocked down by a Raiders hand and into touch, with a Mayfield overlap and the line begging. However after the scrum and a couple of passes Pete Draper engineered a bit of Aussie magic with a chip over from 10 out and followed up to ground his own ball under the sticks. Terrific stuff! Kaufy again adding the two 24 – 6. Mayfield were now totally in control!
From the restart Mayfield took the ball forward on the left and on 61 minutes Paul Rolls put in a delicate chip for Grant Bithel to race onto for a beaut of a try! The conversion by Kaufman seemed to get caught in the cross wind to steer wide of the upright 28 – 6.
From the restart Oulton’s No6 Andy Williamson tried a short kick off and was unlucky to knock on trying to re-gather his own kick. From the scrum another kick through by Rolls almost caught the Raiders out when McDonald just beat Carl Abraham to the bobbling egg for what would have been a deffo try!
On regaining possession in the Oulton half and on the last play the cool Paul Rolls slotted over a peach of a drop goal 29 – 6.
Oulton didn’t know when they were beaten when on 75 minutes a passage of play saw the ball passed too many times to count back and forth along their line of attack culminating in No7 Alan White walking in through a huge gap on the right for a well deserved consolation try. He couldn’t however improve on his own score from wide. 29 – 10
With only a minute or so to go and Oulton pressing the Mayfield line Grant Bithel intercepted a pass to race off toward the Raiders half, but a rather cynical stiff arm from McDonald felled him on the halfway and with only seconds remaining perhaps Mr Grundy opted not to show him some kind of card, just a few words? Seconds later he’d seen enough and brought proceedings to a halt.
A good result for the last regular game of the season and with several of the first team rested the lads that took up the cudgel in their place didn’t let anyone down! On the down side it has to be said that the tackling and some of the passing in the first half left something to be desired! However when the Mayfield line was threatened the lads resolutely kept the Raiders out, which is what matters!
Next week against Leigh we will have to be at our best as they are still smarting from their defeat by Mayfield last time out!
Mayfield M.o.t.M. was Paul Rolls
Oulton Raiders M.o.t.M. was Scott McDonald
05/04/2008 Hull Dockers 34 Mayfield 30
April 5th, 200805/04/2008 Hull Dockers 34 Mayfield 30
By “Mad Mal The Mauler”
With showers of sleet and snow forecast the kick off was in bright sunshine with a brisk wind blowing down the field. After the first few minutes feeling each other out Paul Rolls decided to give the wind a test and hoisted a kick from Mayfield’s 30 metre line which caught the Dockers fullback out and sailed into touch well inside their 20, but referee Mr Stockman and his two henchmen totally ignored the 40/20 claims to give Hull the scrum, the first of many decisions to incense the watching Mayfield fans!
Mayfield recovered possession a couple of minutes later and Rolls slipped out a pass to Mike Kaufman who swerved his way past fullback Danny Ulyatt out wide and cut back to score under the sticks. Mike then knocked it over to convert his own try 0 - 6.
Dockers didn’t have to wait long and in the 11th minute a grubber from No8 Dave Fletcher beat the Mayfield defence and Ulyatt was quickest to react sweeping up the bobbling egg and diving in next to the post. No6 Chris Stephenson stepped up to convert and even up the score 6 – 6
Mayfield moved on with some good rugby and on 18 minutes Paul Rolls got on the end of a peach of a pass from Pete Draper to score under the cross bar. Kaufman easily converted. 6 – 12.
The next ten minutes saw some high shots with only a couple penalised. Rolls again tried to utilise the wind with a massive up and under which just beat Komah Naumatua over the dead ball line! However, barely a minute later, another brilliant pass from Rolls found Kaufman haring past at full tilt on the 30 metre line to score unopposed under the sticks once more. Mike again adding the two to make it 6 – 18.
The 29th minute saw a great passage of play starting in Mayfield’s half with Steve Wood breaking and handing on to Rolls who in turn found Grant Bithel to touch down at the side of the post, again Kaufman slotted it over 6 - 24
With no further action to speak of the half time whistle went with Mayfield looking to be cruising!
With 5 minutes gone Hull clearly dropped the ball, but no knock on given and Jon Eccles unloaded to Danny Ulyatt to pick up his second try of the day. Stephenson again added to extras 12 – 24.
On 50 minutes Hull gave the ball a mighty whack from their 35 to find touch for a 40/20 which ALL the officials saw this time! From the scrum a wild pass from No13 Chris Batty went to ground and should have been recovered by Mayfield, but some sloppy handling gave Hull the ball and this time Batty found No18 Matthew Emerson crashing over Ryan Douglas who then fell under the feet of Andy Reid bringing him down and unable to tackle Emerson who gratefully whipped in under the post. Stephenson taking the extra two 18 – 24
Mayfield were again in the Hull 20 but failed to complete the set turning over the ball, Dockers No4 Paul Taylor banged a huge kick downfield and after getting possession of the ball Batty again found the powerful Emerson on the fly to register his second in 6 or 7 minutes. Stephenson again improving to square up the score at 24 – 24.
In the 68th minute Pete Draper found space through the Hull line and broke with Ben Heaton in support passing to him 30 metres out where Ben snaked his way past the last line of defence for a try next to the post. Kaufman again easily converted 24 – 30.
Dockers again came forward and on 72 minutes saw Stephenson slot a kick through for Danny Ulyatt to sweep in and complete his hat trick. Stephenson again converting! All square again 30 – 30.
The last few minutes saw Hull back on the attack. On 78 minutes Stephenson found No2 Phillip Elbourne out wide to dive in the left corner. This time Stephenson couldn’t improve 34 – 30. Time then ran out to leave Hull Dockers jubilant and Mayfield wondering just what went pear shaped in the second half?
Credit must go to Hull who obviously had something to prove in the last game of their season.
There was no announcement for M.o.t.M. but in the Dockers Ulyatt, Stephenson, Batty and Emerson were outstanding.
Mayfield’s lads played superbly in the first half, but seemed to lose their way but the forwards Harmer. Hilton, Reid, Brett and Muir were tireless and Draper, Bithel and Kaufman excelled, but Paul Rolls was on fire! On another day Mayfield could have run up a cricket score.
Next week sees Oulton Raiders visit Mayfield for the last game of the league fixtures before the play-offs commence.
Now there is only Wigan St Pats who can pip Siddal to the last play-off spot where they have to beat top-of-the-heap East Hull on their own patch, a big ask, it looks like we have our top six now barring miracles?
29/03/2008 Hull Dockers v Rochdale Mayfield
March 29th, 200829/03/2008 Hull Dockers v Rochdale Mayfield :
THE GAME IS OFF!