April 1st, 2012
Rochdale Mayfield 29 – 16 Milllom
Mayfield got their Hattons Solicitors National Conference League Division 3 points tally off the mark on Saturday with an improved performance against stubborn Cumbrian opposition.
Millom came to The Mayfield Sports Centre on the back of a victory over Leeds side Milford, who had themselves comprehensively beaten Mayfield just two weeks ago, but coaches Matt Calland and Sam Butterworth have obviously worked hard on their charges in training and the reward was two league points.
The Cumbrians showed no ill effects of their long journey when they struck first on 5 minutes for a converted try, as Mayfield again seemed hesitant and on the back foot. Mayfield worked their way back into the game, but the lead was increased to 8 points on 17 minutes, when Ben Butterworth, who had an outstanding game in defence, was penalised under the sticks for what appeared little more than a grab round the shoulders. A poor start, but Mayfield hit back on 25 minutes when Mark Biggins and Simon Moore made an instant impact from the bench and the forwards drove up the field prompted by Danny Moran from hooker. Once on the Millom line, Matty Moore trusted his playmakers and Taurean Sheehan found him in the gap as he ran a great hard straight line to dive under the sticks for a Sheehan goaled try. 6 -8 became 12 – 8 when on 30 minutes wide passes from left to right in the Millom quarter, after Simon Moore had fought for teritory, found Paul Brearley who dipped a shoulder and skated in between the posts. Aiden Gleeson converted. Mayfield were flying now and Millom simply had no answer to the speed of thought and deed as Taurean Sheehan chipped over the defence and Todd O’Brien kicked the ball on for the chasing Danny Moran to touch down, too wide for the conversion.
16 – 8 at half time and despite the slow start Mayfield were good value for the lead as they seemed to have found some belief and go forward, in no small part due to the direct and powerfull charges of prop forwards Biggins and Gareth Ellison.
Danny Moran carried on as he had in the first half and but his break was thwarted as Taurean Sheehan lost the ball under over the line under intense pressure. Sheehan made amends on 60 minutes Ieuan Higgs collected the ball on the last tackle, mid-field, 30 meters out. A sublime side step and jink found him in space and he drew the full back to pass inside to ‘T’ who finished of the break. Gleeson goaled for 22 – 8 but Mayfield imeadiately switched off. Non communication allowed the kick off to be caught on the full by Millom and on the next tackle a simple scoot from acting half back gave the visitors a try. Millom cut the lead further on 70 minutes when Mayfield conceded two silly penalties to gift field position, then failed to move off the line to allow a soft try. 22 -14 but Mayfield regained some composure to pressure the Millom line. Breaks by Matt Calland and Kage Duffy were only just stopped short, before Aiden Gleeson slotted over a drop goal for a 23 – 14 lead. On the last play of the last set Mayfield ran the ball and found Gleeson on the right, he tapped the ball through the line for John Foy to hack it forward into the in-goal, where Lee Bradley was first to react and touch down for a Gleeson converted try that sealed the win and points for Mayfield.
Overall Mayfield deserved the win and when they showed enthusiasm in defence and attack looked a very good side, but the hesitancy that has plagued them this campaign still reared it’s head at times. The loss of a couple of strike and cornerstone pack players from the season has hit the team hard and it needs someone to step up and take their place if regular success is to be found.
Team; Rob Kershaw, Kage Duffy, Matt Calland, Lee Bradley, John Foy. Paul Brearley, Taurean Sheehan. Gareth Ellison, Danny Moran, Aiden Gleeson, Matty Moores, Ben Butterworth, Terry Whalley. Simon Moore, Mark Biggins, Ieuan Higgs, Todd O’Brien.
North West Rugby League
Mayfield NWC 66 – 13 Fitton Hill
Mayfield NWC entertained Fitton Hill this week as part of the 3rd teams remaining league campaign, the visitors put up a great fight but the gulf in class came through in the end with Mayfield running out comfortable winners.
Mayfield opened the scoring in the early stages as Hancock went from dummy half to barge over, Lee added the extras and it looked as though a comfortable afternoon was on the cards. Fitton Hill though were not here to roll over and put up a great display in the opening 25 mins forcing the home side back and getting themselves a converted try after some soft defending, 6 -6 .
Mayfield huffed and puffed but handling errors were costly, nine in the first half alone. Fitton Hill again got themselves in good field position and grabbed a drop goal. Mayfield shuffled the pack and moved the retuning Ramsden to Hooker which got Mayfield immediately on the front foot, setting up Craig White to go over from 2ft out, Lee again added the extras. Ramsden continued to boss the forwards up the park and set up Abraham to grab another score now 16 – 7.
Sampson was also in on the old boys act causing havoc with mazy stepping runs and picking up willing receivers, one being Dunc Simpson who again entertain the home fans with his now legendry show and go side step dashing in to grab another for Mayfield, Lee was cool with the boot 22-7. To finish the half Mayfield put on a move out the back and picked up the powerful Hargreaves who made a difficult try look easy, half time score 28 – 7 and the result was looking ominous for Fitton.
Mayfield were warned at half time that the Oldham outfit would come out of the blocks and have a real go in the 2nd half, the kick off was lofted high in the direction of Sampson he must have lost sight of it in the sun as the ball bounced off the palms of his hands straight to a Fitton Hill player to score under the sticks 28 – 13.
Mayfield reacted well though and Sampson obviously angry at himself put some big shots in, gaining possession for ‘Field, Hargreaves got on the ball and after a devastating run scored his second of the game, Lee again successful 34 – 13.
Fitton were now struggling to live with Mayfield and the home side were in complete control, Hargreaves again showing his power to complete a hat trick and following the continued aerial bombardment on Sampson his endeavours were rewarded as he scrambled over Scooby Doo style out wide, score now 46 – 13.
Youngster Yewdale then showed great footwork stepping through the Fitton defenders to get on the list of scorers 52-13. In the closing stages White, Simpson and Nyland grabbed a try each and eventually despite his weary legs Ramsden scored a typical hookers try on his return after a 6 year break from the game. Final score 66 – 13.
Despite the big score line Fitton Hill represented their club well and Mayfield still have plenty to work on before the start of the NWMens season later this month. The club now look in a strong position going into summer rugby, with the train to play policy starting to pay off throughout the club and probably the strongest squad the second string has had available in recent years.
Team : Senior Hill Hargreaves Gregory Abraham Sampson Lee Nyland Hancock Simpson White Johnstone Ramsden
Subs : McCormack Yewdale Percy Robinson B Duffy
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