Mayfield Rugby League

MAYFIELD RUE MISTAKES

NATIONAL CONFERENCE LEAGUE 1 - SATURDAY 24TH OCTOBER 2009

STANNINGLEY 24 - 16 ROCHDALE MAYFIELD

Mayfield travelled to Stanningley in Leeds on Saturday on a three match unbeaten run and should really have got more from the game against a Stanningley side that were below them on the table but showed better control of the ball to take both points.

Mayfield started well, taking the ball the length of the field and forcing a drop out on their first set, and should have scored on 12 minutes when Ben Namulnatua intercepted in his own 10 metres but was caught before the try line by the covering winger. Mayfield then conspired to make errors in their own half to gift Stanningley field position who eventually forced a repeat set, then scored from a dropped ‘bomb’ on 20 minutes. 10 minutes later the scores were levelled by Paul Brearley who scored from a grubber into the ‘in-goal’. Mckenna Gibson converted for a 4-6 lead. The home side went into the lead with a penalty and converted try in quick succession on 35 minutes. Mayfield reacted well to gain great field position but again they lacked composure as different players dropped the ball on the first tackle to waste three sets on the Stanningley line. 10-6 at half time.

The break did Mayfield no good as they conceded converted try’s on 41 and 50 mins, following own half errors and piggy back penalties. Mayfield finally held the ball and on 55mins Wayne Jopson scored from a great Andrew Moroney off-load close to the line. Seta Tala squeezed in at the corner following good hands and Mckenna Gibson slotted over a great conversion to make the last 10 minutes exciting, but Mayfield couldn’t force their way over the line and the scoreline finished 24-16.

Mayfield paid dearly for their individual errors – least 10 errors on exit sets and 6 first tackle errors on the Stanningley line. This was not helped by the Stanningleys propencity to concede cynical penalties on their own line which slowed the game down but were not properly penalised by the referee. Despite this Mayfield could have won the game and lost by 8 points – so must have shown some spirit and skill that will hopefully be on show in future games.