Mayfield Rugby League

LAST WEEKEND’S RESULTS

Rochdale Mayfield 24

Thatto Heath (St Helens) 24

HONOURS were even at Castleton Sports Centre on Saturday as 80 minutes of hard fought and entertaining rugby couldn’t separate Rochdale Mayfield and Thatto Heath.

And, while both teams will be disappointed not to have taken maximum points they provided a great advert for the game at this level. No quarter was asked or given as the combatants provided a nail-biting finish with both looking for, but unable to find, a match-winning drop goal to seal the win. It had the crowd on their feet.

From a Mayfield perspective coach Sam Butterworth will reflect on another improved performance, particularly in the second half, when his team turned around a 16-6 deficit to lead 24-20 with 10 minutes to go.

Unfortunately, bad decision making coughed up possession late in the game and Thatto Heath’s winger scrambled over for a late try. If Mayfield can eliminate these silly mistakes they will surely climb the table.

Mayfield enjoyed some early pressure but were unable to find a way through the well-drilled visitors’ defence.

The hosts then conceded two penalties in quick succession and paid the price for their indiscipline when excellent handling and support saw former Hornets’ player Andy Bailey cross for a try.

Five minutes later it was more of the same, this time the impressive Johnny Hughes slicing through the Mayfield defence and racing 50 metres to score. Shaun Quinn converted.

Thatto were then guilty of indiscipline, conceding two penalties and, from the second, quick-thinking McKenna Gibson galloped in unopposed near the sticks. Ben Butterworth added the extras.

Thatto seized onto another Mayfield error as slick passing and excellent support play saw Mark Beech touch down between the sticks. Quinn tagged on the two.

With half time approaching, Mayfield gave themselves a foothold in the match when fullback Komai Namulatua joined the line to dive in at the corner as the hosts went into the break trailing 16-10.

The opening minutes of the second half were a scrappy affair as both teams contrived to turn over possession with daft mistakes.

In the 53rd minute, Gibson slotted over a penalty and two minutes later when Quinn made a complete hash of his high kick Gibson collected to scoot in for a try. His conversion gave Mayfield the lead for the first time.

But when Mayfield repaid the compliment by making a pig’s ear of a high kick, then conceded a penalty, basic catch and pass rugby saw Darren Woods restore Thatto’s lead with a try out wide.

The see-saw encounter continued to exhilarate and Andrew Moroney’s exquisite inside ball saw the marauding Joe Robinson crash over the line. Gibson landed a superb touchline conversion to give the hosts a four-point lead.

Composure was now the key to victory and possession all important for Mayfield. But this was again sadly lacking as a suicidal pass went to ground and Thatto had the ball.

They didn’t waste their opportunity and, after some excellent scrambling defence, Mayfield ran out of numbers, allowing Mike Woods to squeeze in at the corner to level the scores.

There was still time for both teams to attempt to win the game by way of a drop goal but Mayfield, twice, and Thatto’s efforts fell woefully short.

Few would argue that it wasn’t a fair result with both sets of players having given their all.

For Mayfield the Australian triumvirate of McKenna Gibson, Joe Robinson and Andrew Moroney caught the eye with Moroney getting the sponsors man of the match and Ben Butterworth getting the vote from the opposition. 

Rochdale Mayfield: Namalatua, Kershaw, Wood, Moore, Lane, Butterworth, Gibson, Brett, O’Brien, Moores, Robinson, Moroney, Gleeson, Brearley, Tala, Biggins, Jopson.

By Mike Floyd.

Higginshaw 26 - Mayfield NWC 4

Team: Abraham, Durrand, Day, Ashton, Armstrong, Hill, Marsland, Eryes, Duffy, Bamber (capt) Nyland, Mortin, England. Subs all used: Fletcher, Simpson, White, Todd. 

Mayfield had a weaker pack this week due to numerous forwards missing or injured but had the return of Nick Todd and first team star Alan England to help bolster the attack. The first half was very tight and was an arm wrestle with the hosts having long spells of possession eventually getting them the first converted try of the game. Mayfield responded well and from good approach play found John Ashton out wide to score in the corner. The bruising encounter started to take it’s toll on Mayfield, with Day, Duffy, Eryes, Simpson and Abraham all getting knocks in the first half. As the game progressed Mayfield struggled as there were further injuries to Bamber and the influential England, Mayfield’s walking wounded didn’t give up and refused to fold even though the well organised Higginshaw continued to press. Mayfield can take heart from this performance even though the result wasn’t (in Carl Abraham’s words) the big W, and have a platform to build from for the remainder of the season. Man of the match was captain concrete with a war horse like performance, Mortin and Duffy also played well. A mention should also go out to Nick Todd who came out of retirement to give the guys a hand.

This weeks team is going to be picked from lads that commit to training……it’s that simple.

P***k of the week: CRAIG WHITE… he attempted a short kick off …… it was very short…..about 5yrds…P***K. He was closely contested by Andy Taylor who couldn’t find the club, Mark Nyland who if was in a room on his own with all the doors and windows closed would still find someone to argue with and Johnny Marsland who is just a p***k all the time.

Good numbers have been at training of late, but all players are welcome Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:15pm at Mayfield’s ground in Castleton.