Mayfield Rugby League

WEST BOWLING (BRADFORD) 4 – 22 ROCHDALE MAYFIELD

Mayfield took a huge step towards division one safety on Saturday when they beat West Bowling of Bradford. A major coup before the game was the signing of ex super league player Damian Gibson. Gibson has starred for several super league teams as well as gaining 15 caps for Wales. Mayfield chairman Simon Howe said Damian’s record speaks for itself it’s not just his playing ability we are interested in he has massive experience and his influence on the pitch will be invaluable to the other players. This was proved correct within minutes of the kick off after Wood set Gleeson on his way up the field he then gave the ball to Gibson who made thirty yards before giving a perfectly timed pass to Foy who raced the last twenty before touching down under the sticks Gleeson converted. It was champagne rugby for the first twenty with Mayfield playing as if they were the home team, they totally dominated their opponents in all departments showing just what they are capable of when they put their minds to it. With Moroney,Simpson and Brett putting in some punishing defensive work West Bowling must have wondered what was going on they just couldn’t get into the game and when Moroney broke from the half way line on the last tackle nobody expected his delicate chip over the on rushing defence, nobody that is except Rob Kershaw Who hacked the ball on then outpaced the home defenders to touch down for a fantastic try, Gleeson converted. This was followed by a penalty from Atkinson. At this stage Mayfields vociferous supporters were going mad crying out for more, so the team gave them more when, after first Coombs then Atkinson had made good breaks up field Tod O’brien scooted over from half back for a typical hookers try converted by Gleeson. West Bowling’s coach must have read the riot act to his players during the half time break because they were like a different team in the second half, not allowing Mayfield the space to throw the ball around like they did before the break and being more creative when in possession themselves. Mayfield showed some real resolve in the way they defended their line and only a mix up with twenty minutes to go allowed the home side on the score sheet. Atkinson kicked another penalty to complete the scoring  4-22 This was a very good performance from Mayfield and all seventeen players did exceptionally well. It was a game of two halves with the first belonging to Mayfield for the attacking flair they displayed and they probably edged the second too for the way they way stayed focused in defence. Wests were no push overs and they kept running all game if Mayfield had not stuck to their task things could easily have gone the other way. Butterworth was pleased with the overall performance and delighted with the completion rate of over 70%.

Gibson definitely made a difference on the day, not just for his playing contribution, it was plain to see that just his presence on the field was enough to give the side a lift. Lee Atkinson was named MOM for his non stop action packed performance this lad has just got better and better this season. He was ably assisted by some very good performances from Moroney, Coombs, Simpson, Kershaw, O’Brien and John Foy who looked dangerous every time he touched the ball and never missed a tackle all afternoon. Let’s hope this type of performance can be recreated next week at home to Stanningley.