MAYFIELD FINISH ON A WINNING NOTE – AND SAFE!
April 18th, 2010 | by Simon |
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Rochdale Mayfield 35
Castleford Panthers 22
ROCHDALE Mayfield held a minute’s silence in memory of avid supporter Alan Hill, who died recently, before Saturday’s match against Castleford Panthers at Castleton Sports Centre.
And, Alan would have been delighted the hosts showed the same passion on the field, as he had off it for more than 50 years.
Needing a win to guarantee a place in the National Conference first division next season, Mayfield swept aside fifth place Castleford with a display of pace, power and precision.
Leading the way for the home team with a stunning performance was Andrew Moroney, who ran straight, tackled tenaciously and helped himself to a brace of tries.
He was well supported by Wayne Corcoran, who also had an outstanding game and Ben Simpson, whose bulldozing runs were a constant thorn in the side of the visitors.
That said, the whole team contributed towards a famous victory and all the players were able to leave the field with their heads held high.
Mayfield started brightly and might have gone ahead in the first minute, Steve Wood unable to cling on to Corcoran’s pass.
They didn’t have to wait long, though, Aidy Gleeson’s penalty one minute later giving them the lead.
The home team survived a scare when ham-fisted Matthew Bacon failed to hold on to Jamie Benn’s neat cross-kick with the try-line begging.
Mayfield then made a hash of Benn’s long clearance kick, a penalty ensued and Benn converted to level the scores.
The home team responded well, Moroney brushing off a high tackle to cruise in for a try, Gleeson added the extras.
Castleford stayed in touch via another penalty, Benn again on target.
But when the restart kick was dropped Simpson led the charge for the line, was held down in the tackle and Gleeson knocked over the penalty.
Mayfield increased their lead, Moroney collecting Corcoran’s intuitive chip over the defensive line to gallop in for a try. Gleeson made it a six-pointer.
The home team were rampant but were hampered by a referee who seemed keen to apply some of the arcane laws of rugby league, much to the bafflement of players and supporters alike.
This allowed Castleford the field position from which Benn sent James Clarkson crashing over the line. Benn converted.
With half time approaching, Lee Atkinson dropped a goal to take his team into the break, leading 17-10.
The referee continued to play his part and two successive penalties early in the second half, the second converted by Benn, closed the gap for the visitors.
Mayfield were in belligerent mood, Moroney breaking the line, fending off the last tackler and slipping the ball to Wood, who raced in for a try. Corcoran landed the touchline conversion.
The home team looked comfortable at this stage but another ‘mystery’ penalty, followed by two more for dissent, took Castleford deep into Mayfield territory. And they produced their best move of the match, slick handling creating space on the outside for Lewis Richardson to score.
The visitors’ celebrations were short-lived, Corcoran powering forward before offloading to Simpson, who had only to fall over the line. Gleeson converted.
Mayfield then scored the try of the match, Simon Moore and Ian Sampson combining to send a delighted Rob Kershaw in for a try. Gleeson added conversion.
With a 19-point lead and their efforts taking their toll the hosts took their foot of the gas, Carl Burke nipping in from close range to touch down. Benn converted.
The score was the last of an entertaining game in which the only concern was the award of 23 penalties. The standard of refereeing has been a problem throughout the season in the games I have watched and, while it’s important for young referees and touch-judges to gain experience, they must have a feel for the game not just apply the laws to the letter.
Mayfield can now use the summer to regroup. They have the nucleus of a good team, but there will be some areas they need to strengthen. The important thing is to get the 2010-11 campaign off to a good start and not, as they have done this time around, spend the season playing catch up.
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