Mayfield Rugby League

Promotion – so near yet so far

Mayfield 6 –31 Myton

A crowd of around three hundred people turned out for to see Mayfield’s most important game of the season on Saturday (7 May). Without doubt the best team on the day won; unfortunately the best team on the day was the opposition, Myton.

The home side got of to a terrible start as the full back fumbled a bouncing ball after only three minutes, the chasing Myton centre reacted quickly and scooped up the ball to score a converted try.

Not long after a speculative high bomb wasn’t dealt with by the Mayfield winger and again Myton’s reactions were quicker and their winger pounced for a score in the corner.

The home side were visibly shaken and attempted to fight back but the Myton defence was rock solid and some slack defending was punished as the visitors’ winger found space out wide for another unconverted try.

With only about 15 minutes on the clock things looked bleak but Mayfield rallied with Maroney and Atkinson putting in some telling shots and O’Brien busying himself behind the ruck.

Simpson began making in roads up the middle as did Moores and it was from one of these attacks that Butterworth took the ball from a quick play to score a trade mark individual try which O’Brien converted.

Myton sensed the danger and the stand off slotted over a drop goal to complete the first half scoring. Right from the restart it was obvious that who ever scored the next try would win the game and Myton to their credit appeared better equipped on the day to do this.

Mayfield continued to apply pressure to the Myton line but again the defence proved impenetrable. They then ran in two more tries to kill off any hopes of a fight back and with it Mayfield’s hopes of promotion. The final score was 6 –31.

Man of the match for the home side was split between Matty Moores and Maroney who were ably backed by O’Brien and Atkinson. Also worthy of a mention was Simon Moore who topped the tackle count for both sides.

At the end of the day Mayfield knew they had been beaten by a better team and although gutted at missing out on promotion, agreed fourth place in the league is a creditable finish in a tough division.

The lads will now enjoy a well earned rest before regrouping for another assault on division one next season, which will be the last winter season before the switch to summer rugby in March 2012.

Team:. Rob Kershaw Kristian Duffy, Steve Wood, Ian Sampson, Ben Namulatua, Sam Butterworth, Matt Gartland, Ben Coombes, Todd O’Brien, Aiden Gleeson, Andrew Maroney, Matty Moores, Lee Atkinson, Ben Simpson, Chris Brett, John Stott, Simon Moore.

A spokesperson for the club said: “All involved at Mayfield would like to take this opportunity to thank the record number of sponsors who have come forward this season and put up their hard earned cash. The assistance given by these sponsors, all local businesses, means that Mayfield can carry on their push for improvement both on the field and off it with the improvements in training facilities etc. its not just the first team who benefit but everyone from the under 8’s up. So once more thank you to everyone.”

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Result – Castleford Panthers v Mayfield NCL

Hattons National Conference League Division 1

Castleford Panthers 34 – 16 Rochdale Mayfield

Mayfield have performed some heroics on the road in Yorkshire this season, but form deserted them when it matter at Castleford on Saturday, as they went down 34-16.

Mayfield needed a win to secure promotion but the home side were fighting for their lives against relegation, and irt showed as they ran hard and tackled in numbers, whereas Mayfield were strangely flat – perhaps as a result of the three week layoff between games. The start of the game set the tone as the referee marched Castleford into Mayfield territory and the Rochdale team fell off tackles to let them in for a try. 4-0 and it stayed that way for the next 20 minutes as any Mayfield pressure was spoiled by handling errors and the home sides spoiling tactics that slowed the game to a crawl. Castleford took every advantage though, and built a commanding lead that crept upto 22-0 by half time. despite the scoreline the travelling support always felt that Mayfield could come beck, but they knocked on the restart. Castleford scored from the resultant scrum and the game was gone. Mayfield did hit back when the home side finally paid the price for ruck infringements. Taurean Sheehan, Todd O’Brien and Rob Kershaw scored tries, Aiden Gleeson and O’Brien converted one each, but to no avail as the game ended 34-16. Too many had off games for Mayfield, and they fialed to play the gale force force conditions – trying too many long passes, instead of shortening things up and using their forward power. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and Mayfield have another chance next Saturday, when a win will finish the season in style and with promotion.   

Team; Rob Kershaw, Ben Namulatua, Steve Wood, Ian Sampson, Paul Lane. Matt Gartland, Taurean Sheehan. Benn Coombes, Todd O’Brien, Ben Simpson, Andrew Moroney,  Matty Moores, Aidan Gleeson. Simon Moore, Chris Brett, Mark Biggins, John Stott.

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This Weekends Fixture

Rochdale Mayfield NCL travel to Castleford Panthers this Saturday 30th April 2011, knowing that a win will secure promotion to the amatuer games highest level – the National Conference League Premier Division.

Sam Butterworth’s men have won their last seven league matches, to put themselves in the box seat for promotion, but the Panthers are fighting for their division 1 lives, as they need a win to avoid relegation.

Games between the two sides are always cracking affairs, and Saturday should be no different.

Butterworth has a selection headache with a full squad to chose from, which includes new signing, 18 year old John Stott, a former Mayfield junior, who has returned to the Club this week from Salford Reds.

The coach leaves the club at 1215pm and spaces are available for supporters.

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Man of Steel Awards Night

Mayfield held their awards night on Saturday and at the glizty event, hosted by Malcolm Lord, the award winners were;

under 18′s player of the year – ben duffy. runners up matty ashworth, tom andrews

north west counties players player – andy lee. runners up paul hancock, duncan simpson.

north west counties coaches player of the year – duncan simpson. runners up paul hancock, mark nyland

national conference league players player – andrew moroney. runners up todd o’brien, rob kershaw.

national conference league coaches player – todd o’brien. runners up andrew moroney, chris brett

national conference league ‘mcgavaghan’ award – ian sampson

open age young player of the year – aiden gleeson. runners up jake johnston, ben duffy.

man of steel award voted for by players, coaches, supporters, committee and referee’s – TODD O’BRIEN

the event was closed by a the terrific female vocalist, Hayley Kent, and the lads celebrated the night (and much of the next day) away, in preparation for the remaining two games of the season.

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2010 / 2011 Man of Steel Awards night

This Saturday, 23rd April 2011, sees the annual awards dinner for Rochdale Mayfield RLFC take place at the Mayfield Sports Centre.

The event will be a glamourous one with Black Tie and Posh frocks the dress code.

Awards for Players Player, Coaches Player, Young player of the year and the prestigious ‘Man of Steel’ award will be presented at the function, hosted by Malcolm Lord and featuring Female Vocalist Hayley Kent.

Tickets are just £12.50, and the price includes a Carvery Meal.

tickets are still available – contact Simon on 07917883779.

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Match report Tuesday 5th April 2011

Hattons Solicitors National Conference League division 1

Rochdale Mayfield 28

Oulton Raiders 32

SECOND-PLACE Rochdale Mayfield fell agonisingly short of victory against unbeaten league-leaders Oulton Raiders, at Mayfield Sports Centre on Tuesday night.

The visitors edged ahead with an 11^th-minute try and they were never behind in an enthralling and hard-fought encounter.

There was little to choose between the teams and perhaps the most crucial factor was discipline. The hosts conceded 11 penalties, their opponents three, allowing them to break out of their own half and apply pressure on the home defence.

Oulton were also quick to seize upon the home team’s mistakes two of which – a dropped pass and a lack of communication on defence – led to tries. It made the difference.

Mayfield, though, were able to hold their heads high with a spirited and committed display that emphasised why they remain promotion contenders; the opening day home defeat by Milford Marlins and four defeats in their first five games a distant memory. The turnaround has been remarkable.

The opening exchanges gave a flavour of what was to come with thumping tackles and slick approach play.

The breakthrough came in the 10^th minute when Oulton took full advantage of a penalty to surge up field. The ball was moved left where loose forward Stu Biscomb arrived at pace to score. Sasch Brook converted.

Mayfield weren’t fazed and three minutes later Matt Gartland’s superb grubber bamboozled the visitors’ defence, the ever-alert Todd O’Brien pouncing to score. Aidy Gleeson added the extras.

It was too close to call but Oulton regained the advantage as a well-worked move saw Matty Handforth send Ash Newman in for a try. Brook tagged on the two.

The visitors then enjoyed a period of supremacy which, linked with a hint of good fortune, saw them extend their lead, scrum half Aidan Bowden collecting his own kick through to touch down. Brook slotted over the conversion for an 18-6 interval lead.

Mayfield came out for the second half with all guns blazing, Andrew Maroney twisting and turning his way over the line from the first set of six. Gleeson made it a six-pointer.

The home team then shot themselves in the foot with a knock-on at the first tackle. From the scrum, Oulton drove forward, before whipping the ball out left. The Mayfield defence was found wanting, Andy Fauringham slicing through to score. Brook converted for a 24-12 lead.

Lesser teams than Mayfield might have buckled at this stage but they came roaring back, Simon Moore forcing his way over the line. Gleeson added the extras.

The Raiders were rocking and the home team were motoring towards the try-line. Unfortunately, the wheels came off when a misunderstanding among the backs saw the ball dropped on the Oulton 22. Winger Scott MacDonald didn’t need a second invitation as he scooped up the loose ball and galloped 60 metres to score. Brook converted and it looked to be game over.

Mayfield, though, regrouped and tries from Taureen Sheehan and Ben Simpson, the first converted by Gleeson put them within touching distance.

But, despite the home team’s best efforts and one or two ‘interesting’ decisions from the referee – when is it permissible for the ball to be ripped out in a three-man tackle? – Oulton Raiders held on to take the spoils.

It was a tremendous game and perhaps the wisest words of the nights came from an elderly fan as he left the ground: “It was a pity either team had to lose. A draw would have been a fair result.”

The vagaries of the weather and re-arranged matches now mean Mayfield must now wait until the 30 April for their next game, away at Castleford Panthers.

The final game of the season is at Castleton Sports Centre on 7 May when Myton Warriors are the visitors.

Mayfield need to win to guarantee promotion, although if other results go their way they may already have enough points in the bag to go up.

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This weekend – (International) Rugby League Bonanza!!!

FRIDAY 25th March 2011 – International Masters Rugby League comes to Mayfield as the New Zealand Masters (over 35 years old) team play matches against Mayfield Masters and other selected ‘golden oldies’ to raise funds for the Christchurch New Zealand Disaster Fund. Games will commence at 7.30pm and all spectators or indeed players are welcome.

Saturday 26th March 2011 -

Mayfield NWC welcome Bamber Bridge to the Mayfield Sports Centre, in the last game of the North West Counties Division 4 campaign. kick off at 2.30pm.

Mayfield NCL travel to Stanley Rangers (Wakefield) in a top of the table clash that kicks off at 2.30pm. Mayfield welcome back Matt Gartland and Damian Gibson to the squad as they go in search of two points to keep them in the hunt for promotion. The coach leaves Mayfield at 12.15pm and spaces are available for spectators.

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Match Reports Saturday 19th March 2011

Hatton’s Solicitors National Conference League Division 1

Normanton Knights 16-28 Rochdale Mayfield

Rochdale Mayfield came away from Wakefield with two valuable points on Saturday, after a tough battle with Normanton Knights in the Hattons Solictors National Conference League Division 1.

Normanton are at the bottom of the division, but trips to Yorkshire, to face a side fighting for league survival are never easy and this was proved to be the case, despite coach Sam Butterworth welcoming back Lee Atkinson from suspension and Simon Moore from injury.

The game opened well for Mayfield as they repeatedly made easy ground to gain possession in the oppositions half, but on three occasions the ball was spilled in good position. On 12 minutes though, Mayfield Man of the Match, Aidan Gleeson drove strongly into the defence and produced a double hand off and spin to twist through the would be tacklers and over the line. He converted for a 0-6 lead but Mayfield seemed to celebrate too long as they dropped the restart kick, and  Normanton took full advantage when 3 plays later through simple passes they scored wide on the right. The conversion was missed but on 17 minutes the scores were levelled when pressure on the Mayfield line produced a penalty for the home side, who kicked the goal for 6-6. The parity continued until 30 minutes of the half had elapsed, as quick play the balls by Mayfield forced three consecutive penalties and Ben Namulatua took advantage to force his way over the line for an Aidan Gleeson converted try. It seemed that Mayfield would end the half on a high as they increased the tempo of the game and forced repeat penalties from the hosts, but strong defence kept Mayfield out and the frustration told as Ben Namulatua chipped aimlessly on the last tackle and the home full back took a clean catch and raced the length of the field for a try, right on the stroke of half time.

10 – 12 at the break and whilst Mayfield seemed comfortable and in control of the game, the scoreboard showed otherwise.

5 minutes after the restart, solid attack prompted by Todd O’Brien and Taurean Sheehan, forced the hosts to drop out from under the posts. The kick sailed out on the full and from the resultant penalty Luke Sampson hit the line and twisted out of the tackle to drive over for his first try of the season – robbing the world of the spectacle of his impending, end of season,  naked lap.  Gleeson again converted for 10-18. Mayfield kicked into life and only resolute, and at times desperate, defence prevented further scores. The home side tested the patience of the referee too much though and after their number 9 was sin binned for persistent off side, Taurean Sheehan side – stepped in mid field and raced through for fine try. Gleeson missed his first conversion of the day but at 10-22 Mayfield were cruising. The lead should have been increased on 60 minutes as Ian Sampson showed fancy footwork and shimmied over to claim a try, only for the referee to rule it out for crossing despite none of his teammates being able to get anywhere near his dazzling steps. Normanton took full advantage of this good fortune and on returning from the sin bin their dummy half darted through lacklustre line defence for a converted try on 78 minutes. Amazingly, at 16-22, Normanton were now only a converted try away from a draw and they sensed the opportunity and pressed hard, but Mayfield again soaked up the pressure and converted defence into attack, as Todd O’Brien burst through the line and cut infield towards the posts. He seemed destined to score but tripped ten metres out, before regaining his feet to stumble again towards the line. The defence had recovered though and caught him just on the line. Both attacker and defender crashed into the post, and despite claims for a try, the referee ruled that the Mayfield hooker was held up. On the next play Chris Brett’s neat inside pass saw Ben Simpson stroll over the line for a try that Gleeson converted for a 16-28 victory for Mayfield.

The tough nature of away trips to Yorkshire showed again, but Mayfield are also made of strong stuff and the determination and will to win was rewarded with two points that sent them back to second in the table and well and truly in the hunt for promotion.

Team; Ben Namultua, Kristian Duffy, Steve Wood, Ian Sampson, Paul Lane. Taurean Sheehan, John Foy. Benn Coombes, Todd O’Brien, Ben Simpson, Andrew Moroney, Matty Moores, Aidan Gleeson. Luke Sampson, Chris Brett, Simon Moore, Lee Atkinson.

North West Counties Division 4. Waterhead 24 – 22 Mayfield NWC

A bad day at the office was the was the general view of players and coaching staff after a lack lustre performance saw Mayfield gift the two points to a very ordinary Waterhead side in Oldham on Saturday. Mayfield should have won this one convincingly but someone forgot to tell their opposition this as they notched up a 24 – 22 victory. The Rochdale side travelled with a weakened team, with injuries and work commitments robbing them of six players on the day but there was really no excuse for the way they handed the game to their hosts. Some very poor defending and penalty after penalty allowed Waterhead to build up a 20 – 6 half time lead. Mayfield did rally and should have gone on to win the game but simple errors on the final pass cost them dearly. There were some good individual performances but no cohesion and no sign of the team spirit that has pulled them through some tough encounters this season. Once again full back Kelly was outstanding and he was well supported by Simpson, Nyland and Ellis. Fletcher and Johnson weighed in with two tries apiece and Marsland with three conversions. Ashworth Wells and Kershaw made telling contributions from the bench with special mention going to Dave Tully who stepped up for his first game in years to help the side out and showed he’d lost none of his guile and pace.  

 Team, James Kelly, Gareth Fletcher, Joe Hart, Lee Bradley, Sean Hill, John Marsland, Ben Duffy, Dunc Simpson, Paul Hancock, Mark Nyland, Anthony Greaves, Dave Ellis, Jake Johnson, Ian Kershaw, Leon Ashworth, Rob Wells, Dave Tully.

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WHAT’S ON – THIS WEEKEND 18th / 19th March 2011

Friday sees the return of the ever popular CASINO NIGHT at the Mayfield Sports Centre. Black Jack, Roulette, Poker and others available on real tables in a friendly atmosphere.  

7.30pm start All welcome.

This weekends fixtures;

Mayfield NCL travel to Normanton Knights for a National Conference League Division 1 fixture, 2.30pm kick off. Coach leaves 12.15

Mayfield NWC travel to Waterhead for a North West Counties Division 4 fixture, 2.30pm kick off.

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Saturday 12th February 2011 – Match Reports

Hattons Solicitors National Conference League Division 1

Rochdale Mayfield 24 – 16 Oldham St Annes

Over 300 spectators were well entertained at the Mayfield Sports Centre, Castleton, on Saturday as Rochdale Mayfield maintained their promotion push with a hard fought victory over local rivals Oldham St Annes. The long history between the clubs, who have both been at the top of the amateur Rugby League tree for many years, meant that this game was always going to be a tough encounter with no quarter asked or given.

The tension showed in the early stages as both teams gave away penalties and possession in the opening stages to keep play in centre field. Mayfield showed their intentions with some strong defence from forwards Ben Simpson, Andrew Moroney and Aidan Gleeson, and St Annes’ half backs probed with quick plays on the fringes. The deadlock was broken on 20 minutes when Mayfield full back, Ben Namulatua, mis-fielded a raking kick and the referee saw a knock on. From the resultant scrum the visitors drove to the line and their scrum half showed neat footwork to dart over under the post for a converted try. The deadlock continued as Mayfield showed plenty of endeavour but little direction in attack. The lead was increased on 33 minutes when the Oldham kicker converted a penalty conceded in the tackle from wide out. 0 – 8, and it stayed that way until half time.

Mayfield seemed the stronger team, but lacked the cutting edge to break the visitor’s enthusiastic defence.  

 The cutting edge was provided a minute after the restart by outstanding hooker Todd O’Brien who took advantage of field position and a quick play the ball from Benn Coombes to dart over the line for try he converted himself. 6 – 8 and Mayfield were back in the game, and only desperate defence prevented Joe Robinson and Luke Sampson from grounding the ball when over the line, St Annes clung on though, and increased their lead on 55 minutes with a penalty for a 6 – 10 lead. On 60 minutes Mayfield sparked into life as Taurean Sheehan orchestrated a drive into the visitors quarter and Matt Gartland worked the short right hand side, took the ball to the line and powered through the defence for a try that O’Brien converted. 5 minutes later the 12- 10 lead was increased to 18 – 10, when Gartland repeated the dose, this time on the left, with show and go to get outside his marker and score another Todd O’Brien converted try. St Annes battled back, with ex – Mayfield hooker Eric Johnson to the fore. Two penalties in succession took them to the Mayfield line and simple hands found space out wide on the left for a 68^th minute try. The conversion drifted between the posts and at 18-16 the game was in the balance. The Recruitment Solutions North West Ltd., man of the match, Aidan Gleeson, then settled matters on 79 minutes, as he hit the line 25 metres out, span out of the tackle and showed great awareness to chip the ball infield for trailing centre Steve Wood to touch down. Todd O’Brien kept his 100% conversion rate for a 24 – 16 victory, built on the back of strong defence.

Team; Ben Namulnatua, Paul Lane, Ian Sampson, Steve Wood, Kristian Duffy. Taurean Sheehan, John Foy. Benn Coombes, Todd O’Brien, Ben Simpson, Andrew Moroney, Joe Robinson, Aidan Gleeson. Luke Sampson, Mark Biggins, Chris Brett, Matt Gartland. 

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