COME ON THE ‘FIELD

April 7th, 2010

Castleford Panthers have the honour of bringing the season to a close for Rochdale Mayfield at the Mayfield Sports Centre today. In what promises to be a fantastic game of rugby league Mayfield need to win to be sure of staying in the division, a loss would result in Mayfield depending on other teams below them to slip up to prevent them the ignominy of a successive relegation. Sam Butterworths men however are in no mood to be left relying on others, they want to go out this afternoon and take the points and secure safety. It is looking like the experienced Damian Gibson will be unavailable today due to work commitments, apart from that there is a full squad to select from. Last weeks stroll against bottom club Heworth may not have been the ideal preparation for a crunch game like today’s but you can only play who you have in front of you. Panthers on the other hand got a real beating at the hands of Saddleworth last week, a result which did their promotion chances no favours at all so they will be going all out today to try to remedy that. In the away fixture back in September, Panthers won easily 32-12 so they will fancy their chances this afternoon. Mayfield, however, have other ideas and will be looking to finish the season on a high after winning the last three games. The forwards have dominated their opposition in these games and the backs have been able to capitalize on this, running in some very good tries. With players of the calibre of Wayne Corcoran, Ben Simpson, Todd O’Brien, Andrew Moroney, and Joe Robinson to mention but a few the odds look good for a Mayfield victory and first division rugby next season. Players meet as per pre match text.

In The Zone this week with Zone One Electrical are The Weavers Arms, Recruitment Solutions and a Kirkholt re-union with ex players and officials from the old Kirkholt rugby team coached by one of Rockdale’s best coaches Pete Standring.   Match ball sponsors are Unique Sports.

Mayfield NWC have no game this week. 

Everyone is reminded the annual presentation takes place at the club tonight with a potato pie supper and music and dancing til late, all welcome come and support the club and see who gets the awards

All at Mayfield would like to take the opportunity to thank the record number of sponsors who have been attracted to the club this season, this is due in no small part to the fantastic effort put in by Zone One and Dave Marcroft. Every week Dave has made sure the Sponsors Zone has been full and that all sponsors have received VIP treatment. The club recognize this and extend their thanks to all sponsors and indeed Dave Marcroft himself, without the generosity of these people it would be impossible for the club to operate to the high standards it prides itself on.

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MAYFIELD NCL TAKE GIANT LEAP TOWARDS SAFETY

April 7th, 2010

Rochdale Mayfield 68 - 0 Heworth

ROCHDALE Mayfield romped to victory against bottom club Heworth at Castleton Sports Centre on Saturday.

The visitors have yet to win this season and it soon became apparent why, as the hosts raced into a 20-0 lead in the opening 10 minutes.

By half time the lead had been extended to 52-0 and it was to Heworth’s credit they stuck to their task in the second half, conceding just 16 points.

This was due in part to improved defence but also to Mayfield’s reversion to one-out rugby and, not surprisingly, a drop in intensity by the home team. The slick handling, quick movement and support play of the first 40 minutes was abandoned and with it the clinical finishing which had served them so well in the first half.

It’s difficult to criticise a team that has won by such a big margin, but it could and should have been more as the team prepare for the final game of the season, at home to fourth-place Castleford Panthers on Saturday.

The game was two minutes old when Ben Namulnatua put the finishing touch to a flowing move out wide. Rob Kershaw skipped through for a second, converted by Lee Atkinson, before Neil Connolly’s excellent pass sent John Foy over.

Atkinson hacked on a drop ball, collected and dived in for a try, which he then converted.

It was one-way traffic, Namulatua having too much pace for the cover as he scored a second and Matty Moore got on the end a fluent passing move to touch down.

Todd O’Brien scooted in for a trademark try from acting half, Namulatua completed his hat trick before limping out of the game, and Simon Moore charged through to score.

He then provided a lighter moment as he scythed through the cover only to drop the ball over the line with no-one near him.

Three minutes before the break, Connolly’s dummy set up Ben Simpson for a simple try which, added to Aidy Gleeson’s four superb conversions, brought up the half century for the hosts.

The second half was not one to live long in the memory, apart from a tremendous individual effort from Foy, who raced 70 yards to score.

He then became the second player to notch a hat trick, benefitting from a strong run by Gleeson, who converted both.

Matty Moore completed the rout with 17 minutes to go, forcing his way over from close range and, bearing in mind what followed, the referee might as well have blown his whistle at this stage.

Half-backs Connelly and Atkinson were at the heart of all things good for Mayfield, while a word of praise for Heworth scrum half Craig Richardson; small in stature but big of heart, he gave his all.

Mayfield: Kershaw, Foy, Wood, Gibson, Namulatua, Atkinson, Connelly, Coombes, O’Brien, Brett, Moroney, Matty Moores, Corcoran, Gleeson, Simon Moore, Ian Sampson, Ben Simpson.

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March 24th, 2010

 

Mayfield

Probably the best Rugby Club in the World  

 

Saturday 10th April 2010 7.30pm

MAN OF STEEL

 Season 2009 / 2010 Presentation night.

Featuring;

 

Man of  Steel Award, Young Player of the year

National Conference League-Player of the Year, Players Player of the Year

North West Counties-Player of the Year, Players Player of the Year

 

Potato pie supper provided – Dress code = Black tie for Players

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MAYFIELD BOWL OVER WESTS

March 24th, 2010

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.

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last wekends games

March 9th, 2010

NATIONAL CONFERENCE LEAGUE DIVISION 1

Myton warriors 20 – 10 Rochdale Mayfield

 

It took a last minute Myton try to finally put paid to Mayfield victory hopes away in hull on Saturday. The two sides were evenly matched for much of the game and myton were hanging on to a slender 6 point lead at the time.

Mayfield were hit a by couple of late withdrawals and illness on the bus which forced star hooker todd o’brien out of the game, and this showed as in the first 20 minutes poor Mayfield marking on the right wing gave fifth in the league Myton a 14 nil lead. An andy lee try which was goaled by aidan Gleeson got Mayfield back in the game with a half time scoreline of 14 – 6.

7 minutes into the second half lee Atkinson got reward for his massive efforts all afternoon by scoring a try which Gleeson couldn’t convert to put Mayfield within sight of a victory. Matty moores drove Mayfield on but try as they might Mayfield lacked the necessary composure to finish sets and create pressure and Myton hung on until that last game winning try.       

 Team; rob Kershaw, sean snape, steve wood, komai namulnatua, paul lane, ian Sampson, lee Atkinson, benn coombes, todd o’brien, chris brett, Andrew moroney, matty moore, aidan Gleeson, Stephan howard, andy lee, simon moore, ben simpson.

NORTH WEST COUNTIES DIVISION 4 - MAYFIELD NWC 12 - 54 IRLAM HORNETS

Mayfield NWC played host to Irlam Hornets on Sat at the Mayfield sports centre and were well beaten by a team that were probably the best they had faced all season. Irlam started strongly with two tries in the opening six minutes so it was obvious from the start that this was going to be a tough day at the office. True to form Mayfield stuck to the task and scored two late tries to make the scoreline a little more respectable. The visitors were bigger, stronger and faster in every department and it was a real test of character and indeed testament to the never say die attitude of the team, that they got on the score sheet at all. Veteran Billy Hill scored both the home teams tries both classy individual efforts and this was enough to earn him the M.O.M award from the opposition’s coaches. There were other good performances on the day from the usual faces Ellis, Ayers, Hancock and Yeomans who all worked tirelessly in both attack and defence while young Kristian Duffy once again pushed himself for the full eighty minutes, putting in some fantastic tackles and it’s fair to say without him the scoreline would have been even worse. Others worth a mention were old war horse Tony Hilton who did his best to encourage his young team mates, and Craig White. Coach Leon Ashworth was almost speechless at the end of the game but praised the lads for the effort they had put in and just asked that they maintain the same focus and dedication for the rest of the season, if they do they will surely beat some of the lesser teams.

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MAYFIELD WIN IN STYLE

March 2nd, 2010

ROCHDALE Mayfield cruised to victory against Thornhill Trojans at Castleton Sports Centre on Saturday.
And, while many will point to an abject display by the visitors, this was due mainly to Mayfield’s no-nonsense defence and, at times, electrifying attacking play.
Inspired by a superb platform provided by their hard-running forwards - despite the early loss of Andrew Moroney with a mouth injury - the home team’s half-back pairing of Lee Atkinson and Eamon Hillen had the Thornhill defence at sixes and sevens throughout the afternoon.  This provided an entertaining spectacle for the home support with slick handling, straight running and clinical finishing, including a hat trick for winger John Foy, bringing nine tries.
But, while this was a good performance, it wasn’t a perfect one. Mayfield still have a tendency to force the play when a more patient approach is sometimes needed. They also give away too many penalties, which against a better team may prove costly.
Mayfield posted their intent in the second minute, Hillen chipping over the top and winning the chase to touch down.
Four minutes later, Hillen turned provider, his jinking run setting up Foy for his first try.
A third could have followed when Aidy Gleeson exploded through the middle. He should have backed himself to make it all the way to the line, but his wayward pass went to ground.
Mayfield were then guilty of trying too hard, attempting impossible offloads or over-ambitious passes, making it easy for the under-pressure Thornhill defence.
The one thing, though, the hosts were doing well was tackle and when a big hit dislodged the ball on the visitors’ 22 Foy jinked his way through to score.
The floodgates opened and two minutes later Tod O’Brien eagerly accepted Ben Simpson’s offload and slipped the ball to Steve Wood. He drew the cover whipped the ball out to Hillen, who nipped in for what was probably one of Mayfield’s best tries  of the season. Hillen converted.
Mayfield’s tails were up and when fullback Mark Hodgson spilled Hillen’s high kick Foy was on hand to scoop up the ball and scoot in for his hat trick. Hillen added the extras for a 24-0 interval lead.
No doubt the talk in the Thornhill dressing room at half time was to salvage some pride, but that fell by the wayside in the second minute, Wayne Jopson’s dummy  wrong-footing his markers and he strolled in for a try. Hillen converted.
Mayfield were again dominant but careless errors and daft penalties gave the visitors some respite.
But, on the hour-mark, Hillen and Atkinson again combined; the latter’s well-timed pass creating space for Sean Snape to squeeze in out wide.
Simpson was proving a handful for Thornhill, his bullocking run allowing Snape, Hillen and Atkinson to turn on the style for Simon Moore to apply the finishing touch. Hillen converted.
There was still time for O’Brien to sneak in from close range, Aidy Gleeson’s conversion completing the scoring.
Mayfield coach Sam Butterworth will be pleased with what was an excellent team performance, particularly the defensive effort, which made for a one-sided match. He won’t, though, be getting carried away and knows there is still work to do in the remaining four matches.
Rochdale Mayfield: Kershaw, Snape, Wood, Sampson, Foy, Atkinson, Hillen, Coombes, O’Brien, Brett, Matty Moore, Moroney, Gleeson, Biggins, Simon Moore, Jopson, Simpson.

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THIS WEEKENDS FIXTURES

February 17th, 2010

After last week’s excellent performance in the Challenge cup it’s back to league action this wekend for Mayfield. They face a tough trip to St Helens where they play second placed Thatto Heath. In the home fixture back in November Mayfield were unlucky not to take the two points after Heath leveled the scores with five minutes to go and Mayfield missed no less than three drop goal attempts. After turning in another good performance the week before at Millom Mayfield must be feeling confident of their chances of winning at Thatto Heath. Butterworth is hoping the injuries picked up in last weeks defeat, namely Jopson, hamstring, Robinson groin, and Atkinson ribs will have been worked out before Saturday and he will have a near full squad available for selection. The second half against Leigh East was as good as we have played all season and in fact on points scored we actually won the half, but we are acutely aware that we need to maintain that intensity for the full eighty and that’s what we will be looking for today he said at training this week. It seems Mayfield save their best performances for the best teams. Well they are going to need another good one to bring back the points today. ko today is 2.00 coach leaves club at 12.15 supporters welcome

Mayfield NWC also have a tough away trip to look forward to today as they travel to Wigan where they face New Spring Lions. The Wigan side has enjoyed a good run of late just scraping through at Bamber Bridge last week while Mayfield were slipping up at home to Leyland. Coach Ashworth with his never say die attitude will be trying to instill into his young charges the need to focus on the task at hand and take each game as it comes. He said we need to improve all round from discipline to defence but I know we have the lads on the park who can do that we just need to get a couple of good performances under our belt and the wins will come our way. Players are asked to meet as per pre match text.

Fixtures;

Nat Con div 1; Thatto Heath v Mayfield ko 2.00

 NWC div 4; Bamber Bridge v Mayfield ko 2.30

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Challenge cup 2nd round result and report

February 16th, 2010

Carnegie Challenge Cup

Second Round

Rochdale Mayfield 18

Leigh East 34

NATIONAL Conference premier division leaders Leigh East had too much pace and power for Rochdale Mayfield when the two teams met in the second round of the Carnegie Challenge Cup, at Castleton Sports Centre on Saturday.

And the visitors used this to good effect, finding the cutting edge that was often lacking in the Mayfield attack.

To their credit, the hosts stuck to their task, battling to the end with great commitment and scoring two late tries to give a scoreline which reflected that effort.

Mayfield were trailing 30-2 at the hour mark and many teams might at this stage have thrown in the towel. This, though, is not the Mayfield way and they played their best rugby of the match in the final quarter, winning the second half by 16-12.

Leading the way for Mayfield was Australian duo Joe Robinson and Andrew Moroney, who got through a prodigious amount of work in attack and defence. They received excellent support from hooker Tod O’Brien and scrum half Eamon Hillen, whose darting runs were a constant thorn in the side of the Leigh defence.

All in all it was an excellent team performance against a well drilled and pacy Leigh outfit. Mayfield coaches Sam Butterworth and Tony Appleyard will have taken plenty of positives from the display and, hopefully, it will provide a platform on which to build a successful second half to the season.

Mayfield enjoyed the early pressure and a high tackle brought them a penalty in front of the posts which Hillen converted.

Leigh gave an indication of what was to come with a flowing move, only to see Gareth Pemberton drop the ball as he stretched for the line.

The visitors then broke from deep, fullback Ryan Fieldhouse brushing off a series of powder-puff tackles. The ball was moved to Daniel Kilshaw, who cantered in for a try. Ryan Peters added the extras.

Mayfield withstood a series of attacks, before Tod O’Brien broke out with a scything run. He handed on to Moroney, took the return pass but was tackled just short of the line.

Leigh responded and a missed move on the left sent the speedy Carl Redford in for a try. Peters tagged on the two.

Indiscipline then proved costly for the home team as two penalties in close succession set up a try for the visitors, Redford again the scorer.

Mayfield pushed for a reply, a slick move between Robinson and Hillen creating a chance for Ben Butterworth. He was tackled and appeared to receive some rough treatment on the ground as Leigh looked to slow the play down. He reacted and along with John Taylor was yellow-carded. Amazingly, the penalty went to Leigh.

And, with four minutes of stoppage time played the visitors were again awarded a penalty close to the Mayfield line. The ball was swung left for the impressive Redford to complete his hat trick. Peters converted for a 22-2 interval lead.

Mayfield started the second half strongly, but handling errors at key moments frustrated their efforts to get back into the match.

Thoughts of a comeback were finally put to bed in the 53rd minute when the home team were fast asleep at a restart on the 22. The quick-thinking Kilshaw sent Redford racing clear for a fine try.

Another soon followed after a superb passage of play saw Redford turn provider to send Andrew Groves in at the corner.

The home team rather than feel sorry for themselves hit back, a barging run from Aidy Gleeson taking them close to the line. O’Brien did the rest, nipping in from acting half for a trademark try. Hillen converted.

Leigh again responded, Steven Grundy collecting Peters’ neat chip and outpacing the Mayfield cover to score out wide.

Mayfield summoned their last ounce of energy, Gleeson and Robinson linking to create a gap for Moroney to gallop in for a try.

The hosts had the final say when a quick tap penalty saw Robinson burst on to the ball at full speed and there was no stopping him as he powered in for a try. Hillen made it a six-pointer with the final kick of the match.

ROCHDALE MAYFIELD:  Kershaw, Lane, Moore, Wood, Jopson, Hillen, Ben Butterworth, Coombes, O’Brien, Brett, Moroney, Robinson, Atkinson, Sampson, Gleeson, Moore, Simpson.

 

Mayfield NWC turned in probably their worst team performance of the season at the Mayfield Sports Centre on sat. with a full strength squad to select from Ashworth could have been forgiven for thinking that this was a game they were going to win, in fact after fifteen minutes at 6-0 up it looked like the home side were at last going to get back to winning ways. However it was not to be after some slack defence and a string of needless penalties allowed Leyland to win the game comfortably 6- 30. Mayfield started brightly with some fluent attacking rugby coupled with some sterling work in defence Richard Yeomans showed a touch of class when he threw a dummy and left defenders grasping at thin air as he crossed by the posts, Marsland converted, and then it all went wrong four or five sets of six on the Mayfield line proved to much and Leyland crossed for a score they hadn’t previously looked capable of, this seemed to stun the home side who just went to pieces. Once they had the lead the visitors never looked back and went on to play the type of rugby Mayfield had started with. The irony is, Leyland were no better than Mayfield they were just allowed everything they needed to allow them to play rugby, time, space and possession. If they want to avoid relegation Mayfield are going to have to get it together soon and start playing like a team instead of thirteen strangers on the pitch. It may seem strange to say but there were positives that came from the game and some strong individual performances, namely Ellis in both attack and defence, Andre Durrand who put in some bone crunching tackles, Paul Day who proved a handful in attack all afternoon and young Paul Hancock who continued his solid vein of form.

There’s plenty to work on in training most importantly game play situations because one up rugby won’t win you games, and commitment in defence because missed tackles will cost you games.

 

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THIS WEEKENDS FIXTURES

February 1st, 2010

NATIONAL CONFERENCE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE

MILLOM v MAYFIELD, 2PM KICK OFF.

this weekend the first team will travel to Millom (Cumbria) in a re arranged league fixture. the coach leaves at 10.30am and there is room available for spectators.

NORTH WEST COUNTIES LEAGUE DIVISION 4

CADISHEAD V MAYFIELD, 2PM

mayfield ‘a’ will travel to cadishead this weekend.

WHATS ON AT THE CLUB?

this saturday sees a girls rugby league festival at the club - games kick off at 1030 and refreshments will be available in the clubhouse.

on sunday there will be the usual youth games including the under 16’s v Fitton hill at 1145. games start at 1030 and again refreshemnts will be avaialble.

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February 1st, 2010
celebrate the draw
celebrating the draw

 

awaiting the judges decision

await the judges decision

Rochdale Mayfield held their first fight night at the club on Saturday night and what a fantastic success it was. The clubhouse was packed to the rafters with cheering fight fans who couldn’t wait for the first bell, and when it went nobody was disappointed Andy “bonecrusher” Reid faced Simon “the beast” Moore in a battle royal. Those in the crowd expecting the combatants to take it easy were very mistaken with Reid and Moore going at it like two seasoned pros. Never a backward step was taken by either fighter and  in a tough and sometimes brutal encounter Moore took a points decision. This set the tone for the night with all ten fights running in the same vein, no quarter asked and none given.

Second bout was Craig “lights out” White against the formidable Mark “boom boom” Biggins for reasons best known to himself White entered the ring wearing a fetching little see through dress. This though was the only resemblance he had to a woman, taking some savage blows from Biggins he went on to take the match and provide another upset.

Next up was Simon “the Oldham stallion” Howe against fellow policeman Paul ‘Jacko’ Jackson in what was comically described as “the secret policeman’s brawl” pundits were tipping Howe with his eighteen inch height advantage to win this one but ex thai boxer Jacko showed the experience to  outclass Howe.

By this time the waiting gladiators had a feel of the intensity that was being reached in the ring and there was some nervous looking faces in the dressing rooms. None more so than Leon “the big show” Ashworth and Steve “concrete” Bamber who took to the ring next what these two lacked in speed and talent they more than made up for with grit and determination in fact Bamber faced the crowds wrath when he caught Ashworth from behind as he adjusted his head guard. The indiscretion was taken in good spirit though and paid back by Ashworth with a jab that almost straightened his nose. The result was a creditable draw.

Fight five and out came the Simpson brothers big bad Ben facing older and wiser brother lean mean Duncan this bout provided the first knock down but there were those in the crowd who swore Ben tripped Duncan! Undeterred Dunc regained his feet and fought till he could hardly move rocking Ben more than once to earn the evenings second draw.

Rob “magic Murphy was the second cross dresser of the night as he emerged sporting a pink tutu in his match with Richard “the whirlwind” Yeomans this was probably the most skillful fight of the night with both boxers looking like they had trained hard for the event. With the bout perched on a knife edge Murphy took a combination of shots and went down in the corner although he could pf slipped on something deposited in the ring earlier. This seemed enough to sway the judges and Yeomans rightly took the decision.

Brian Spreadborough accepting the challenge from long time friend Micky Bateson was next up, he was red hot favourite for this one and was said to have ordered a pint for the end of the first round. However Bateson soaked up Spreadboroughs   best shots and got some good work of his own in to working the head then the body Spreadborough absorbed the blows then almost finished his friend of only for the final bell to sound. Spreadborough took the honours in this one.

The club house was rocking now and the decibel level rose another notch as Sammy “the sledgehammer” Samson entered the arena followed by his opponent Lee “the party boy” Atkinson these went for it straight from the bell with Atkinson looking for the ko in round one. Samson was too skillful for that though and nifty footwork and a couple of good combinations helped him through. Rounds two and three were much the same in a great evenly matched contest it was difficult to call a winner but the judges gave it to Samson because he is slightly better looking.

If the last fight caught the interest of the crowd the next one almost blew the roof off ex Mayfield and Hornet Chris “the hitman” Hilton up against Warren “killer” Coupe. Warren brought half of Castleton with him, it’s rumoured he even paid for their tickets. The noise was unbelievable with Coups fans just edging it in the unofficial singing contest. The boxing match was a classic as expected. The crowd erupted as they entered the ring strutting about like two old war horses. Straight from the bell there was only one thing in both fighters minds KO. First Coupe then Hilton then Coupe again the blows were hard and straight and delivered without pause half the crowd gave the verdict to Coupe the other half to Hilton the judges were equally split and the result shared. Fantastic!

Last but by no means least Dave “the raging tull” Tully against Pete “the tornado” Topham the tension in the dressing room was only matched by the enthusiasm in the crowd. The atmosphere was electric the crowd surged forward to get a better view of the ring In came Tully, with, it must be said the entrance of the night he was followed by Topham who looked completely focused on the task ahead oblivious to the crowd and surroundings he entered the ring and squared up to Tully. The bell sounded and the fans were treated to three rounds of absolute commitment from both fighters, both absorbing everything the other threw. Tophams age advantage told in the end and his fitness was to much for the courageous Tully, who has always had the face of a boxer and on the night he proved he has the heart too. Topham was a deserved winner and his fans went wild.

Although bouts were drawn and bouts were won there was not a single loser on the night each and every individual who stepped in the ring was a winner and the biggest winner on the night was sport at the end of each fight the combatants hugged one another and were smiling from ear to cauliflowered ear with not a bad word exchanged between them all night

A big thanks on the night was extended to local ex boxer Crane Fisher who officiated all ten bouts and did so impeccably with not one complaint about his handling or his interventions, which in any sport is a massive achievement. Also attending on the night was British number two welterweight boxer Heywood’s Mark Thomson Fresh from his fantastic victory last week. Thanks also to master of ceremonies Braddy who also hosted an auction of sporting memorabilia to further boost the coffers, and no charity function would be complete without Moggy and his famous bucket making an appearance cheers Moggy.

Organizers Pete Duffy and Steve Gartland were left speechless on the night. The event was held to raise money for the Mayfield Mustangs and it served its purpose fantastically. Pete and myself were almost moved to tears by the generosity of all those who attended and contributed to one of the best events ever held locally, said Gartland.  

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