Poor performance is punished
December 11th, 2009Rochdale Mayfield 10
Milford Marlins 12
TO paraphrase Harold Wilson, a prime minister of the 1960s and 1970s, a week is a long time in sport.
And it’s difficult to fathom how Rochdale Mayfield veered from wonderful to woeful in the space of seven days as they sunk to defeat at Castleton Sports Centre on Saturday.
Gone was the fire which saw league leaders Saddleworth brushed aside as Mayfield simmered on a low heat against mid-table Milford Marlins in the first half, and were extinguished in the second.
Back were the early-season errors, the indiscipline and the one-man rugby which saw them start the season badly, while the hard work done in training which had sparked a revival in recent weeks seemed to have been forgotten.
It was frustrating and disappointing.
Perhaps the one positive was the defensive effort which had to be solid as self-inflicted wounds gave Milford the initiative. The visitors didn’t need a second invitation. Prompted by man of the match, scrum half Joshua Parle, they engineered two converted tries and victory.
The match started scrappily with both teams guilty of unforced errors. Dropped balls, forward passes and a series of penalties meant there was little to cheer the crowd other than a couple of bone-crunching tackles by Mayfield second-rower Andrew Moroney.
The home team’s woes continued when they were penalised for crossing in their own 22 – on the first tackle – and followed this by conceding another soon after for offside.
Mayfield finally launched a meaningful attack in the 25th minute, Eamon Hillen’s neat kick forcing a drop out. The kick went directly into touch and Hillen converted the penalty.
Seven minutes later, the hosts at last saw the ‘ben-efit’ of handing the ball to their big forwards arriving at speed. Ben Coombes made good ground, Ben Simpson broke the line and Ben Butterworth took his pass to score. Hillen added the extras.
Mayfield then enjoyed their best spell of the match but an inability to control the ball and complete their sets saw scoring chances few and far between.
On the stroke of half time, bulldozing runs by Simpson, Coombes and Joe Robinson set Hillen free. He was held down in tackle and emerged to slot over the penalty for a 10-0 interval lead.
In the second half, Mayfield handed possession to their opponents on a plate; their failure to get the basics right and a lack of direction on the field again prevalent.
And, despite dogged defence, it was only a matter of time before Milford broke through. Two ‘daft’penalties, and a yellow card for Ben Namulnatua gave the visitors easy yards and an extra man, allowing hooker John Elkington to dive in from close range for a try. Ryan Oxtoby tagged on the two.
It got worse for Mayfield when another searching kick from Parle was knocked on close to the home team’s line. From the scrum, Parle broke on the blind side, slipped the ball to Jones-Bishop who forced his way over in the corner. Oxtoby knocked over a superb touchline conversion to give Milford the lead for the first time in the match.
With 10 minutes to go Mayfield rallied, but knock-ons, forward passes and the wrong options early in the tackle count denied them progress.
With eight minutes to go they whipped the ball wide but squandered a two-man overlap when the ball – not for the first time – went to ground.
The home team continued to press and when Hillen was held down and the ball ripped from his grasp a face-saving penalty looked to be on the cards. Inexplicably, the referee gave it to Milford and the game was up.
On the whistle, there were those home fans who wanted to blame the referee and, while I agree officials with an average age of less than 16 don’t have the experience, know-how or wherewithal to take charge of games at this level, Mayfield have only themselves to blame for this defeat. The bottom line is they were poor and will need to do some soul-searching in training next week to find out why it went so badly wrong.
Mike Floyd.
THIS WEEKENDS FIXTURES
December 3rd, 2009NATIONAL CONFERENCE LEAGUE DIVISION 1
THIS WEEKEND THE 1ST TEAM ARE AT HOME TO MILFORD MARLINS OF LEEDS. KICK OFF AT 2.30PM AT MAYFIELD SPORTS CENTRE.
NORTH WEST COUNTIES LEAGUE DIVISION 4
THE 2ND TEAM ARE ALSO AT HOME TO LEIGH CENTRAL LIONS. KICK OFF 2PM ON THE BACK PITCH AT MAYFIELD SPORTS CENTRE.
MAYFIELD TRIUMPH IN LOCAL DERBY
December 3rd, 2009Rochdale Mayfield 16
Saddleworth 6
HUNGER for victory is often cited by coaches as a quality they are looking for in their players.
And, at Castleton Sports Centre on Saturday afternoon, Rochdale Mayfield showed just that in spades to beat league leaders Saddleworth.
From start to finish, the hosts hunted down their opponents with doughty defence, tough tackling and a never-say-die attitude the visitors could not match. By the end, the confident Oldham outfit looked a shadow of a team sitting at the top of the table, the resistance having been knocked out of them by the home team.
Going forward, too, Mayfield’s forwards showed heart and commitment. No one epitomised this more than local lad Ben Simpson whose barnstorming runs were a thorn in the Saddleworth side throughout the match. He seems to be enjoying a new lease of life and enjoying his rugby.
This, though, was no one-man show. He was well supported by Ben Coombes, Andrew Moroney, Aiden Gleeson and the remainder of the pack, who dominated their opposite numbers in the second half and provided the platform for victory.
Behind them Australian scrum half Eamon Hillen prompted the threequarter line and launched a series of withering kicks to put the visitors on the back foot. But, as with the pack, all the back line played their part, never taking a backward step and tackling like demons to keep Saddleworth pinned in their own half. You could count on the fingers of one hand the number of attacking forays the visitors made in the second half.
Mayfield made the perfect start when Hillen seized on a loose ball in the first minute to scamper 40 yards to score.
It was then nip and tuck as both teams sought to establish supremacy. The hosts looked to have things under control until they conceded two penalties in close succession. Saddleworth took full advantage as Emerson Jackman’s superb short pass sent Paul Ashton in for a try. Michael Coates converted.
It then became a war of attrition as the teams tried to soften one another up; Moroney and Jason Best sent to the sin bin after a contretemps.
Saddleworth enjoyed their best spell of the match but Mayfield’s well-drilled defence was unyielding and they made little headway.
Mayfield broke out and were unlucky not to score when Joe Robinson’s kick for the corner struck the flag with Rob Kershaw waiting to pounce. The hosts went into the break trailing by two points but with everything to play for.
The second half started as the first with an early Mayfield try.
Tremendous approach play by the forwards saw the ball whipped wide, where fullback Komah Namunatua wrong-footed the defence to dive in for a try. Hillen slotted over a fine touchline conversion.
It was the lift the home team needed and they took control. Booming runs from the forwards, neat kicks from Hillen and enthusiastic tackling by Lee Atkinson had Saddleworth reeling and unable to find an answer to a resurgent Mayfield team.
Hillen missed a penalty, but made amends two minutes later when Saddleworth were again caught lying on in a desperate effort to contain the rampant hosts. This time Hillen made no mistake.
With just six points separating the teams the home fans were unable to relax when Mayfield knocked on in their own 22 – one of their rare mistakes. Once again, the defence held firm, a crunching tackle from Wayne Jopson, knocking the ball out of the recipient’s grasp, confirming the home team’s desire.
With six minutes to go, the Saddleworth defence resembled a bowling alley as Simpson’s bulldozing run sent would-be tacklers toppling. The big prop was eventually stopped but a quick play the ball, a dummy, and step by John Foy and a slick pass to Gleeson saw him, despite the attentions of three defenders, twist his way over the line for a try.
It was the final nail in the Saddleworth coffin and there was no way back for the visitors.
There was just time for Namanatua and Danny Earley to be shown the yellow card for a bout of fisticuffs, before the whistle sounded on a famous victory.
Mayfield celebrated in style. It is a great achievement to beat the league leaders and even more satisfying against local rivals in a derby.
Coaches Sam Butterworth and Tony Appleyard won’t be getting carried away. This is the beginning, not the end. The improvement shown in recent weeks has been fantastic, but they will know that there’s a lot more hard work and hard games ahead.
MAYFIELD: Namanatua, Kershaw, Wood, Robinson, Lane, Brearley, Hillen, Brett, O’Brien, Coombes, Moroney, Jopson, Butterworth, Foy, Atkinson, Gleeson, Simpson.
NO GAMES THIS WEEKEND
November 20th, 2009With no games scheduled for this week it is a time for coaches and players alike to reflect on the season so far. On the face of it with the first team just above the relegation places in the national conference division one, things may appear a little grim and when you consider that the next game is against table topping Saddleworth anyone looking in would be forgiven for thinking that. However the reality is a little different at the club, and all concerned appreciate that. With the way the team finished last season and the massive changes at the club during the closed season the revival was never going to be an easy task. However after losing the first five on the bounce new coaching duo Sam Butterworth and Tony Appleyard ably assisted by Alec Butterworth have put the hard graft in and seen the rewards for this. The team has only lost once in its last seven outings managing two away wins, one home win and three draws in that sequence.
“Winning breeds winners” is an old adage in the sporting world but it is a true statement and recent results have been testament to this. Along with the improved results has come a new found optimism and spirits in the team while always good are now on a new found high.The signing of three new oversees players has played no small part in this turnaround but added to this must also be the inclusion of some of Mayfield’s home produced talent most notably Aiden Gleeson, Sean Snape Paul Brearley and Paul Hancock. All the afore mentioned are products of the Mayfield Mustangs youth set up. Along with the already established first team players most at the club agree that they are moving in the right direction and if the recent improvement continues then the second half of this season could be a very interesting one.
Bring on Saddleworth next week and lets see how much we have really improved is the general consensus around the dressing room. All are invited to ground next Saturday to witness what should be a great game of rugby league.
Not to be outdone, the NWC team under the watchful eye of Leon Ashworth and Billy Hill along with team manager Jack Ashworth is also seeing an improvement in fortunes. After a slow start and some indifferent performances the lads have all pulled together and turned out some great results in the past few weeks. Numbers at training have been up along with the effort put in. the nucleus of the side is again made up of former Mustangs with at least ten of the regular players having started their rugby league at the club from old timers Curly Kershaw and Adam Pirouzan to young guns John Marsland and Andy Taylor – who has recently impressed Hornets enough to be offered a training trial.
Mention must also be made of the record number of sponsors who have stepped up to the mark this season supporting the club in its endeavors both on and off the pitch most notably of these must be Dave Marcroft who has filled the sponsors box each week with local businesses willing to put their hard earned cash into keeping rugby going at the Mayfield Sports Centre. Last weeks occupants Tony and Phyl pratt certainly had a day to remember and indeed contributed to a great day for all at the club thanks very much. Last but not least many thanks to the volunteers who run the club and without whom none of this would be possible.
Thornhill Trojans 20 Rochdale Mayfield 36
November 11th, 2009Curly kershaw reports from overthorpe park, dewsbury. saturday 7th november 2009.
This time last week young Eamon Hillen was enjoying the sun in his native Australia but as they say a week is a long time in sport. On Saturday Eamon was basking in the heat of the Mayfield spotlight after leading his new team mates to a resounding 20 – 36 victory over Thornhill Trojans of Dewsbury.Hillen’s personal points tally was 26 made up of three tries and seven goals. Mayfield started brightly on a cold, damp Yorkshire afternoon and were on the score sheet after just two minutes when Tod O’Brien powered his way over from five yards out after good early work from the outstanding Mayfield pack, Gleeson added the extras. The visitors then went to sleep and allowed the Trojans to score two soft tries. Even trailing at 10- 6 the traveling spectators still felt they had seen enough to suggest that the game was there for the taking and that is exactly what the Mayfield lads did. After blockbusting runs by first Simpson and then Robinson, Maroney burst onto a crisp pass from O’Brien to cross the line, up stepped the cool figure of Hillen for his first points in English Rugby League, four minutes later on the stroke of half time he got his next after following up his own chip over the on rushing defence to touch down under the sticks he then converted the try to make the half time score 10 – 18.
Straight from the kick off Mayfield surrendered possession and Thornhill took full advantage to cross for a converted try. With Hillen and the industrious O’Brien at the hub of everything Mayfield did a victory never really looked in doubt. Robinson, Maroney and Simpson were knocking the Thornhill pack all over the pitch and this paid dividends when the home sides indiscipline gifted Hillen three kickable penalties, which he duly accepted. As we know old habits die hard and Mayfield gave away a string of penalties in return to allow the Trojans five sets of six on their line inevitably this resulted in a home try. This spurred the Yorkshire team on and they threw all they had at the Mayfield defence but they held firm under some intense pressure. With five minutes to go a good tackle from Kershaw dislodged the ball from the Trojans second rower this was seized on by Paul Lane who made yards then handed on to Butterworth who’s well timed pass saw Hillen cross for his second converted try. Fittingly the last word of the afternoon went to the debutant who in the dying seconds crafted a try out of nothing and then added the conversion again to make the final score Thornhill 20 Rochdale Mayfield 36. Hillen was awarded man of the match by the Thornhill coaching staff but he was pushed very close by O.Brien and Robinson who were both outstanding add to that the all round work of young Paul Brearley at loose forward and this was probably the best performance from a Mayfield team all season. Coaches Butterworth and Appleyard although impressed by the performance stressed to the lads that there is still a lot of work to do to get the club back where it belongs. Simple basic errors and needless penalties could have cost them dear on another day and there is only one place to put that right ,on the training pitch Tuesday and Thursday nights.
MAYFIELD BONFIRE
November 6th, 2009This Saturday, 7th November, will see the Mustangs hold their Bonfire Night Celebration at the club. Traditional entertainment and food will be available – no entrance fee and all are welcome. Festivities start at 7pm.
the bonfire is sponsored by;
OAK FENCING -
GARDEN FENCING AND MAINTAINENCE SPECIALISTS.
CONTACT ANDY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE ON; 01706 350258 OR 07709 889037, 34 FAIRWAY,CASTLETON,ROCHDALE,OL11 3BU
THIS WEEKENDS FIXTURES
November 6th, 2009
NATIONAL CONFERENCE LEAGUE, DIVISION 1.
THIS SATURDAY 7th NOVEMBER 2009 MAYFIELD TRAVEL TO THORNHILL TROJANS (DEWSBURY) 2pm kick off. Meet 12.30pm at club, coach leaves at 12.45pm - room is available for spectators.
Directions to Overthorpe Park, Edge Top Road, Thornhill, WF120DP – m62 junction 25. 3rd exit follow signs for Dewsbury. At the Three Nuns pub turn right and follow road through Mirfield town centre and into Ravensthorpe. Follow road markings for Thornhill and branch right at the lights and follow the road passing ravensthorpe train Station on your left. follow this road to the Nelson Inn junction where you turn right, up the hill into Overthorpe Road, where the ground is on your left.
NORTH WEST COUNTIES DIVISION 4 - GAME OFF
Mayfield ‘A’ v. New Spring Lions has been cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch.
LAST WEEKEND’S RESULTS
November 4th, 2009Rochdale 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.
fixtures saturday 31/10/09
October 30th, 2009
national confernce league division 1 - rochdale mayfield v thatto heath at mayfield sports centre 2.30pm kick off
northwest counties league division 4 - higginshaw v mayfield a at oldham edge 1pm kick off.