Mayfield Preview: Mayfield v Hornets at The Mayfield Sports Centre

Matt Calland, Sam Butterworth and Lewis Sheridan who could all play a major part in Saturdays match against Hornets

Before the draw was made for the third round of the Challenge Cup if you asked anyone who is involved with Rochdale Mayfield who they wanted they all said the same thing 'Hornets at home'.

It was a dream come true when the teams were paired together and on Saturday Mayfield face arguably the biggest game in their history as they take on neighbours Rochdale Hornets at The Mayfield Sports Centre.

The Mayfield Committee and supporters will offer Hornets the warmest of welcomes as they arrive for the game but on the pitch it will be a different matter as both teams battle it out for victory and the right to going into the bag for the fourth round draw.

Mayfield go into the game as massive underdogs but after their heroics last season there are one or two people who fancy their chances and they will be going all out to upset the professional outfit.

There are several of the Mayfield squad with experience of pulling on a Hornets shirt, not least, coaches Matt Calland and Sam Butterworth. They both performed on the pro stage for many years and are acutely aware of what will be required from their charges if they are to get the result they want. With that in mind they upped the tempo at training this week and were delighted with the response from the lads.

Sam Butterworth commented: “The lads are buzzing and are relishing the opportunity to have a go at Hornets and while we understand this is a massive challenge we feel that we have the quality in the squad to at least push them close.

“We have home advantage and with the famous Mayfield support that is a great advantage for us. We just hope we do them proud on the pitch."

Mayfield chairman Simon Howe echoed Sam’s comments when he said: "We were given dispensation by the RFL on Monday to hold the game at The Mayfield Sports Centre and it’s been all hands to the pump since to make sure everything goes smoothly.

“The mood at the club has been upbeat since the draw was made and this is a great opportunity for us as a club to show the town how far amateur rugby has come, both on and off the pitch.

“Hornets offered us the chance to play the game at Spotland, an offer that we respectfully declined for obvious reasons. We are hoping for a crowd of maybe five or six hundred, that many people at Spotland would struggle to create an atmosphere whereas at ours it will be electric.

“We have a good strong fan base for an amateur club and we think they deserve the opportunity to see a game like this on home ground.

"I love rugby league, for me there is no greater spectacle than a good hard game and in any sport there is nothing better than a local derby so the game has everything. Throw in the David and Goliath factor and you have all the ingredients for one of the best sporting events the town has seen.

“Although the team has not yet been selected there are certain players who the fans will be watching out for, players like Paul Brearley, Lewis and Dec Sheridan, Sam Butterworth and of course Matt Calland all have the ability to win games while in the forwards Callum Marriott Si Moore Mark Biggins and Liam Whalley will all have to be watched closely by their opposite numbers. One man who will not feature in the game is Seta Tala. The explosive Fijian was suspended last week after being sent off in the first round tie at Widnes West Bank.

“Admission prices for the game have been set at £10.00 for adults £5.00 concessions and free for under 16s.

“Mayfield accept that this is a large increase on their normal £2.50 charge but have had to accept a compromise after negotiations with Hornets Ryan Bradley.

“This is still cheaper than a Hornets home game and Mayfield have retained the right to allow children in for free.

“Also to reflect the increase anyone who attends the next home league game will be admitted for £1.00 on production of a voucher which will be issued at the game.

“Spectators are reminded that the game kicks off at 2.00pm and there is additional parking available for free at Castleton Community Centre.

“There is limited parking within the ground so please park responsibly and consider residents if parking off site.”

Match sponsors for are Advantage Timber Construction, the match ball is sponsored by New Bridge Chippy Castleton, and Recruitment Solutions are sponsoring the ball boys.