Rochdale Mayfield 43 - 16 Wigan St Patricks

Photo: Ian and Brennan Neild

Seta Tala, Rochdale Mayfield 43-16 Wigan St Patricks,

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Mayfield powered through to the Conference Challenge Trophy semi-finals, with an assured performance against a strong Wigan St Patricks side.

The Conference Challenge Trophy is a relatively new competition and is in some ways an alternative to the now, almost defunct, National Cup. Launched in 2012, it is an RFL run competition which is open to all Tier Four clubs in the National Conference League and Conference League South – essentially the best teams below the semi-professional ranks.

The importance of progressing was obvious in the first 10 minutes as the Wigan side wrestled hard in the tackle and hammered at the Mayfield try line, but the Mayfield defence held strong.

Perhaps sensing that with Mayfield in the mood to defend points would be hard to come by, St Pats opted to go for goal when awarded a penalty on the half way line. The attempt missed.

Mayfield were still under pressure as they dropped out from under the posts, and again had to repel the onslaught. They did so with aplomb and exited their half well with a Chris Hough 40-20 kick.

Rhys Carruth found a gap in the next play, but this came to nought as Seta Tala knocked on a short pass with the line begging.

The mistake was extra costly as, from the resultant scrum, the St Pats winger stepped through the line for a 90 metre try.

A tight 10 minutes was followed by another exciting break by Rhys Carruth who took Mayfield to the visitors line, and in a planned play the ball move, Declan Sheridan found Seta Tala who touched down under the posts. Chris Hough converted.

St Pats wrestle tackles started to earn the wrath of the officials and when presented with field position, Mayfield worked the ball back to the right flank where Rob Kershaw sped in at the corner off a smart Lewis Sheridan cut out pass. The conversion was missed.

Mayfield were unlucky to concede a penalty for a late tackle and two drives later the visitors prop forward crashed over despite the valiant efforts of Sean Watkins and Komai Namulatua.

Sensing the injustice, Paul Brearley recovered the ball from the kick off and two plays later, including a strong Chris Hough drive, Declan Sheridan scooted through to score a converted try.

St Pats appeared to tire as the Mayfield front row took over; Simon Moore, Seta Tala and Gaz Ellison drove into the heart of the visitor’s defence taking the team the full length of the pitch. Chris Hough took advantage of the field position to slot over a drop goal.

With half time looming Jack Sampson was over exuberant with the St Pats prop forward, and despite conceding a foot in height and six stone in weight didn’t take a step back, but conceded two points in the form of a penalty.

Half Time: Rochdale Mayfield 17 - 12 Wigan St Patricks

The second half saw Mayfield pushing hard for the quick play the balls that had served them well, and quick hands along the line from Sam Butterworth and Paul Brearley drew a penalty for holding down. Chris Hough missed the difficult penalty.

Hough made no mistake two minutes later when given the chance in similar circumstances.

The Mayfield front row again made their mark on the game when Jack Rush crashed through under the posts. Chris Hough converted.

Mayfield kept up the good defence and effectively sealed the game with the move and try of the match – Simon Moore rampaged at the line, scattering defenders he found Sam Butterworth with a great offload, 40 metres out. Butterworth burst forward and fired a 10 metre flat pass left to the flying Rhys Carruth, who darted for the corner. The St Pats full back performed miracles to grab his ankles but Carruth threw an inside pass that the defence could only parry into touch.

Denied glory in front of his adoring fans in the balcony section, Sam Butterworth took the pass from the base of the scrum and this time fired a 15 metre bullet like pass to Carruth who went in untouched. With the cheers still ringing, Butterworth calmly slotted the conversion from the touchline for a 31-12 lead.

St Pats would not give up and as they asked all of Mayfield's defence but Sean Watkins was alive to the wide pass play and intercepted 20 metres out. He charged up field and, with the cover catching him, handed on to Lewis Sheridan who completed the job for another converted try.

St Pats got a consolation try with just 10 minutes left but Mayfield cruised over the finish line. Declan Sheridan took advantage of another strong run and quick play the ball from Gaz Ellison and found Lewis Sheridan with a short pass to skip over the line. Sam Butterworth converted to complete the scoring.

Mayfield worked hard in defence for a win over determined opposition, and the tries scored were well constructed and taken, and great entertainment for the large crowd. The reward is semi-final away at Featherstone Lions on Saturday 20 August.

Mayfield Team: Jack Sampson. Rhys Carruth Matt Calland, Komai Namulatua, Rob Kershaw. Lewis Sheridan, Sam Butterworth. Gaz Ellison, Callum Ogden, Simon Moore, Paul Brearley, Sean Watkins, Chris Hough. Seta Tala, Declan Sheridan, Zac Baker, Jack Rush.