Rugby League: Barrow Raiders 60 - 6 Rochdale Mayfield

Rochdale Mayfield: James Shaw taking the ball in hard

Mayfield faced the professionals of Barrow Raiders for the second time in a week and, despite the heavy scoreline, gave a good account of themselves and the Mayfield Club.

Mayfield started well and matched Barrow set for set through the opening 20 minutes, as front row forwards Seta Tala and James Shaw in particular, ran strong and tackled hard.

Barrow broke the stranglehold, when they burst into the Mayfield half and scored a try. Too wide for the conversion.

Mayfield brought on Declan Sheridan and within minutes struck back. Zac Baker and Paul Brearley worked the ball wide and back to centre field for Seta Tala to crash over under the posts for a well worked try.  Zac Hartley converted to give Mayfield the lead.

Barrow were struggling to match Mayfield's adventure on attack but were solid in the middle.

Mayfield held the lead for the next ten minutes, but Barrow benefitted from a fortunate interpretation of the rules that gave valuable field position and kept the ball off Mayfied, to score two quick tries for a 14-6 half time lead.

Mayfield were well in the game, but the toll of three tough games in the last week loomed ominous as they only had one fit substitute player - with Callum Ogden off with a serious shoulder injury, Simon Moore with a pulled groin and the tough running and tackling Jimmy Connuaghton suffering concussion from a knock to the head.

Barrow sensed blood and began to pass wide and offload the ball.

Benefitting from more generous officiating, Barrow took full advantage scoring regularly in the second half, racking up 46 points without reply, despite the sterling efforts of the never-say-die Rochdale lads.

The Barrow players and coach acknowledged the score did not reflect the game, but they were good value for the win and place in the fourth round of the cup.

Mayfield contiue their the league campaign - at home to Wigan side St Patrick's on Saturday, and will hope the battle hardening will see them in good stead.

Best for Mayfield were prop forwards James Shaw and Seta Tala.

Mayfield Team: Lewis Sheridan, Lee Registe, Matty Ashton, Matt Chrimes, Liam Riley, Zac Baker, Zac Hartley, James Shaw, Callum Ogden, Seta Tala, Chris Hough, Callum Marriott, Paul Brearley, Declan Sheridan, Simon Moore, Sean Watkins, Jimmy Connaughton.