Rugby League: Rochdale Mayfield 24 - 44 Thatto Heath

Lewis Sheridan on the break

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Mayfield welcomed top of the league Thatto Heath on Saturday and despite some bright spells where they matched their opponents, learnt a lesson in discipline and finishing from the victorious St Helen's side.

Mayfield got off to the worst possible start as they took the kick off but knocked on at the first play attempting to go wide. Two sets later the Thatto Heath hooker scooted in from dummy half for a converted try.

Mayfield tried to hit back but were adjudged to have dropped the ball on their first visit to the visitor’s half of the field.

This became an early theme to the game and was repeated as Lewis Sheridan made a break down field but threw the pass to the touch judge instead of his support.

Thatto pegged Mayfield back to their own 20 metre zone, and Mayfield again attempted to exit via wide play. Wayne English got the break but chipped over to the opposition on half way and two quick play the balls later the visiting hooker again drove under from acting half back.

Mayfield stepped up the pace and spent the next 10 minutes on the attack, but again errors on the last prevented them scoring.

Another promising position was earned but the Mayfield attacker failed to play the ball correctly and four quick play the balls later Thatto Heath were in again.

Mayfield finally finished a set in the visitor’s half and this pressure earned them a penalty that saw Aidy Glesson crash over for a well worked try, converted by Lewis Sheridan.

Mayfield tried to get in the groove, but again turned the ball over on half way, and the influential Paul Brearley was sin-binned for a late shoulder charge.

The St Helen's side took full advantage and scored twice more before the break.

Mayfield started the second half brightly as they recovered the kick off and slick wide hands found James McDaid on the charge and he took a defender over the line with him for a try. Superbly converted from the touchline by Lewis Sheridan.

Mayfield dug in and Wayne English took wide passes to the left and sliced through for a try. Again converted by man-of-the-match Lewis Sheridan for 18-26.

Mayfield were in the game at last and pressing, but the otherwise impressive Sean Watkins was sin-binned for a push at the play the ball.

Thatto Heath had the class to take advantage, scoring twice to seal the game.

Declan Sheridan took a 80 metre interception try for 24-38, but last word went to the visitors as Mayfield chanced their arm with seconds remaining.

Thatto Heath were too good on the day but Mayfield showed some glimpses of real quality whilst errors in defence, with the ball and from the officials cost them dearly.

Mayfield Team; Lewis Sheridan. Kieran Harmer, James McDaid, Matty Ashton, Wayne English. Paul Brearley, Zac Hartley. Jimmy Connaughton, Lewis Ainley, James Shaw, Sean Watkins, Callum Marriott, Zak Baker. Seta Tala, Aidan Gleeson, Liam Whalley, Munya Samanyanga.