Rugby League: Rochdale Mayfield 16 - 8 Wath Brow

Paul Brearley, Zac Baker and Matty Ashton show determination in defence

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Rochdale Mayfield moved up to third place in the Kingstone Press NCL Premier Division after a hard-fought victory in this encounter which saw all the points scored in the first half.

Wath Brow moved into an early lead when their forward Molyneaux crashed over for a converted try, followed by a quick penalty goal from Colton-Watson giving the visitors the lead.

Mayfield's Matty Ashton showed determination and speed when he intercepted a pass on his own 10 metre line and raced pretty much unopposed to score a length of the field try. Lewis Sheridan converted.

Mayfield had the bulk of the possession and made it pay when Wayne English powered over in the corner.

Half time was approaching when skillful approach work by Luke Fowden released the backs on the left fringes to put Jack Sampson in in the corner. The resultant conversion kicked by Lewis Sheridan

Half time: Rochdale Mayfield 16 - 8 Wath Brow

The second half saw Mayfield camped in the Wath Brow half but couldn't throw the final killer pass to cross the white wash, and the game ended with victory for Mayfield without any further scoring.

It is not often in a game of rugby league that you can go forty minutes without either side scoring a point; it was a testimony to the defence of both sides that neither of them managed a score in a bruising second half.

Matt Calland, Mayfield head coach, said: "Well it wasn't a pretty match, however it edges us up another place in the table as we approach the play-offs.

"Callum Marriott was awesome in defence and Paul Brearley and Dec Sheridan teased the Brow defence with some great interaction; I am satisfied with that.”