Rugby League: Season starts for Rochdale Mayfield

Brandon Wood, Rochdale Mayfield

Rochdale Mayfield start the season on Saturday with an away trip to Hollinwood in the first round of the Oldham Standard Cup.

Hollinwood are currently playing their rugby in Division Two West of the Pennine rugby league.

They are not enjoying the best of seasons and so will be looking forward to this diversion as they chance their arm against one of the finest teams in the area.

Mayfield have been in training for a couple of months as they prepare for the elite Kingstone Press National Conference League Premier division.

Last season saw Mayfield finish in a creditable fourth place and only narrowly lost out on a play-off semi-final place after being forced to play a midweek fixture at Wath Brow.

This season once again sees Matt Calland and Sam Butterworth at the helm and it is understood the emphasis will be on bringing youth into the side.

Brandon Wood retunrs for Mayfield after a spell at Bradford Academy.

A club spokesperson said: "Wood is a strong fit hard running player who has a superb attitude to his rugby and he will be a real asset to the club."

Saturday's game kicks off at 2.00pm at the Melrose Playing Fields off Broadway, Oldham.