Rugby League: Mayfield 4 - 8 Normanton

Photo: Aidy Gleeson

Aidan Gleeson, Mayfield Rugby League

On a pitch that was pure winter rugby Mayfield lost narrowly to Normanton in the Challenge Cup second round.

Mayfield started brightly moving the ball brilliantly with total disregard for the conditions, but the Normanton defence was superb not missing a tackle and frustrating Mayfield everything they tried to do.

Kieran Harmer was unlucky not to score as he narrowly failed to gather a crossfield kick to the corner after a Zac Baker tackle dislodged the ball.

Normanton started to get a foot hold in the game and they caught Mayfield out as their full back scooted over for a converted try.

Apart from that one error the Mayfield was equal to the visitors with Liam Whalley leading. He was backed up by Si Moore and Callum Marriott.

Cheap penalties cost Mayfied dear, resulting in lost field position and lost scoring chances.

Mayfield finished the half strongly but without scoring.

The second half started with both sides making errors.

A penalty gave Normanton the chance for two points and they gratefully slotted over the kick.

An 'out the back' pass from Brandon Wood to Ieuan Higgs almost broke the deadlock for Mayfield but once again the Normanton defence held firm.

With their Normanton defence snuffing out every attack Mayfield's frustration was showing and a penalty gave Normanton the chance for another two points, but the chance was missed.

Mayfield picked up the pace pressing the Normanton line but lacking the creativity to break the line of defence.

With minutes left, Wood flicked a pass out to Higgs who squeezed over in the corner to put Mayfield on the score board. The kick was missed.

It was a case of too little too late for Mayfield and Normanton went through to the next round.

Coaches Calland and Butterworth were left shell-shocked by the defeat.

Aidan Gleeson was named man-of-the-match by the opposition coaches, pushed close by Liam Whalley and Callum Marriott.