Rugby League: Mayfield looking to secure top six finish

Mayfield kick off their season on Saturday a week late after last week’s big freeze.

The players are chomping at the bit looking to secure at least a top six league finish.

With a young side that has been hitting the gym and coming in for extra training it will be a strong and fit team aiming to hit the ground running and make an early mark on the competition.

Discipline has been an issue over the last couple of seasons costing precious points and ultimately allowing the opposition the chance to win games that they had no right to do.

Coach Matt Calland has imposed on his side the need to cut the soft penalties, which can cost dearly, and he feels the players have taken on board what has been said and is confident there will an improvement this season.

Less penalties means more possession and more possession usually means more points on the board.

Mayfield have shown over recent years that they have the quality to compete at this level but that’s not enough for Calland this year he wants to do more than just compete.

Saturday is when all the preparation counts, it’s on the pitch that matters most and Calland is hoping his charges have taken on board and put into practice all they have talked about for the last couple of months.

Mayfield’s opponents are Cumbria side Egremont Rangers. The two sides met three times last season with Mayfield claiming wins by a narrow margin in all three.

The visitors have made a couple of changes and will arrive with a strong pack aided by lively halfbacks. It will be a tough game.

Club Captain Paul Brearley will be looking to guide the team to a good win to make it the perfect start and he will be adding his vast experience to the youngsters in the team to give them the confidence to come through on top.

The game will kick off at 5.00pm as it is being shown live and is the first game to be shown as part of the new deal with Rugby A.M.

It will be broadcast on Freesport channel 424 on Sky Channel 95 on Freeview and Freesat boxes.     

The newly promoted Mayfield NWML side will travel to St Helens this afternoon to face Haresfinch in Division One.

Mayfield arrive as Division Two champions while their hosts are regrouping after relegation from the Premier Division and not winning a game last season.

They have brought in a couple of new faces to bolster their ranks and will be looking to show their pedigree.

Mayfield under captain Rob Kershaw have again a good blend of youth and experience with some of the brightest young talents around vying for a spot in this successful side.

Coach Dave Harmer will be looking to bring home the points and get his season off on a winning note.

Fixtures
10-03-18

NCL Premier Mayfield v Egremont ko 5.00

NWML D1 Haresfinch v Mayfield ko 2.30