Rugby League: Mayfield 26 - 28 West Hull

Mayfield started strongly against top four side West Hull at the Mayfield Sports Centre on Saturday but lost out by just two points in a very tight game.

The Mayfield defence was strong and robust as they repelled West's big forwards when they attacked the Mayfield line.

Si Moore and Callum Marriott drove forward at every opportunity urged on by the impressive Callum Ogden and Cole Connolly.

A penalty under the West's posts saw Lewis Sheridan opt for the two points on offer but the lead was short lived after a missed tackle allowed the West Hull second rower to stroll over for a converted score.

Both sides had a player sent to the bin after a cynical high tackle on Dec Sheridan resulted in a set too.

The game got a bit scrappy for the next ten minutes with both sets of players giving penalties.

Mayfield took advantage as Lewis Sheridan picked up a loose pass and flicked the ball to winger Ieuan Higgs who forced his way over in the corner. Sheridan was just wide with the conversion.

Mayfield conceded possession from the kick off and West Hull made it look easy as their centre reclaimed the lead for his side.

Things could have got worse for Mayfield but for Lewis Butterworth getting a hand in to spoil the final pass as West Hull looked to score again.

It didn't take long though as their hooker made the most of more slack defence to give the visitors a 6 - 18 half time lead.

West Hull were in command at the whistle, but Mayfield coach Matt Calland used the break well to instil some belief in his side.

Whatever was said in the changing room worked for the Mayfield side within two minutes as Dec Sheridan picked the ball up on his own line and made good progress, Ieuan Higgs and Marriott carried the move on before Marriott drew the defence and put Paul Brearley through to narrow the West Hull lead. Sheridan converted.

From the restart Mayfield produced a moment of brilliance as interplay between Brearley and Dec Sheridan saw Matty Chrimes the beneficiary as he sprinted through the gap and touched down under the posts. Sheridan slotted over the extras to level the score.

Another in a long line of high tackles saw the referee react and he red-carded the West Hull prop.

Sheridan slotted over the resulting penalty to take back the lead for Mayfield.

Mayfield gave away the lead with a needless penalty.

Another West Hull player was sent to the bin leaving them with 11 players at a crucial stage of the game and Mayfield were left ruing the opportunities that they failed to take.

West Hull came at Mayfield as if they still had a full complement on the pitch. As they pressed the line another missed tackle saw them go in for a converted score.

As they continued to push, Mayfield gifted them another penalty.

With only minutes remaining it was a crushing blow, but Mayfield showed their fighting spirit and refused to give in. Cole Connolly snatched a try to make the final score 26 - 28.

 

Man of the Match was shared between Si Moore and Dec Sheridan.