Rugby league: Mayfield preview

Lewis Butterworth will not be available on Saturday after undergoing surgery on his broken shoulder

After last weekend's fixture mix up, Mayfield board the bus for the three-hour trip to Kells on Saturday 1 July.

They will be looking to put their last game, at Lock Lane, behind them. Mayfield was on the back of an eight-match winning streak as they went into that game; they came crashing back to earth though on the wrong end of 52 points.

Butterworth and Wood will be looking to chalk that down to experience as they welcome several senior squad members back to their ranks. All four Australians are back in contention as well as the three lads who were on U18 international duty.

One player who definitely won't be available is Lewis Butterworth. Lewis broke his shoulder against Thatto Heath and had to undergo surgery last week so it looks like his season is over. Lewis will be sorely missed after having a great first half to the season, picking up a few man of the match awards along the way. 

Saturday's team will be a totally different one to the Lock Lane debacle and the coaches are hoping they can reignite the team's push for the top spot, currently held buy Hunslet. Mayfield are currently third but with two games in hand so they could theoretically go joint top if they win those games. 

The NWML side are back in action on Saturday afternoon at the Mayfield Sports Centre where they entertain top of the league Burtonwood Bridge. Andy Reid and Craig White's lads have not played for several weeks for one reason and another and this is the toughest of games to have on their return.

Reidy though, knows that with the senior players who should be available on Saturday, he should have a strong squad to select from and, if these lads compete, they can match the best on their day. 

Fixtures Saturday 1 July 2023

• NCL Premier Division: Kells v Mayfield, kick-off 2.30pm
• NWML Division 2: Mayfield v Burtonwood Bridge, kick-off 2.30pm