Rugby league: Mayfield 76 - 18 Wigan St Patricks

There have been some absolute classics at the Mayfield Sports Centre this season but this wasn't one of them. The result was never in doubt in this game, with St Pats a shadow of their former selves.

They started well enough, rocking Mayfield back in defence in the first couple of sets but a mistake from the full back from a Mayfield kick set the scene really and Travis Long grabbed the first of his three tries.

There was still no indication of the rout to come as Pats put pressure on the Mayfield ten - a nothing kick from the halfback was chipped up and caught by Sam Wright who raced 90 metres to touch down under the sticks, converted by Harry Ratcliffe, 10 - 0.

Sean Penkywicz, Devlin Long and Sam Wright set the standard in the first fifteen minutes and the rest of the team raised their game to match. Charlie Mckler, Ben Metcalfe and Seta Tala lead the way in defence.

Further tries in the first half came from James McDade, Aidy Gleeson, Dakota Tolhurst, Gareth Ellison, Trav Long and Dec Sheridan with another five conversions from Harry Ratcliffe.

Pats added a couple of converted tries to make the half time score 44 - 12.

The second half started with Nick Hargreaves sickening the Wigan lads with a powerful drive and Dec Sheridan then put Mckler under the posts to continue where the first half ended. Again Mayfield completely dominated the game and scored at will; Dec Sheridan got his second, Trav Long completed his hat trick and Christrian McVeigh, Aidy Gleeson and Ratcliffe all registered tries while Ratcliffe added four more conversions.

Pats managed another try and the score finished 76 - 18. This was a clinical performance from Mayfield but one that doesn't count for much. It's two points on the board and that lifts Mayfield to third place, which in itself is important, if they keep that spot for the last two games that will mean the possibility of two consecutive home games in the play offs.

Mayfield chairman Neil Ramsden said: "I can't tell you how excited I am about the next few weeks. We have two games left in the regular season then its play off time. We reached the second round of the play offs in 2017 before going out to Wath Brow in a tight game. This year we aim to do better and I truly believe we can, and will.

"We have had a massive injury list here at Mayfield, some weeks we have had ten and eleven players missing but for the first time in a long time we have the strength in depth that is needed to be successful. We have had to draft players in from the NWML side and from the U16s and the U18s and these players have stood up, put their bodies on the line and played rugby. They have done this because they are Mayfield. Believe me when I say, this club is on the up and we are going places."

Coach Sam Butterworth echoed those sentiments but realises there is a lot to do yet, starting on Saturday. He said: "We are under no illusions, we know we have thrown a couple of games that we should have won but we also know we have the capability to go all the way this season.

"First there is the matter of Wath Brow on Saturday. Brow are a very good side and they are coming here to win. Realistically this game will decide third place for the play offs and Brow will want that. This has the potential to be the game of the season, with so much at stake neither side wants to lose and we will both be doing our utmost to come out on top. We won over at their ground back in May in an absolutely brutal encounter and this game will be no different. As a coach and a player these are the type of games you want to play in. The boys will be up for this one and I firmly believe we have what it takes.

"We have carried a lot of injuries into the back end of the season and I rested players last week. This week I'm hopeful a couple of these lads will be back and raring to go."

After a great win last week at home to Cumbrian side Walney Central the NWML side travel to Ashton Bears this weekend for a second division game. Andy Reid's side have really picked up over the last few games and the win against Walney was typical of the spirit they are showing after a troubled start to the season. Bears are a couple of places above Mayfield in the table but Andy and assistant Craig White are confident that if the lads continue in the same vein this is a game they can win.

Also playing this weekend are the Mayfield Ladies. The Ladies are at home after a lengthy lay off and their opponents are Wigan St Judes. Judes, like Mayfield are a new team this season and like Mayfield are still learning the ropes but a great game of rugby league is expected from two teams who are full of enthusiasm and just love the game.

 

Saturday 2 September 2023

• NCL Premier Division: Mayfield v Wath Brow, kick-off 2.30pm
• NWML Division 2: Ashton Bears v Mayfield, kick-off 2.30pm
• Ladies: Mayfield Women v St Judes, kick off 2.30pm