York Acorn 28 – 28 Mayfield

Lapses in concentration and some woeful defence cost Mayfield what could prove to be a valuable point in York on Saturday.

With only ten minutes gone Mayfield were twelve points up after tries from Jack Sampson, both coming after good build up work from John Foy, Paul Brearley and Callum Marriott, both converted by Aidan Gleeson.

At this point Mayfield were dominating, throwing the ball around and defending when needed.

This all changed after the York winger plucked a speculative pass out of the air and raced 30 metres for a converted try.

This was a game changer for York as Mayfield fell to pieces giving away countless needless penalties, falling off tackles and generally losing the game plan.

York to their credit made the most of this and claimed another two scores before half time.

Half time: York Acorn 16 – 12 Mayfield

Captain Todd O`Brien and Coach Matt Calland read the riot act in the half time break and whatever they said seemed to have the desired effect as from the kick off Jack Sampson regained possession and evaded the York defence to score under the sticks and complete his hat trick. O`Brien added the conversion, to reclaim the lead for his side,.

This didn`t last long as Acorn lifted their game again and Mayfield had no answer as they reverted to the type of play that had cost them in the first half. Poor defence and more penalties allowed Acorn in for two converted tries.

Even at this stage it looked as though if Mayfield wanted to they could take this game by the scruff of the neck but it just wasn`t happening. It took the tenacity of Calland to get them back in the game as he stepped up for run after run trying to break the defensive line. 15 minutes of sustained pressure finally paid off as Carl Abram managed to force his way over the line for a well deserved try.

With five minutes to go Mayfield switched on and Liam Whalley made a break and created the opening for Calland to score in the corner. Gleeson stepped up for a pressure kick and managed to make the conversion from the touchline to level the score and claim a point for his side.

Mayfield Team: Jack Sampson, Rob Kershaw, Carl Abram, Andy Taylor, Ieuan Higgs, Paul Brearley, John Foy, Mark Biggins, Todd O`Brien, Luke Sampson, Liam Whalley, Callum Marriott, Joe Qanuici, Aidan Gleeson, Matty Moores, Matt Calland, Billy Percy.