Rochdale Mayfield 42 - 24 Normanton

Man of the match Paul Brearley

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Kingstone Press Cider National Conference League Division One.

Mayfield produced their best 40 minutes of rugby this season in the second half of this pulsating third versus second clash at the Mayfield Sports Centre in what was a fitting tribute to the memory of Mayfield stalwart, Les Ashworth, who died this week.

Leeds outfit Normanton have been one of the form teams of the division, and after the impeccably observed minutes silence, they were first into their stride as they were gifted four sets of possession on the Mayfield try line with penalties and ball steals. The visitors took advantage with a converted try.

Mayfield hit back instantly as Normanton failed to take the kick off and the impressive Paul Brearley produced a trademark show and go to slice through for a Sam Butterworth converted try.

The teams traded strong and committed defence before Mayfield mistakes, this time a midfield knock-on and penalty, gave field position for Normanton's huge sub to crash over. The try was converted.

The Normanton lead was extended as Mayfield's frustration got the better of them and one of two quick fire penalties was converted.

Again Mayfield hit back and in only their third foray into the visitors 25 metre zone, Aiden Gleeson smashed his way over the line.

The Normanton lead should have be overtaken as a great short offload saw the tireless Liam Whalley, in his best game for the club, burst through and round the fullback to go over the line. The 'try' was ruled out on the say-so of the touch judge, who seconds later was inexplicably ignored as he ruled a Normanton pass forward in the lead up to a try awarded by the referee, to give the visitors a 10-18 lead.

It looked as though the half would end that way but Mayfield's player-coach, Matt Calland, took a short pass from Sam Butterworth to barge over the line. Butterworth converted for a 16-18 half time scoreline that, in truth, probably reflected the closeness of the contest and Mayfield's need to smarten up on some of their approach work.

Mayfield did just as they pressurised the Normanton try line and a Sam Butterworth grubber was collected by Liam Whalley for a well deserved try that Butterworth converted.

Just minutes into the second half and Mayfield had the lead for the first time, a lead they were never to relinquish as they showed patience in clearing their their line, devastating sparkle in attack and desire in defence to restrict Normanton to one more score, whilst scoring four tries themselves.

Three tries went to the David Tully Auto Repairs and Yearsley Cold Storage and Distribution Man-of-the-Match Paul Brearley, who twice took advantage of strong Aiden Gleeson drives, then made the game safe with great footwork to score.

Sam Butterworth converted two of the tries for a 10 point haul, and Matt Calland completed his brace on 88 minutes when backing up a Todd O'Brien 40 metre break that followed a lightening quick play the ball set that rocked Normanton backwards.

The extra effort by Mayfield side in backing up and scramble defence proved the difference in a game that would stand up against many at the semi-professional level of rugby league.

Mayfield Team: Sets Tala. Rob Kershaw, Matt Calland, Carl Abraham, John Foy. Paul Brearley, Sam Butterworth. Marty Moores, Told O'Brien, Jo Qanuici, Liam Whalley, Nyall Bradbury, Ben Butterworth. Billy Percy, Aiden Gleeson, Mark Biggins, Luke Sampson.