Mayfield 26 – 18 Oulton Raiders

Si Moore outstanding on the day

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Mayfield came out on top in a game that had everything, power, pace, skill, and two fantastic teams on top form. There was some great rugby league on display from both sides with the lead changing hands five times before the result was finally settled with just a couple of minutes to go.

Both teams started strongly but Mayfield were guilty early on of giving away possession with two penalties and a dropped ball within the first few minutes. The blue and white wall of defenders worked overtime to keep the marauding Raiders at bay with some fearsome defence from Joe Qanuici, Callum Marriot, Liam Whalley and Matty Moores.

Paul Brearley and Todd O’Brien capitalised on the defence and lead their team up field with Matt Calland and Ryan Bradbury making the hard yards and when Sam Butterworth took the ball under the sticks the defence converged on him only to see him slip a great pass back on the inside for Paul Brearley to touch down, Butterworth converted, 6 – 0.

With defences on top ten minutes later and both teams failing to break through Butterworth slotted over a drop goal on the fifth tackle to extend his sides lead, 7 – 0.

The game turned in Oulton's favour after 26 minutes when a brilliant break from Rob Kershaw saw him make forty yards and then give a perfect pass, to his opposite number who raced back forty yards before being brought down. Oulton pressured the Mayfield line and after a an attempted interception gave them a repeat set they scored a converted try in the corner, 7 – 6.

The visitors were now playing like a table topping side throwing the ball about and offloading at every opportunity. It was from one of these offloads, which appeared at least a yard forward, they grabbed their second converted score, 7 – 12.

It was going to take something special to stop the Raiders now with four minutes to the break. Up stepped Butterworth with a perfectly weighted short restart which Paul Brearley brilliantly regathered this was the catalyst Mayfield needed as they again lifted their game with Jack Sampson and Gareth Ellison taking the ball up and when Aidan Gleeson burst onto the ball at pace nobody expected his short pass to O’Brien, even the impressive Oulton defence couldn’t hold him as he scored by the posts, Butterworth again converted to regain the lead 13 – 12.

Mayfield had the best of the first half with more possession and more field position and were worthy of the narrow lead at half time.

The first ten minutes of the second half were end to end with both sides again giving away too many needless penalties and forcing the pass when it wasn’t on. Oulton profited from one of these passes as they scored a converted try to swing the game back in their favour, 13 – 18.

The next score was going to be crucial and both sides realised this as they put their bodies on the line both in attack and defence, Si Moore and Callum Marriot were outstanding in their defensive endeavours, and they weren’t shy when it came to taking the ball forward either.

Another player worthy of a mention, Harry Sheridan who was absolutely fearless from half back making yards every chance he got.

For twenty minutes both sides tried everything to get the important score but both sets of defenders stood firm until a crunching tackle from powerhouse centre Bradbury dislodged the ball, Mayfield gathered and made straight for the line, their superior fitness was now showing. O’Brien was urging the lads on and it was his pass to the rampaging Gleeson that proved the key moment as Gleeson crashed over for a try which he converted himself, 19 -18.

Only seven minutes to go could Mayfield hold on for a fantastic victory? They not only held on but forged further in front as Brearley grabbed his second converted by Butterworth 25 – 18.

The crowd was going wild and the atmosphere was fantastic as the fans celebrated and with just a minute remaining Qanuici sealed the win with a well taken drop goal to round of the scoring 26 – 18.

The MOM awards were difficult as everyone on the pitch deserved a mention but the Mayfield awards went to Paul Brearley and Joe Qanuici. This win sees Mayfield leapfrog Oulton to take top spot in division one but Oulton still have a game in hand so are still favourites for the title.

This was a great game for the large crowd to enjoy and the scoreline was a fair reflection of the game overall. Both sets of supporters applauded the teams as they came of the pitch and the players in turn applauded the crowd. 

Mayfield Team: Jack Sampson , Rob Kershaw, Ryan Bradbury, Matt Calland, Komai Nualamatua, Paul Brearley, Sam Butterworth, Matty Moores, Todd O`Brien,Si Moore, Joe Qanuici, Liam Whalley Callum Marriott, Gareth Ellison, Aidan Gleeson, Lewis Sheridan, Ieuan Higgs.