Mayfield Preview

Photo: Aidan Gleeson

Dave Wood taking the tackle

Mayfield kick off the season on Saturday with the longest trip of the year, to play Egremont in Cumbria.

Despite the lengthy trip, the club is excited about the prospect of playing their rugby at the highest level, the Kingstone Press NCL Premier Division.

This will be a stiff test for Mayfield although it should also give a good benchmark for the season ahead - Egremont finished in eighth position last season with 13 wins from 24 games.

Mayfield will be without the influential Paul Brearley who will miss the first few games through suspension, a big blow as Brearley was a star performer in last year’s promotion winning season, as is the loss of hooker Todd O’Brien who has a shoulder injury. Also missing will be youngster Jack Rush who broke his hand in a friendly last month.

The two new Aussie imports are looking forward to their league debuts and have used their own extra fitness regime in readiness for the opening game, pushing themselves extra hard and hoping to live up to the standard of the long line of Australians that have worn the Mayfield shirt over the years.

Mayfields NWML side have a home fixture in Division Two of the NWML. They entertain Warrington side Bank Quay Bulls in what will be a tough encounter. Dave Harmer’s side will be a mixture of last year’s players plus some U18s - a mixture of youth and experience.

They will take heart from last week’s performance against Golborne Parkside. Despite losing 22 - 32 they put in a spirited showing scoring some great tries Sean Hill (2), Wayne Corcoran and Aidan Gleeson. Nick Hargreaves and Billy Percy were the stand out performers along with Kieran Harmer.

Fixtures: 14 March
NCL Premier Division: Egremont v Mayfield - Kick Off 2.30pm
NWML Division Two: Mayfield v Bank Quay - Kick Off 2.30pm