Mayfield Preview

Photo: Aidy Gleeson

Paul Brearley, hoping to continue in the same form as last week

Mayfield have a long trip up the M62 to Hull, where they face the current league leaders Hull Dockers, on Saturday.

Dockers have lost only one out of their five games this season, away at Wigan St Pat's, after narrowly avoiding relegation at the end of last season. They have recruited well, including some promising up and coming players.

Though both sides will be out for victory, Mayfield are buzzing after last week’s successful return of Paul Brearley, who scored two tries and looked like he'd never been away.

Although in the end they made hard work of what should have been a more comprehensive victory. A big blow to Calland and Butterworth is the loss of Wayne Corcoran who received a badly broken jaw in the game, Wayne is an old head and a great player to have in the team so he will be sorely missed, all at the club wish him a speedy recovery.

The forwards were back to their attacking best last week punching holes in the resolute Siddal defence. This allowed the backs the chance to capitalise on the space and position this created.

The side looked strong from one to 17 and will be looking forward to the challenge presented on Humberside. They will have to be at their best to turn Dockers over on their home turf but that is exactly what the lads will be aiming for.

The penalty count was in Mayfield's favour last week for probably the first time this season, with them only giving away five, they need to learn from this and keep the same attitude to discipline for the rest of the season.

One area they really need to improve on is the defence, they undoubtedly have some of the best one on one defenders in the division but as a team have leaked more tries than any other side in the Premier.

With coaches of the calibre of Calland and Butterworth it shouldn't be long before that is rectified and they are defending as a team again.

Dave Harmer's NWML side will be at the Mayfield Sports Centre where, after a fixture mix up, they will face Woolston Rovers.

Harmer's side were disappointed after the cancellation of last week’s game and will be looking forward to getting back on the pitch.

Harmer said: “I really feel for the lads they just want to get some regular rugby in. Hopefully that’s what we'll be doing after Saturday.”

Fixtures 25 April

NCL Premier Division: Hull Dockers v Mayfield - kick off 2.30pm
NWML Division Two:  Mayfield v Woolston - kick off 2.30pm