Mayfield Preview

Todd O'Brien hoping to return for Mayfield on Saturday

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Table topping Mayfield are on the road again on Saturday travelling to St Helen's to face Heath Thatto.

Thatto haven't got going this season so far and could be facing the drop if they don't improve.

Mayfield are hoping that improvement doesn't come as they try to consolidate their top spot.
Coach Matt Calland is only too aware of the quality in the ranks at Thatto after playing them in early March.

Mayfield were 4 - 24 down at half time after being blitzed by their opponents. The second half was a different story as the Mayfield points machine clicked into gear as they ran in forty unanswered points.

"We have worked hard on our defence since then" said Calland, "and it is beginning to pay dividends as we restrict the scoring opportunities we give to teams at the same time maintaining our fantastic scoring rate.

“We are by far the top scoring side in the division and we are now improving our point’s difference tally which could be vital in this, the tightest of seasons."

Saturday’s team could see changes despite the good performance last week at Oulton as players return from holiday.

Todd O'Brien, Eric Johnson, Liam Whalley and Paul Brearley are all back although Brearley is a doubt with a hamstring injury. These are four quality players who would grace any side and are a welcome addition to the squad.

Thatto are stuck in the bottom three, although they were unlucky last week just losing out to the much fancied St Pat's with both sides grabbing five tries but Thatto missing out on all but one of their conversion attempts.

Mayfield will be aware of the task ahead but also aware that if they perform to their potential they should have too much class in the ranks for Thatto.

The Mayfield NWML team are still struggling for numbers and with the long injury list at the club Dave Harmer will be hoping the lads pull together and make the extra effort needed for a tough game at Leigh Miners.

Fixtures 1 August

NCL Premier
Thatto Heath v Mayfield - kick off 2.30pm

NWML Division Two
Leigh Miners v Mayfield - kick off 2.30pm