Mayfield preview

Photo: Aidy Gleeson Snr

Try Komai Nualamatua

After a two week layoff it's back to action for Mayfield on Saturday as they host East Leeds in a Kingstone Press NCL Premiership clash.

East Leeds handed Mayfield a lesson back in April as they demolished them 40 - 16 in a very one sided affair. That was before Mayfield found their feet and clicked into gear rising to top of the table for the last couple of months, until being pegged back last week as Leigh Miners claimed top spot with a midweek win at Thatto Heath.

Mayfield now sit in second spot but one loss could mean the difference between a top three position and struggling to maintain a play-off place in this tightest of divisions. Matt Calland's men are only too aware of this after falling foul to a lack lustre display in their last outing at West Hull.

Calland and his assistant Sam Butterworth have had the squad in intense training for the run in, starting with Saturday’s game, as they try and achieve the play-off place they are so deserving of.

An in form Mayfield side is capable of beating anybody in the division, having already beat all but one of the top six teams, the exception being Wath Brow who visit the Mayfield Sports Centre on Wednesday 16 September for a rearranged game.

The two week layoff has given the squad a much needed opportunity to recover from an assortment of knocks and niggling injuries, the type of which all teams are suffering with at this level. The only doubt being Joe Qaunici still struggling with a persistent knee injury which could end up requiring surgery.

Gaz Ellison could be back in for a recall after holidays and if he's been able to make training strong running prop Mark Biggins could be back in the running.

East Leeds were a big side back in April and strong forwards will be needed to overcome them. The guile of the half backs could be the key with Sam Butterworth, Paul Brearley and hookers Todd O'Brien and Declan Sheridan being among the best in the league when they are on form.

East Leeds have lost the last two games so will be going all out to complete the double over Mayfield and reignite their push for a place in the play offs.

The way the league is, it's not impossible that any of the top nine teams could string a run of results together and sneak a top six place and with it a shot at the play-offs and a grand final place at Widnes in October.

Dave Harmer and Craig White's NWML side are also back in the saddle travelling to Warrington to face mid table Bank Quay Bulls.

Mayfield come off the back of a resounding sixty point victory in their last outing and will be hoping that the players show the same commitment. If they do there is no doubt that they have the skill and the quality within this young side to come back up the M62 with two points in the bag.

Fixtures - 5 September

NCL Premier Division: Mayfield v East Leeds - ko 2.30pm
NWML Division Two: Bank Quay v Mayfield - ko 2.30pm