Rugby League: Mayfield Preview

Wayne English, Rochdale Mayfield

Its third versus fourth as Mayfield travel to Cumbria to face in form Wath Brow.

Brow have only lost one game this season that a heavy defeat at Thatto Heath, so Mayfield will have to be on top of their game if they are to win this one and stay in touch with the top three teams.

Last week’s game saw Mayfield show flashes of brilliance but that won’t be enough with nothing less than eighty minutes of effort and concentration required.

They certainly have the quality in the squad to see them through but discipline has not always been what it should be, resulting in lost possession and penalties which have cost dearly in some games.

Wayne English has settled in well and has added some stability to the team and the return of Liam Whalley and Jack Sampson has given some much-needed steel to the defence.

The youngsters in the side can only benefit from playing alongside players like this and the experience will reap benefits in the future.

It’s Saturday that counts though and Mayfield are desperate to put in a good showing in Cumbria. They have lost three games already this season and can’t afford to lose too many more if they are serious about reaching the play offs come the end of the season.

The most pleasing aspect of last week’s victory was the defensive effort shown by Mayfield as they held Wath Brow’s near neighbours, Egremont out, keeping a clean sheet for the first time this season. If they can carry that defensive improvement through to today and couple it to the creative play they are capable of they are more than capable of taking the spoils.

In the NWML second division its first versus second as table topping Mayfield entertain second placed Widnes Tigers.

Mayfield tasted defeat at mid tabled Wigan St Judes and they will have to show their true character to return to form and keep their undefeated record in the league. Like the NCL side, this side has talent to spare and up to last week it had been showing through in games.

Hopefully Dave Harmer and Marvin Connolly will have done enough in training for them to get back on track.

There were some decent performances in that game with new signing Ainley giving a great performance at hooker and he was well supported by Luke Hartley and Jack Rush. A return to form this afternoon would signal Mayfield’s intention to go on and show what they are capable of.

Fixtures
20 May

NCL Premier Division
Wath Brow v Mayfield
Kick Off: 2.30pm

NWML Division Two
Mayfield v Widnes Tigers
Kick Off: 2.30pm