Rugby League: Rochdale Mayfield 32 - 22 Normanton Knights

Mayfield exacted revenge for an early season cup defeat and gained two valuable league points – emerging victorious over Normanton Knights, in a high-quality game at Mayfield Rugby Club on Saturday.

Mayfield started well in the bright sunshine in front of a large crowd but couldn’t find the right last tackle options to break down the composed Normanton defence.

Having survived the early onslaught Normanton kicked for touch and Wayne English tried desperately to keep the ball in play but despite his efforts Keiran Harmer couldn’t react first and Normanton scooped up the ball and sped under the posts to opening the scoring.

The two sides traded sets for the next 20 minutes with defences to the fore, despite good breaks from defence by Wayne English and Keiran Harmer.

Aidan Gleeson and Declan Sheridan were both held up over the line, before Mayfield had some good fortune as the Normanton 13 kicked through twice but the ball just beat the chasers over the dead ball line.

Paul Brearley repeated the trick for Mayfield, chipping over the defence for himself, then kicking crossfield for Andy Taylor to catch – only to be bundled into touch before grounding the ball.

Mayfield defended the next set well and charged upfield where Aidan Gleeson broke through the defence from close range. Ieaun Higgs successful with the simple conversion to level the scores.

The sides were evenly matched and playing entertaining rugby league.

A Normanton attacker fumbled the ball and despite calls for a knock on, play continued and they scored a try, which was converted.

With the perceived injustice fresh in their minds, Mayfield let frustration get the better of them and conceded a penalty on the stroke of half-time, and Normanton converted it for a 6-14 half time lead.

Mayfield had a 20 minute ‘purple patch’ at the start of the second half.

The pressure forced Normanton into indiscipline and Mayfield benefitted from two penalties to get position on the line where Liam Whalley crossed for a try. Zac Baker missed the conversion.

From the restart Mayfield sped downfield with quick play the balls and Callum Marriott never gave up on an Aidan Gleeson grubber in-goal to touch down. Zac Baker's conversion put Mayfield in front for the first time.

With possession in hand, Mayfield passed wide, first to the right where Luke Fowden was just held short, then back left where a smart offload by Kieran Harmer gave Wayne English the space to hotfoot over the line for a Zac Baker converted try.

Liam Whalley was prominent in both attack and defence and on 60 minutes he hit the ball carrier to recover possession for Mayfield then showed strength and speed to dive in at the right corner for his second try.

Normanton hit back as Mayfield twice failed to number up on their left and the centre scored two tries to take it to 26 -22 with five minutes to play.

Mayfield held solid as Normanton pressurised line.

With the full-time whistle looming, Declan Sheridan took advantage of quick plays by James Shaw and Callum Ogden, for a trademark try, slicing untouched through the centre of the defensive line from 40 metres out.

Mayfield deserved the points from a pulsating, high quality game played between two evenly matched sides. Improved discipline and determination served them well and Liam Whallley took the man-of-the-match award with two tries in a great display.

Mayfield Team: Wayne English, Keiran Harmer, Liam Whalley, Ieuan Higgs, Lewis Butterworth. Zac Baker, Paul Brearley, Sean Mulcahy, Callum Ogden, James Shaw, Callum Marriott, Luke Fowden, Aidan Gleeson, Declan Sheridan, Nick Hargreaves, Gee Sousa, Andy Taylor.