Rugby League: Crunch time for Mayfield

Rochdale Mayfield

Its crunch time, the last day of the season proper, and Mayfield must win to stand any chance of remaining in the premier division. Not only must they win they are also relying on either Normanton or Kells to lose in their games.

Both have tough fixtures with Normanton travelling to sixth place Wath Brow while Kells entertain second place West Hull. 

Mayfield's opponents this afternoon are Underbank Rangers ironically the team Mayfield faced in their first ever game 60 years ago almost to the day. Underbank have had a great first season in the top flight and go into the game as favourites. They are in fifth position assured of a play off position so whatever happens today they will be pleased with their progress. Mayfield on the other hand are bitterly disappointed with their overall performance this season after four very good years, making the play offs each year since their promotion.

It's hard to say whats gone wrong for the Rochdale side but they lost a couple of players at the end of last season. They have also at crucial times lost players through injury, suspension and holidays. There can be no excuses though, it's all down to today. It will be frustrating, if they win, waiting for other results to come in and seal their fate but as long as they play to their potential no more can be asked of them. Without question there are some players of absolute quality in the side as is said week after week. Paul Brearley and Callum Marriott would make any team in the division. Last weeks side was one of the strongest Matt Caland and Sam Butterworth have put out this season but they just did not perform. No one knows why sometimes it just happens and it has happened too many times this season thats why they are in this position. Everyone at the club including the players themselves know that they are better than this but knowing it isn't good enough they have to put that knowledge along with the ability and the skill and the quality into this one game now and hope for the best.

Ian Kershaw from Mayfield summed it up saying: "Whatever happens on Saturday win or lose, up or down, Mayfield will continue to be a great club with a great history a great future and great people. We've been around for sixty years and we are intending to be here for another sixty. I am confident that these players are among the best we have had at the club and they will come out and show that."

Fixtures
8 September 2018

NCL Premier Division
Mayfield v Underbank
Kick Off: 2.30pm