Rugby League: Mayfield preview

Cole Connolly: Mayfield

Mayfield are back in action on Saturday, making the journey to West Hull for a Kingstone Press NCL premier division fixture.

Last week’s torrential rain put paid to all but two of the scheduled games, Mayfield and West Hull among them.

Both teams won their opening games away from home with Mayfield at Underbank and Wests with an impressive victory at Thornhill. They also had a superb season last year finishing in second place and losing out narrowly in the play-off finals to Hunslet.

This will be a real test for Sam Butterworth and Steve Woods' side, but they have showed so far that they are up for any challenge. West Hull are a very strong defensive side but also have the ability to score tries from anywhere on the pitch as they showed last season beating Mayfield both home and away.

The list of try scorers for Mayfield from that last game highlights the changes they have been forced to make this season Ieaun Higgs, not playing at the minute, Paul Brearley, at Batley, Matty Chrimes at Doncaster, and Cole Connolly, in the squad on Saturday.

Mayfield have responded to these changes brilliantly and go into this game full of confidence despite being underdogs.

Mayfield chairman Simon Howe said: “I would like to thank the sponsors who contributed to the new playing kit.

“The main Sponsor was Paul Ormerod on behalf of the Hornets Foundation, and he is joined on the kit by Gavin Reynolds & Recruitment Solutions, NW Ltd., Wilds Premier Drink Supplies, Arnold Clark and Rhino Rugby League.

“The contributions from these companies have been essential in keeping this club going and helping us to maintain rugby league at such a high standard in Rochdale, we as a club cannot thank them enough.”

Mayfield's NWML side have no game as they try and regroup after their dreadful start to this season. They desperately need more players and are appealing to past players to get down to the club and resume training, especially lads who played in the under 18 teams over the last few years.

Fixtures 23 March 2019

NCL Premier Division: West Hull v Mayfield KO 2.30pm