Rugby League: Rochdale Mayfield 12 - 8 Kells

Date published: 03 June 2019

In front of a large and appreciative crowd in Castleton, Mayfield took the valuable two points from this tight and tense game against Cumbria opposition, Kells, on Saturday 1 June.

It was billed as a must win for the home side who, after a bright start to the season, have struggled in recent weeks.

Win they did, with a gritty team performance and an all action display from Man of the Match Liam Whalley.

Despite early erratic officiating, that set the tone for the day, Mayfield took the lead at 4-0 on 10 minutes as Cole Connolly scooted in for an opening try. Connolly himself added to the score 10 minutes later with a penalty conversion, one of very few awarded to the home side.

The scoreline stayed that way until half time, with Mayfield continually on the wrong side of decisions that ruined any meaningful attack or defensive effort. 

Kells took full advantage to score a converted try of their own on 62 minutes, then take the lead four minutes later with yet another undeserved penalty.

It looked grim for the Rochdale lads at 6-8 with only 10 minutes left, and the bizarre decisions continued with Mayfield's Alex Davidson sent to the sin bin, but Wayne English produced the goods when he took a fine inside pass to slice through the defence for a try, coolly converted by Cole Connolly.

Mayfield battled hard throughout, against the tough and determined Cumbria visitors, and a 24-4 penalty count, and deserved the valuable two points.

RMO Electrical Man of the Match chosen by guests of Ryan Hopley and Brian Spreadborough went to Liam Whalley.

Team:
Wayne English, John Foy, Lewis Butterworth, James McDaid, Wayne Bannister,  John Stott, Cameron Connolly,  Simon Moore, Cole Connolly, Andy Taylor, Luke Fowden, James Mills, Liam Whalley, Alex Davidson, Jack McConnaghie, Nick Hargreaves, Mark Biggins.