Rugby League: Mayfield preview

As with all the remaining games now this season, the Kingstone Press NCL Premier Division clash with Leigh Miners on Saturday is a massive game for Mayfield as they attempt to pull out of their poor run of results this season.

Poor decision making and needless penalties have cost the side dearly this season, this was evident again last week as they went down again by the narrowest of margins at Siddal.

This is a tough league to play in and an even tougher one to do well in and Mayfield have to start winning if they want to remain in the top flight.

The team has been decimated by the loss of lads who have moved on to the pro game, but the players that are left have stepped up to the mark and at times have played some scintillating rugby league, only failing at the final hurdle as fatigue steps in.

Basic errors, and a lack of concentration have led to indiscipline often resulting in the loss of field position and a bonus for the opposition this was again evident at Siddal.

Coaches Sam Butterworth and Steve Wood said: "We've worked the lads hard at training this week to try and iron out some faults. 

“There is no doubt that this side is good enough to be at the top, but they need to start putting some results together to prove that.

“There have been games this season that they have lost by just one score winning point, those games would have put them mid table now and there would be no talk needing to win, and none of the pressure associated with their position.

“Saturday is a great opportunity for the side to click into gear and start getting the much-needed points on the league table.

“The right results would see Mayfield lift out of the bottom three and give them the much-needed fillip to push on up the table.

“Last week’s performance was a good one overall with some very positive things to come out of the game, James Connaughton and Nick Hargreaves were strong in the forwards while the Connolly's and Wayne English looked good in the backs.

“Wayne Bannister also continued in his steady improvement and now looks more like the class player he is.

“Luke Fowden picked up an injury last week and is doubtful, while Liam Whalley is still away, so this will be another tough ask of the lads but we know they have the quality to pick up two points.”

The NWML side have a tough encounter at Thatto Heath; all players are requested to make themselves available and contact either Andy Reid or Craig White.

Fixtures 13 July 2019

• NCL Premier Division: Leigh Miners v Mayfield KO 2.30pm
• NWML Premier Division: Thatto v Mayfield KO 2.30pm