Rugby League: Mayfield preview

Mayfield look to capitalise on last week’s victory over Egremont as they travel to third placed Thatto Heath on Saturday 3 August.

Thatto will be a different prospect on their own pitch as they are aiming to be the league leaders and with two games in hand on Wath Brow it is a definite possibility.

Having gone down twice to Thatto Heath already this season, coaches Butterworth and Wood know the size of the task in hand.

Thatto are a big physical side and use their forwards to create the gaps in the defence before the backs step in to exploit them.

Mayfield will be prepared for the onslaught and have worked hard all week in preparation for the defensive effort needed to repel this.

There have been huge leaps in the last couple of weeks in Mayfield’s game with the introduction of James Tilley in the pack and the return of Zac Hartley at half back.

This has seen the side improve right across the park and instilled some belief in the players.

Zac and Cole Connolly are getting together now and making a formidable pairing, organising the players and the plays.

Just a few weeks ago they seemed a certainty to be playing in the first division next season, but this resurgence has given the club hope that they will get through this and keep their premier division status. 

Coach Sam Butterworth said: "I have always believed we were good enough to stay up and now the players believe it too.

“Saturday is a tough ask but we have a game plan and if we stick to it, I know we have it in us to provide a shock at Thatto.

“We have six games left including Saturday, four of them are at home and you can be sure that we are going out to win every one of them.

“That may not happen, we may slip up but we aim to get out of the relegation zone and give the club and our supporters what they deserve, premier division rugby next season."

Fixture 3 August 2019

NCL Premier Division: Thatto Heath v Mayfield KO 2.30