Rugby league: Mayfield preview

Photo: Aidy Gleeson Snr

Liam Whalley

Mayfield are back on the road this weekend (Saturday 24 July) as they travel to face Waterhead Warriors in another local derby in League C of the National Conference League.

Sam Butterworth's side had a convincing win last time out, inflicting a 46 - 14 defeat on Waterhead's near neighbours, Saddleworth Rangers.

Read more: Rugby League: Mayfield 46 - 14 SaddleworthPublished: 12 July 2021

Although bottom of the league, Waterhead will be a different proposition on their own ground. The Oldham sides always pull out the stops against their Rochdale-based neighbours so Butterworth and Steve Wood will be expecting nothing less than a tough test on Saturday.

Mayfield welcomed back Liam Whalley for the last game and he had an immediate impact both on and off the field. His dynamic performance and attitude to training and the game in general is inspirational and the lads benefitted immeasurably from his presence. Other players have returned also and they too have given the side a much-needed boost. 

Defence has to be a priority as Mayfield have one of the worst points against records in the division.

Butterworth has had the working overtime on defensive drills and is confident if his side implement what they have done in training alongside their already proven attacking capabilities, they will continue to inch up that table.

Fixture 24 July 2021

National Conference League: Waterhead Warriors v Mayfield - 2.30pm kick off