Rugby league: Mayfield preview

Photo: Aidy Gleeson Snr

The halfbacks, including Dec Sheridan (pictured) will be looking to have an impact on the game

It's been all hands on deck at the Mayfield Sports Centre this week as the club's volunteers prepare the ground for this weekend's 3rd round Betfred Challenge Cup tie. Mayfield were handed a plumb home tie at last weeks draw, with the visitors being League One club Doncaster. 

Doncaster, coached by Richard Horne will present a stern test for Sam Butterworth and Steve Woods' side, there is nothing surer than that, but the NCL outfit will be hoping to give a good account of themselves. As this is a cup tie, anything is possible, and with a home tie against Whitehaven awaiting the winners, no more encouragement is needed.

Doncaster beat Mayfield's fellow NCL Premier Division side Thornhill 24 - 6 in the last round, doing just enough in the process but there is no doubt they are a quality side with some quality players in their squad.

Butterworth refuses to change his game despite the opposition's pedigree. He said: "We will continue to play open attacking rugby with a fierce defence. We know we just have to do everything better than we did last time out at West Hull.

"Unfortunately we are a couple of players light of a full squad with injuries and a suspension, so we will be keeping the team selection close to our chest until the last minute. We did some very good things in both the West Hull game and against St Pats so we know the ability and the skill is there. We just have to up the intensity a little and maintain that intensity for the full eighty minutes.

"This a massive game, both for the team and the club and we will be treating it as such. We know we are massively the underdogs in this one but all that means is that we have nothing to lose we just need to run out on Saturday ready to do battle. If we can improve on our ball retention, our attacking plays and stiffen up the defensive line, we are in with a shout."

Mayfield chairman Neil Ramsden is another at the club relishing this opportunity to show a wider audience what the club has to offer. He said: "It's all going on here at Mayfield. We are going from strength to strength at the club. We have ten youth sides, a burgeoning womens section and two open age sides, but this is the pinnacle of the season already, it's what we have been working so hard for both on and off the pitch."

Admission fees for the game are £10 adults, £5 concessions and kids go free.

Fans attending the game are being asked to respect the club's neighbours and park responsibly. Mayfield has a good sized car park and there is additional parking at Castleton Community Centre.

Match sponsors for the cup game are Ian Gilbertson and Alliance North West, suppliers of consumables for the catering and hospitality industries.

Fixture 12 February 2022

Challenge Cup 3rd round: Mayfield v Doncaster KO 2pm.