Rugby league: Mayfield preview

Photo: Aidy Gleeson Snr

Matty Brown will be pushing for a starting spot after impressing last week

After last week's comprehensive win over York Acorn, Mayfield face a much sterner test this weekend as they travel to West Hull. The Humberside outfit were the winners of the last full season's grand final in 2019 and are a quality outfit all round.

Mayfield made this same journey only last month in the Bet Fred Challenge Cup. On that occasion Mayfield were victorious after a thrilling game which almost saw the Rochdale side throw the game away with a sloppy second half performance.

Sam Butterworth and Steve Wood will be expecting better this afternoon as they look to cement their positive start to the season. New signings Darcy Maroske, Kyle Marvin and Jarred Dash have settled in well and are chomping at the bit to get another win under their belts. All three performed well against Acorn in an all round pleasing performance. Butterworth will be looking to build on that and wherever possible push the team that bit further. The lads all know where they have to do better and they will look to improve in those areas today. There is already a sense at the club that this could be a successful season but that can only happen with an all out effort both in training and on the field. 

Si Moore, who made a great contribution last week, despite carrying an injury will hopefully have recovered and play a full part on Saturday. Butterworth may have a couple of selection headaches this afternoon with Ben Metcalfe and Matty Brown both having played outstanding roles after stepping up from the NWML side. 

Andy Reid and Craig White's side have a home fixture in the NWML Divison 3 on Saturday. After a great, hard fought win at Halton Simms Cross last week they entertain Leigh East at the Mayfield Sports Centre. Easts are a very good side with a very experienced pack but Reid is confident his young side can more than match them in every department.

Isaac Reid, Jack Green and Luke Hartley all impressed in last weeks victory lead by the old warhorse himself, Mark Biggins, who seems to be really enjoying his rugby again despite being in his mid 40s. This side just need a couple of old heads in and they will be a real force to be reckoned with in the division.

Fixtures 12 March 2022

• NCL Premier Division: West Hull v Mayfield KO 2.30pm
• NWML Division 3: Mayfield v Leigh East KO 2.30pm