Rugby league: first outings for Mayfield girls' U12s and U14s

Two newly formed Mayfield girls’ teams recently had their very first outings on Sunday 13 March – with mixed results.

The U12s played away at Hindpool Tigers, storming out of the blocks from the start to secure a 20-8 victory.

Captain and Player of the Match, Abbey led from the front, organising her defence and playing with heart and passion throughout the whole game. She scored a wonderful individual try and then added two more to finish the game with a hat-trick.

Mayfield’s solid defence kept them in the game and Amelia performed some key try-saving tackles. Amelia – Coaches’ Player on the day – also scored a fantastic individual try. 

Number ‘9’ Blyss caused havoc to their defence, scanning for gaps and poor numbering up which led to many scoring opportunities.

Evie and Sophie L carried the ball well down the middle, destructing their line and gaining metres every time they carried the ball. Sophie D drove the team forward several times, bringing in numbers and leaving space out wide for Mayfield to capitalise.

Alyssa, Hollie and Jess worked so hard in defence and grew in confidence as the game went on, getting stuck into tackles. Hollie also made a great break and unfortunately got caught 5m before the line. 

A representative from Mayfield said of the U12s girls’ side: “There was a real team spirit today and the number one aim of the game was to enjoy it and leave with a smile on their faces. The girls did that! All the coaches, staff, parents and carers are so proud of them today and they did our club proud!” 

 

 

Meanwhile, Sunday morning also saw Mayfield's new U14s girls’ side play their debut fixture, a home crowd against Thatto Heath, who had 19 players, to Mayfield's 10. Mayfield ultimately ended the game with 14 to Thatto’s 38.

The girls were somewhat nervous and, due to the U12s away fixture, it was up to ‘Wiggy’ Whatmough and Emma Patterson, to get the girls’ confidence and physicality moving, and what a job they did. 

The game started off slow for the girls with some brilliant tackles and hits from Ella T, Chloe D and Gracie B (who would be named Opposition Coaches’ Player of the Match).

Mayfield were down 0-14 just before the half-time whistle and Mia H managed to score a brilliant try with Kadie A converting, taking the half-time score to 6-14. 

In the second half, Thatto sportingly offered players to Mayfield, which meant both teams now had 13-a-side, which stepped up the game. They dug in deep and really pushed themselves; even with a few knocks and big hits, they got up and attacked and defended like real troopers.  

Mayfield managed to up their aggression, with some strong carries – particularly from Freya W (who would be named Mayfield Coaches’ Player of the Match), Grace L and Kadie A – helping them find some momentum which then allowed the backs to run some phases wide and stretch Thatto's defence.

There was some really good footwork on show from Ella T and Eve D which led to Mayfield scoring another two superb tries from Gracie B and Mylee H.

Mayfield showed determination and resilience all the way through the game, finishing the final minutes of the game playing with high tempo and attempting structured patterns of play.

Mayfield’s representative said: “We are all exceptionally proud of these girls, and we hope they are proud of themselves. They have represented Rochdale Mayfield today and we are beaming with pride!! 

“Big thanks to Wiggy and Emma, for helping out today too. Also, huge thanks to Peter Yarnel, who was today's Match Official and was exceptional with both teams.”

Both teams are led by Wigan Warriors and England International Loose Forward, Vicky Molyneux, who is keen for more girls in the borough to start playing rugby league.

Both teams are looking for more players – interested girls in Years 6, 7, 8 and 9 can join at Mayfield Sports Centre each Friday at 5pm.