Rugby league: Mayfield 19 - 18 Siddal

Photo: Aidy Gleeson Snr

Cole Connolly was named joint man of the match with Nick Hargreaves

Mayfield's match against Siddal on Saturday 7 May was another game of two halves with a Jekyll and Hyde performance from the Rochdale side.
A slow start from both sides set the tone for the first half. Jarrod Dash and Darcy Maroske plugged away with some strong runs but were repelled by a robust Siddal defence.

With ten minutes gone the visitors were having the better of the game and they were only stopped from scoring by brilliant work from James McDaid as he plucked a high kick from his opposite numbers grasp. It didn't take long though for Siddal to open the scoring. Repeat penalties in the Mayfield 10 put the pressure on and Siddal threw the ball wide and their winger squeezed in in the corner for a converted try, 0 - 6.

They added another 6 points after a brilliant kick and collect caught the Mayfield defence napping, 0 - 12.

There were too many errors from Mayfield to put any real pressure on. The introduction of Nick Hargreaves had an impact on the game with his straight strong running and solid defence. His willingness to work hard and get involved began to lift his team mates and they pushed forward, putting pressure on Siddal. Only the final pass let them down.

Siddal almost scored again but were stopped by a tackle from McDaid. This was the catalyst Mayfield needed and they clicked into gear. A brilliant move saw McDaid combine with Cole Connolly and finish the move for a great score, converted by Connolly, 6 - 12.

Connolly bagged himself a try which he converted himself, after following his own kick through,12 - 12 and it was game on.

Both sides were now playing some good rugby and entertaining the crowd. When Hargreaves touched down a Dec Sheridan kick through, converted by Connolly, 18 - 12.

It looked like Mayfield would kick on but Siddal had other ideas as they upped their game to try and pull the defecit back. With 10 minutes remaining, Connolly dropped a goal, 19 - 12 and Siddal now needed two scores.

The home side allowed the Yorkshiremen back in it after repeat infringements gave them a penalty under the sticks which they kicked, 19 - 14.

Maroske and Danny Dean put in an awesome defensive effort as they tried to keep Siddal out but with minutes to another penalty put them in a good position near the Mayfield line, quick hands saw them get the ball out wide and the winger dived over in the corner, 19 - 18.

With the kick to come everyone in the ground held their breath, luckily the kick was missed and Mayfield took the win; their first over Siddal for many years.

The man of the match award was a split decision between Connolly and Hargreaves but they were pushed by McDaid and Dash.