Rugby league: Mayfield 33 - 24 Leigh Miners

Ieuan Higgs was chosen by sponsors as the man of the match

Mayfield showed both sides of their game in their NCL Premier Division clash against Leigh Miners on Saturday 11 June.

The first 20 minutes saw them play some superb rugby as they ran in three converted tries from Jarrod Dash, Nick Hargreaves and James McDaid. Cole Connolly added the extras.

It wasn't all Mayfield though; Miners tried hard but were repelled by some strong defence, Ben Metcalfe, Ben Ratu and James Mulvaney led the way in that respect and by the time they'd amassed 18 unanswered points Mayfield were in complete control as the forwards, led by Mulvaney and Dash dominated the opposition. Danny Dean was having a great game as well but it wasn't long before Miners found their feet and began getting back in the game. Fortune favoured them as their rangey winger gathered a well place kick to get his team on the scoresheet.18 - 6.

Mayfield responded well and stiffened their defence and a big tackle on the visitors ten yard line forced a knock on. From the scrum the impressive Ieuan Higgs shipped the ball to right and Kyle Marvin scrambled over in the corner for a try, 22 - 6.

Again Mayfield relaxed, as if they thought they'd done enough. Miners had other ideas though and came straight back at Sam Butterworth's side. They were met by some weak defending as three would be tacklers failed to complete tackle and the visitors centre strolled in for a soft converted score. 22 - 12.

The second half started poorly for Mayfield as they lost possession from the kick off putting themselves under pressure from the start. Poor home defence made it easy for Miners and they enjoyed a good opening spell cutting the defecit with another converted try, 22 - 18.

This was a proper game of rugby league now with both sides giving their all. Scores were traded with McDaid grabbing his second and Miners capitalising on Mayfield's failure to deal with a scrappy kick, 26 - 24.

Ten minutes to play for and the next score would be all important. Miners dropped the ball from the restart and Mayfield were on the attack. Marvin was unlucky not to add another but Mayfield pushed on. As they pressured Miners line Connolly opted for a one pointer to eat up the seconds, 27 - 24.

This one could still go either way. Mayfield kept the pressure on and up popped Dash, who was playing through the pain with a broken thumb, he went straight at the line with power and pace and, despite the attention of four defenders managed to reach out a free arm for the score that clinched the game, Connolly tagged on the extras and the whistle went.

The final score was 33 - 24 and a well deserved if somewhat nervy win for Mayfield.

The coaches' man of the match was awarded to Jarrod Dash for an all action blockbuster of a performance. The sponsors had a different view though and gave it to the ever improving Ieuan Higgs who once more showed he has such a lot to offer this team.