Rugby league: Mayfield 20 - 30 Pilkington Recs

Photo: Ian Nield

Dave Mills

Mayfield dropped another two important points at home on Saturday 6 August to Pilkington Recs in their fifth defeat in a row. The loss means that Mayfield must now win at least one of their remaining three games to ensure Premier Division status for next season.

Pilkington Recs looked like they were under the cosh after the first tackle of the game saw their giant prop having to leave the field with a concussion. Mayfield though sat back and allowed Pilks to come at them. There was no urgency in the defence and it took less than ten minutes for the visitors to take the lead with a converted try, 0 - 6.

They were unlucky not to score again as Ieaun Higgs chased down their big centre on his way to the line.  It wasnt enough though and they soon doubled their lead 0 - 12.

Mayfield then had a good ten minutes which saw Ben Higginson give a great pass to Lewis Butterworth who went on to score a fantastic individual effort from nothing, Ieuan Higgs converted, 6 - 12.

Mayfield were by far the better side for the next ten minutes until a defensive lapse saw the Pilks stand off put a kick through on the last which Mayfield failed to deal with. A soft, converted try resulted, 6 - 18. It could have got worse but for a brilliant try saving tackle by James McDaid just before half time.

The second half continued in much the same vein as the first with both sides making unforced errors and missing tackles. Mayfield had their best spell in the first twenty minutes scoring twice through Ieuan Higgs and Luke Fowden, Higgs was unlucky with both conversions, 14 - 18.

Fowden led the way with a strong showing, running hard and straight and defending the same. Harry McDonald had a hand in both the early scores with crisp ball and good vision. More dropped ball put Mayfield under pressure and Pilks began to build on this. Mayfield failed to deal with a high kick and Pilks pounced for touch down under the sticks that was hotly disputed, but given and converted, 14 - 24.

The next score was vitally important and it went the wrong way as far as Mayfield were concerned. Another converted try all but sealed the game at 14 - 30. Showing a good spirit and determination the Rochdale lads didnt concede and James McDaid pulled one back to finish the scoring at 20 - 30 and Mayfield were left again considering what could have been.

Luke Fowden was named man of the match by the sponsors, ably backed by Higgs, Dec Sheridan and Harry McDonald.