Rugby league: Siddal 26 - 10 Mayfield

Photo: Aidy Gleeson Snr

Luke Fowden

Mayfield made the trip to Halifax on Saturday 20 August with only the thought of victory on their minds.

The win would have been enough to ensure their survival in this tough division. The game kicked off in windy conditions and there wasn't much to choose between the sides for the first ten minutes. After a sustained spell of pressure Siddal broke the deadlock with a score in the corner, 4 - 0.

Mayfield knew they had to get some points on the board early to be in with a shout in this game and they were unlucky as Luke Fowden, Dave Mills and Aidy Gleeson went close. Both sides produced some great rugby and the game flowed from end to end. Siddal knew they were in a battle and when they were awarded a penalty for a high shot they opted for the two points even though they were in a good attacking position, 6 - 0.

The game remained close for the rest of the half with both sides putting in a great defensive display, but as they tired, Mayfield were guilty of giving away too many penalties. With penalties comes field position and Mayfield were under constant pressure from their own doing rather than Siddal's play. Right on the stroke of half time Siddal made the most of a missed tackle and scored a converted try to double their lead, 12 - 0.

Mayfield made a good start to the second half putting constant pressure on the home defence, but Siddal were too strong and too sharp. Lost possession on the Siddal line saw their half backs click up a gear and they were soon celebrating their third try, 16 - 0.

Although they were putting up a spirited show it now looked as if Mayfield were about to fold and when Siddal bagged their fourth and made it, 20 - 0 it seemed they would.

Something seemed to click though with Sam Butterworth's side and they came right back at their hosts, they took hold of the game and looked the better side at this stage and when Ieuan Higgs followed his own kick through and scored and converted his team's first try, Mayfield appeared to start believing in themselves, 20 - 6.

Within minutes Luke Fowden had cut the gap further with a great team try, converted again by Higgs, 20 - 12.

It was all Mayfield at this stage with Danny Dean, Dec Sheridan and Harry McDonald working overtime and but for a massive defensive effort they would have scored again. Time and again they pushed but time and again Siddal pushed back. With less than 25 minutes remaining Mayfield had to take chances even though they were camped on the home line. A careless pass from a Mayfield attack saw Siddal again show their class as they quickly made their way into Mayfield's danger zone. The effort they put in had left Butterworths boys out on their feet and against the run of play Siddal scored the last try of the game, converted, this made the final score 26 - 12.

It could be said that Mayfield deserved more out of this game but it doesn't work that way in this sport, it's about creating your own luck and taking your chances. If you don't do that then you finish second and that's what happened. Butterworth and assistant Steve Wood were bitterly disappointed with the defeat and refused to comment after the game. Mayfield are now scrapping for survival and depending on the results of others.

The Siddal coaching staff awarded the Mayfield man of the match to number 13, Aidy Gleeson.