Rugby league: Mayfield preview

Rob Kershaw

Saturday is D-day for Mayfield as they go into their final game of a bitterly disappointing season. With an outside chance of relegation still hovering over their heads, this is a game Mayfield need to win to avoid depending on other results.

Coming into the game on the back of seven consecutive defeats is not the ideal scenario but that is the reality of where Mayfield are. However, coaches Sam Butterworth and Steve Wood know that there is enough ability in this team to beat the odds and overcome their opposition, Thatto Heath.

Thatto come into the game having put 76 points past already relegated Thornhill two weeks ago, but they are definitely a side that is there for the taking. They have registered only one win and four losses from the last five and have lost two of those to Mayfield's fellow strugglers Pilkingtons and York Acorn. In all they have lost seven games this season so there is a realistic chance that Mayfield could take the points here, if they perform to their potential. Therein lies the conundrum. On too many occasions this season Mayfield have failed to perform.

Back for the side today is Lewis Butterworth, his presence alone will lift the side, giving a bit more structure out wide and stiffening up the defence. Butterworth knows they have it in them to take the game today he just hopes they do what is needed. The coaches have been concentrating on making a good start to the game. Coming out early and making their mark will be important but more so, the team that triumphs will be the team that sticks to the game plan and works hard for the full 80 minutes.

Apart from what relegation would mean to this great club there is one player in particular who is desperate for the win. Long serving player Rob Kershaw has finally decided to call it a day. Rob has been a regular feature in the Mayfield open age sides for the last 24 years, most of them in the first team. Rob stepped down a number of years ago and guided the second team to successive league championships and promotions, he then returned to first team rugby as the side struggled for consistency and has been a stalwart of the team ever since.

Mayfield chairman Neil Ramsden said: "I played with Rob for ten years or more in the NCL and I must say it was an absolute pleasure to play along side him. Rob loves the game and is a great role model for younger players. His attitude to the game and to training has been superb. I will personally see to it that Rob does not have to put his hand in his pocket tonight, whatever the result."

Coach Butterworth echoed those sentiments saying: "Rob is a true legend here at Mayfield, never more than over the last couple of years. When the going gets tough Rob gets going. After spending the majority of his career on the wing Rob now pulls on a forwards shirt and he never takes a backward step. I am very proud to call him a team mate and a friend. Well done Rob."

The NWML side are also in action this afternoon as they take to the road and take on LIverpool Lizards. This could be Andy Reid's side's last game before the play off finals so Andy will be looking for a good performance from his young side. 

Mayfield's Under-14s girls side, trained by Vicky Molyneux and Wiggy Whatmough are first up at the Mayfield Sports Centre with a 10.30am kick off against Queensbury. This team are going from strength to strength and are definitely worth a watch for anybody who loves their amateur rugby league.

Fixtures Saturday 3 September 2022

• NCL Premier Division: Mayfield v Thatto, kick off 2.30pm
• NWML Division 3: Liverpool v Mayfield, kick off 2.30pm
• U14 girls: Mayfield v Queensbury, kick off 10.30am