Oulton 28 - 16 Mayfield

Oulton started this game like they wanted to win it and that was the difference throughout this Kingstone Press NCL Division one fixture.

The home side showed more enthusiasm for the game, more willingness to win and a  disregard for Mayfield's recent good results.

Mayfield conceded two early tries to trail 10 – 0 leaving themselves with a hill to climb. Both tries were scored out wide after sustained pressure which Mayfield failed to deal with.

The  Mayfield try came when Callum Marriott broke the line before Todd O’Brien found Aidan Gleeson who powered his way upfield for O’Brien to pass to Joe Qanuici ,who crashed over for a Sam Butterworth converted try.

Mayfield were in the ascendency and the large band of travelling fans sensed a comeback. Poor defence soon put paid to that as the Oulton 22 proved too hard to hold with at least three would be tacklers left red faced as he crashed over before half time for a try he converted himself.

Half time: Oulton 16 – 6 Mayfield

A short half time break seemed to suit Mayfield as they attacked from the restart. With the game then flowing from end to end it was Mayfield who scored first as O’Brien capitalised after Si Moore and Luke Sampson had combined to gain good field position. Butterworth again converted.

Komai, Carl Abram and Jack Sampson did their best for the team working hard in defence and attack but a series of penalties saw Oulton again dominate Mayfield for field position and they used this to their advantage as they extended their lead.

Mayfield again fought back, and for a short while appeared the stronger side as they strived for a foothold in the game, but as they were pressing the opposition line an errant pass found its way to an Oulton player who managed a 70 metre breakaway try.

Mayfield once more fought back and were again rewarded after Ieaun Higgs finished off a great move with a try in the corner.

The game finished with the Rochdale side looking as if they didn’t know what had happened and Oulton celebrating like they had won the league.

So, it’s back to the drawing board for Calland and Butterworth at training this week with the emphasis on enthusiasm and will to win.

Man-of-the-match was awarded to Sam Butterworth.

Mayfield Team: Jack Sampson, Carl Abram, Matt Calland, Komai Nualamatua, Sam Butterworth, Paul Brearley, Luke Sampson, Ben Butterworth, Si Moore, MattyMoores, Todd O’Brien, Callum Marriott, Aidan Gleeson, Liam Whalley, Joe Qanuici, Declan Sheridan.