Standard Cup Final
St Anne's 14 - 36 Mayfield

Standard Cup Final: St Anne's 14 - 36 Mayfield
Mayfield crack the champagne

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Mayfield went into the Standard Cup Final determined not to repeat the mistakes of last year when they were beaten by a last gasp drop goal. They achieved this and more as they dispatched a spirited St Anne's side with a solid performance.

Mayfield never looked like losing a game in which they took the lead early on.

St Anne's put in a spirited display which belied their Division Two status and showed that they won’t be losing many games this season, but they couldn’t match Mayfield for speed, skill and determination.

Carl Abraham and Sam Butterworth epitomised this as they stormed in for first half scores after the pack had predictably ground their way upfield through strong runs from Liam Whalley, Joe Qanuici and Ben Butterworth.

With the score at half time 4-12 to Mayfield, the St Anne's contingent of the big crowd at Oldham Rugby Union ground thought they could still be in with a shout but they hadn’t figured with the Mayfield juggernaut which was about to click into gear.

With five second half tries Mayfield enjoyed the outing as Todd O’Brien, Sam Butterworth and Paul Brearley all outclassed their opposite numbers to take control of the game. O’Brien's passes from acting half provided that all important time for Brearley and Butterworth to call the shots when in possesion.

St Anne's kept plugging away at the Mayfield line but the defence, led by Biggins and Joe Qanuici, was just too strong for them.

On the occasions they did manage to break through they were usually stopped by impressive fullback Seta Tala.

Off the back of this defence Mayfield pushed forward at every opportunity and played some magnificent rugby. This was shown by the spread of the scorers with Tala, fullback, Rob Kershaw and Komai, wingers and Abraham, centre plus Butterworth at scrum half all getting on the score sheet along with Aidan Gleeson, who was the only forward to score.

The try which got the loudest cheer was the last one, scored by Gleeson who made the break, chipped the oncoming defence and outpaced the St Anne's fullback to re-gather and go over under the sticks. The crowd really enjoyed this one with Mayfield Chairman Simon Howe saying: "He reminds me of a young Sam Butterworth." 

This was the second game in three days for both teams and they both displayed high levels of fitness. Mayfield in particular looked very good and showed they have benefitted from coach Calland's intense fitness regime.

Man-of-the-Match, chosen by the Oldham League Panel, went to Joe Qanuici whose work in the first half made sure that his side stayed clear of the opposition, but he must have been pushed close by Tala, Gleeson and Sam Butterworth. Also worth a mention were Jack Francis who is settling in very well in only his second game, Liam Whalley who put in another faultless performance and Todd O`Brien who is the player who makes this team tick with his constant probing and encouragement of his team mates.

Mayfield Team:  Seta Tala, Rob Kershaw, Carl Abram, Nick Hargreaves, Komai Nualamatua, Paul Brearley, Sam Butterworth, Matty Moores , Todd O`Brien, Joe Qanuici, Liam Whalley Callum Marriott, Ben Butterworth, Aidan Gleeson, Niall Bradley, Jack Francis, Mark Biggins.