Visitors offer resistance in Raiders clash

MAYFIELD faced the professionals of Barrow Raiders for the second time in a week and, despite the heavy scoreline, gave a good account of themselves and the Mayfield club.

Mayfield started well and matched Barrow set for set through the opening 20 minutes, as front row forwards Seta Tala and James Shaw in particular, ran strong and tackled hard.

Barrow tried hard to break the strangle hold, and they burst into the Mayfield half and scored a try too wide for the conversion. 4-0 but Mayfield brought on Declan Sheridan and within minutes struck back.

Zac Baker and Paul Brearley worked the ball wide and back to centre field for Seta Tala to crash over under the posts for a well worked try.

Zac Hartley converted to give Mayfield the lead at 4-6 after 25 minutes.

Barrow were struggling to match Mayfield’s adventure on attack but were solid in the middle.

Mayfield held the lead for the next ten minutes, but setting the tone for the afternoon, the home side benefitted from a fortunate interpretation of the rules, that gave valuable field position and kept the ball off Mayfied, to score two quick tries for a 14-6 half time lead.

Mayfield were well in the game, but the toll of three tough games in the last week loomed ominous as they only had one fit substitute player – with Callum Ogden off with a serious shoulder injury, Simon Moore with a pulled groin and the tough running and tackling Jimmy Connuaghton suffering concussion from a knock to the head.

The home side sensed blood and began to pass wide and offload the ball, and benefitting from more generous officiating, with every 50-50 going against Mayfield.

Barrow took full advantage scoring regularly in the second half, racking up 46 points without reply, despite the sterling efforts of the neversay-die Rochdale lads.

The Barrow players and coach acknowledged the score did not reflect the game, but they were good value for the win and place in the 4th round of the cup.

Mayfield now go into the league campaign – at home to Wigan side St. Patricks on Saturday, and will hope the battle hardening will see them in good stead.

Best for Mayfield were prop forwards James Shaw and Seta Tala.

Lewis Sheridan. Lee Registe, Matty Ashton, Matt Chrimes, Liam Riley. Zac Baker, Zac Hartley. James Shaw, Callum Ogden, Seta Tala, Chris Hough, Callum Marriott, Paul Brearley. Declan Sheridan, Simon Moore, Sean Watkins, Jimmy Connaughton