Late try staves off fightback
MAYFIELD made their fourth journey already this season to Hull, and came away with the two league points and a return to some form from what was a tough fixture.
The home side are newly promoted to the top division and have been strong at home, but Mayfield showed great patience and discipline, with and without the ball.
Prop forward James Connuaghton epitomised the basis for Mayfield’s improvement, with his strong direct running and refusal to be beaten in defence, whilst young centre-three quarters Cameron Connolly and Lewis Butterworth were also good all game.
Mayfield held the ball well in the opening exchanges, and opened the scoring on 13 minutes when Connaughton drove hard to the posts and the impressive Paul Brearley took the next drive to the line and offloaded to supporting Callum Marriott, who crashed over for a Chris Hough converted try and 0-6 lead.
With 100 per cent ball retention and no penalties, Mayfield pressured the home side and they cracked when, on 20 minutes, Lewis Butterworth stepped through the defence on the left to scored untouched. Hough goaled again for 0-12.
It stayed that way until half time, as Mayfield continued an controlled style of rugby but still asked questions and created chances that Skirlaugh only just held back.
It was all change though in the second half as the officials evened up the penalty count, and Skirlaugh took advantage to pressure the Mayfield line.
The Rochdale lads held out three sets on their line bit the fourth was too much and the home side hit back on 45 minutes for 6-12.
With defences in top, Hough took a penalty goal and two points for an eight-point lead at 6-14 on 52 minutes. The value of this was clear just two minutes later, when Skirlaugh scored a converted try to cut the gap to 12-14.
Mayfield felt the pressure and failed to clear their lines a number of times.
Simon Moore fell for the provocation and was dismissed for punching, leaving his team-mates lots of defensive worked to do as the home side had three repeat sets. Mayfield held firm.
With 10 minutes remaining and a slender two-point lead, Mayfield finally broke out of their half. A great last tackle kick forced a repeat set, and hooker Lewis Ainley took advantage of quick play the balls, to dive over for a try, converted by Hough for a game breaking 12-20 lead.
Mayfield cruised the last 10, until, with full time beckoning, Declan Sheridan outstripped the tiring home defence to crash over for a try and 12-24 victory.
Connaughton was man of the match for his tough, relentless and uncompromising forward play. He was well supported by Paul Brearley, Chris Hough and Wayne English - who had his best game for Mayfield – bringing the ball out well time and time again. This was a good team effort and Mayfield thoroughly deserved the points.
Wayne English. Jack Sampson, Lewis Butterworth, Cameron Connolly, Munya Samanyanga, Chris Hough, Zak Baker, James Connaughton, Lewis Ainley, Callum Marriott, Sean Watkins, Liam Whalley, Paul Brearley. Nick Hargreaves, Simon Moore, Aidan Gleeson, Declan Sheridan.