Time to push on for Mayfield
WITH neither of Mayfield’s open age sides having a game this weekend, it’s time to review the season so far.
It says something about how far the NCL team has come over recent years when – as they are sitting in fourth spot in the Kingstone Press NCL Premier division – they are somewhat disappointed to not be better placed.
With a little more luck and better discipline they could easily have been in second place.
This team definitely has the ability to carry on improving but only time will tell.
Again, like last season, the most pleasing aspect has been the way the youngsters who have been drafted in have responded. James Connaughton has been an absolute revelation as he has stormed into every game giving his all and showing a toughness and resolution way beyond his years.
Another big forward who has impressed over the last few games is Guillerme Gee Souza.
Gee came in after some great performances in the NWML side and has been outstanding.
Away from the forward line, Lewis Butterworth has looked rock solid in the centres.
It’s not just the new lads who have stood out, established players like Paul Brearley, Aidan Gleeson and Callum Marriott have also been outstanding with Declan Sheridan puting in more than his fair share of match winning performances.
There have been good and bad performances from the team, from the home defeat by Myton with a last-minute drop goal to the away win at Thatto Heath where Mayfield ran in 70 points against a team who had only lost two games and were in second place in the league.
Although it looks at this stage that Siddal will again finish top of the pile, Mayfield will be looking for a top three spot and a good showing in the play offs.
The NWML side has been particularly impressive this season after a couple of lacklustre years.
Marvin Connolly and Neil Ramsden have come in and given invaluable help to Dave Harmer at coaching sessions and the influx of last year’s U18s has seen the team soar to the top of the league under the captaincy of the experienced Rob Kershaw.
Stand out players for the side have been Jordan Parr, James Ainley and in particular Cole Connolly. These lads have been immense. The stand out game would have to be the away victory at Wigan St Judes where they demolished them 34-0.
If the side continues to improve at the rate it has this season then the next couple of years should be very exciting at the club and this makes the future at Mayfield look very promising indeed.
Outside the league structures Mayfield have again got several players who have been selected for various representative sides in the near future with Aidan Gleeson representing GB teachers, Lewis Ainley and James Connaughton GB Police while at the young age of 16 Cole Connolly has been selected to represent England U18s.
A fantastic achievement and just reward for his effort and commitment.