Mayfield on sharp end of Cup shock
ON a pitch that was pure winter rugby, Mayfield started brightly in this Ladbrokes Challenge Cup second round tie.
They moved the ball brilliantly with total disregard for the conditions and looked nailed on winners for the first twenty minutes, but the Normanton defence was superb not missing a tackle and frustrating Mayfield every they tried to do anything Kieran Harmer was unlucky not to score as he narrowly failed to gather a crossfield kick to the corner after a brilliant Zac Baker tackle dislodged the ball.
Slowly the visitors started to get a foot hogld in the game and on 22 minutes they caught Mayfield out as their full back scooted over for a converted try, 0-6.
Apart from that one error, the home defence was equal to the visitors with Liam Whalley Leading the charge.
He was well backed up by Si Moore and Callum Marriott.
Once again cheap penalties cost Mayfied dear resulting in lost field position and lost scoring chances.
Despite their failings Mayfield finished the half strongly.
The second half started with both sides making errors.
Another Mayfield penalty gave Normanton the chance for two points, and sensing the need for points they gratefully slotted over the kick. 0-8.
A brilliant ‘out the back’ pass from Brandon Wood to Ieuan Higgs almost broke the deadlock for Mayfield but once again the defence held firm
With their defence again snuffing out every Mayfield attack the home sides frustration was showing and another penalty gave Normanton the chance for another two points, the chance was missed and this seemd to give Mayfield the impetus they needed as they picked up the pace pressing the Normanton line but lacking the creativity to break the line of defence.
The next twenty minutes saw both sides snuff each other out until with minutes left Wood again flicked a pass out to Higgs who managed to squeeze over in the corner, the kick was missed.
Unfortunately, it was a case of too little too late for Mayfield and the visitors went through to the next round.
Coaches Calland and Butterworth were left shell shocked by the defeat and will now concentrate on strengthening their challenge for the up coming season.
Aidan Gleeson was named MOM by the opposition coaches but he was pushed close by Liam Whalley and Callum Marriott.