Key men back in time for big test at leaders
MAYFIELD face a mammoth task today as they try to overturn the as yet unbeaten league leaders Hunslet Parkside.
Hunslet came up as first division champions and have shown true champions form in their first five fixtures, winning them all, including a victory against current Premier Division champions Thatto Heath.
Mayfield go into the game full of confidence after last week’s victory at Myton but know Hunslet will be a different proposition.
With a defence that’s averaging less than seven points against in each game, The Field will have to turn it on in this one and play to their strength, which has been fast open rugby over the last few seasons.
Another massive boost is the number of players returning to action with Si Moore, Wayne English, Dec Sheridan and Ieuan Higgs all back in the mix for selection.
It will be a tough ask for coaches Matt Calland and Sam Butterworth selecting this week’s thirteen but this is more like the kind of pressure they want.
Also, today could see a debut for another new signing, Frenchman Yacine Boutouba, who played a good standard of rugby in France, including a stint with Carcassone.
Boutouba is a tough uncompromising player who plays prop or second row but is also comfortable at centre, so he will be a welcome addition to the squad and could be just what Calland needs to glue the side together.
Mayfield know whoever they have on the pitch they will have to maintain their discipline in the face of a very physical Hunslet side.
They are not a dirty team but are renowned for their physicality and forceful defence.
If Mayfield perform this afternoon a classic is on the cards but as long as they can register a win they won’t be too bothered how it comes.
Dave Harmer takes his NWML side on the road for the first time this season today with a trip to Cumbria to face the daunting Walney Central.
The Cumbrians have been running amok so far, averaging 40 points per game so Mayfield will have to be on top of their game in this one.
Last week saw the team decimated by first team call ups and they were very unlucky to go down at home to the narrowest of margins.
Today should see the return of several players and the strong squad they are hoping to travel with will compete with anyone.