Victory over Pilks widens lead at top
MAYFIELD NWML travelled to Pilkingtons on Saturday missing a couple of players due to first team call ups, but they showed the strength in depth that they have in the squad.
They didnt start off too well, giving away a couple of needless penalties, but soon got their act together.
Callum Corchoran at hooker began to take charge, giving smart ball from acting half to John Foy and Zac Hartley at 6 and 7.
The forwards responded to this with some great enthusiasm but also at times showed a lack of composure.
The home defence held firm for the first twenty minutes, bringing some frustration from Mayfield who looked desperate to score and when Rob Kershaw stepped up and powered his way over for a try converted by Hartley the nerves seemed to steady, 0-6.
Pilks were still in the game and this was in no way a one sided contest but Mayfield were now showing their class, none more than Corey Newsham who took a ball in his own ten and showed a clean pair of heels as he sprinted the full length to improve his side’s lead, Hartley again converted, 0-12.
From the restart though, Mayfield fell asleep and allowed Pilks to regain possession and they were soon celebrating a score as Mayfield failed to respond, 6-12.
The half time break came at the right time as far as Mayfield were concerned.
The rain was torrenting down, making their style of rugby difficult if not impossible.
The second half saw Mayfield dominate the game with the forwards taking control. Jack Rush and Joe Muir between them wore down the Pilks defence and Sean Hurley and Sal Mahmood joined in too taking the ball straight to the line.
Rush was unstoppable from one yard out as Hartley turned the ball back inside for him then converted the try, 6-18.
The try of the game went to Macauley Donnely who finished off a superb cross field move in the corner, Hartley again converted brilliantly, 6-24.
The two Joes then put Mayfield further in front as first Schofield then Muir went in. Hartley converted the first making the final score 6-34.
The MOM was a tough choice. Kershaw was inspirational to his young charges while Rush, Muir and Schofield all stamped their authority on their opposite numbers but Corey Newsham just edged them out with his composure and class.
This win saw Mayfield go two points clear at the top of the first division a testament to the dedication of the lads involved.