Survival crunch for Mayfield

MAYFIELD could secure their Kingstone Press National Conference League Premier division status this afternoon by beating Hunslet Club Parkside at Mayfield Rugby Club in Castleton.

This is a mammoth task but one that is within the capability of this young Mayfield side.

They have made huge strides in recent weeks, improving with each game.

This culminated in last week’s away win at Kells.

The squad from that game have reported fit apart from knocks in the forwards, and coaches Sam Butterworth and Steve Wood could be looking to name an unchanged squad for the first time this season.

The forwards laid the platform last week and that will be invaluable with a powerful Hunslet side looking to consolidate second spot in the play-off places.

Hunslet aren’t a free scoring side with almost 200 points less than those around them but they have a superb defence so Mayfield will have to pull out all the stops if they are to come out on top in this one.

Last week’s five-try hero Wayne Bannister will be looking to carry on his run of scoring, although he knows today will be much harder.

But with Dec Sheridan, Cole Connolly and Zac Hartley creating the chances anything is possible.

In the forwards Liam Whalley, Jimmy Connaughton and Luke Fowden will have their work cut out but they are relishing the opportunity to salvage the season today.

Coach Butterworth has issued a rallying cry to supporters to come and give voice as they take to the field this afternoon knowing that the lift the Mayfield crowd give to his side is worth a try and that could be the difference today.