Rochdale Observer

Play-off test for Mayfield

- RUGBY LEAGUE IAN KERSHAW

MAYFIELD face their toughest test of the season so far today as they enter the play-off stages. They make the journey over the Pennines where they face Leeds-based Hunslet Club Parkside.

Hunslet have had a really good season so far, amassing over 500 points while only conceding 120.

Looking at this Mayfield have their work cut out for sure but Sam Butterwort­h’s side will be going with only one thing on their minds, victory.

A win will see them through to the next round whereas defeat means they will go into the plate competitio­n with a trip to the losers of the Wath Brow v Leigh Miners game.

Hunslet, like Mayfield, go into today’s game with a big win under their belts and a cracking game of rugby league is on the cards.

There have been some tough close run contests between these two sides over the years and today’s game should prove the same.

After last week’s 42-6 win at Saddlewort­h, Butterwort­h was pleased overall with the sides performanc­e.

Especially the first half when Mayfield where outstandin­g, the concentrat­ion and the discipline slipped a little in the second but they still scored some belting tries.

There is little doubt that if Mayfield play to their potential they will be hard to beat, but to say the least they have been enigmatic at times.

There have been occasions when the Mayfield defence has been weak to the least but they have also shown they can live with the best and training this week has focussed on the latter with Butterwort­h and Steve Wood instilling the need for the team to be on the ball from the first whistle to the last. The lads have responded well and have shown that they are going over the hill well prepared.

TODAY’S FIXTURE:

NCL play offs, Hunslet v Mayfield ko 2.30

 ?? Bruce Myers ?? ●● Declan O’loughlin on the charge
Bruce Myers ●● Declan O’loughlin on the charge

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