Rochdale Observer

Unknown quantity in BARLA Cup

- IAN KERSHAW BARLA National Cup Mayfield v Lowca ko 2.00 NWML,D2 Mayfield V Roose ko 2.30

WITH a confident start to the league season already under their belts Mayfield begin their assault on the BARLA National cup at the Mayfield Sports Centre today.

Their opponents are Cumbrian League side Lowca. Not a lot is known about them but they have had a decent start to their campaign with two wins from two and a good win against Keighley Albion in the preliminar­y round of this competitio­n.

This game will be like a final to the visitors and they will play it as such, they will not take a backward step and they will come at their illustriou­s hosts right from the whistle.

Mayfield will have to prepare well for this game and will have to be switched on for the full eighty minutes, any lapses in concentrat­ion could cost them dearly and leave them with egg on their faces. Sam Butterwort­h and Steve Wood are confident their side will be game ready and will be more than a match for the Cumbrians.

The Mayfield forwards have been very good this season, dominating the opposition in most games they’ve played while the backs have been outstandin­g scoring tries all over the place. Jordan Parr at full back and Lewis Butterwort­h on the wing have been outstandin­g, while the centres and halves are the strongest the club have had for many a season.

All in all this Mayfield team should just have too much for the Cumbrian league side and a win is on the cards. As the coaching staff are all too well aware though, this is the cup and anything can happen.

Today’s sponsors for are, Ace Electrical, Rochdale Transport Hire and Match ball sponsors are Dale Projects.

Mayfield NWML also entertain Cumbrians today with the visit of Roose Pioneers in the NWML div2 clash.

Mayfield made the trip to Hindpool last week and were narrowly beaten 22-16 in a tough encounter.

The Rochdale side were disappoint­ed with their performanc­e and felt they were good enough to beat the Cumbrians. It just never happened though as Andy Reed’s side failed to stick to the game plan and made some poor decisions, both in attack and defence.

Today should see a return to form though as Reedy and Craig White look to have a full squad available for selection.

FIXTURES 27/04/24

 ?? ?? ●●Mayfield coach Sam Butterwort­h
●●Mayfield coach Sam Butterwort­h

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