Disciplined Mayfield set for starters
MAYFIELD kick off their season this afternoon a week late after last week’s big freeze.
Matt Calland and Sam Butterworth’s boys are chomping at the bit waiting to start their campaign and looking to once again secure at least a top six league finish.
With a young side who have been hitting the gym and coming in for extra training this will be a strong and fit team who aim to hit the ground running and make an early mark on the competition.
It’s fair to say that discipline has been an issue over the last couple of seasons, costing precious points and ultimately allowing the opposition the chance to steal games that they had no right to do.
Calland has imposed on his side the need to cut the soft penalties which can cost you so dear and he feels the lads have taken on board what has been said and is confident there will an improvement this season.
Less penalties means more possession and more possession usually means more points on the board.
Mayfield have shown over recent years that they have the class right across the pitch to compete at this level but that’s not enough for Calland this year he wants to do more than just compete.
Today is when all the preparation counts its on the pitch that matters most and Calland is hoping his charges have taken on board and put into practice all they have talked about for the last couple of months.
Mayfield’s opponenets today are Cumbrian side Egremont Rangers.
The two sides met three times last season with Mayfield claiming wins by a narrow margin in all three.
The visitors have made a couple of changes and as usual will arrive with a strong pack aided by lively halfbacks. It will be a tough game and just the start Mayfield would have liked.
Club Captain Paul Brearley will be looking to guide the team to a good win to make it the perfect start and he will be adding his vast experience to the youngsters in the team to give them the confidence to come through on top.
Today’s game will kick off at 5pm as it is being shown live and is the first game to be shown as part of the new deal with Rugby AM.
It will be broadcast on freesport channel 424 on sky channel 95 on freeview and freesat boxes.
The newly promoted NWMl side will tavel to St Helens this afternoon to face Haresfinch in Division 1 Mayfield arrive as Division 2 champions after a great last season while their hosts are regrouping after relegation from the premier division and the ignominious honour of not winning a game last season.
They have put that behind them though and have brought in a couple of new faces to bolster their ranks and will be looking to show their pedigree today.
Mayfield under captain Rob Kershaw have again a good blend of youth and experience with some of the brightest young talents around vying for a spot in this successful side.
Coach Dave Harmer will be looking to bring home the points and get his season off on a winning note.