Hornets given a real run out by Mayfield
HORNETS took the spoils in the inaugural Steve Gartland memorial trophy – but it was a close run thing and Mayfield certainly gave their illustrious opponents more than a scare or two.
The only difference between the sides was that Hornets were fractionally sharper than Mayfield and they didn’t give away penalties in critical areas at crucial times.
There were many at the game who commented after the whistle that the home side had been unlucky not to at the very least scrape a draw.
The Mayfield forwards were awesome and dominated for long periods, with old warhorse Mark Biggins having an absolute stormer of a game along with team mates Jimmy Connaughton, Callum Marriott and Aidan Gleeson.
It was nip and tuck for the first ten minutes with both sides playing some solid rugby.
Conditions dictated the play with a strong wind and driving rain stopping either team playing an expansive game.
A momentary lapse in the home side’s defence allowed Hornets to take the lead with a well taken try in the corner from Srta Tala, 0-4.
Mayfield were unlucky not to draw level when a Zac Baker try was disallowed for a forward pass but they plugged away and the introduction of Dec Sheridan lifted their game and they a good rhythm, thwarting Hornets’ attempts to gain control. However, a poor set coupled with some indecisive play gave Hornets the chance to score which they accepted as Callum Wood stepped over to increase his side’s lead, 0-8.
It was make or break time for Mayfield. The game could have slipped beyond them if Hornets had scored again but they dug in with Si Moore, Cameron Connolly and Sean Mulcahy pushing forward and putting pressure on the Hornets line.
The visiting defence was rock solid with three and four men in the tackle and Mayfield showed great spirit and resilience to go on and grab the next try.
Zac Hartley followed up a brilliant kick through from Gleeson and beat the defence to the ball, Lewis Sheridan converting for 6-10.
Conditions worsened in the second half and credit must go to both sides for the way they played. There was nothing to chose between them as they gave their all and provided a great spectacle for the crowd.
Great work again from the forwards put the home side on the Hornets line and Connaughton showed his power and class as he came onto the ball and crashed through the defence, Hartley converting to put his side into a well deserved lead at 12-10.
Mayfield were on top and looking strong at this point but a needless, albeit dubious, penalty for a high tackle took the sting out of their attack and for some reason they struggled to regain the upper hand. Hornets responded with two well taken tries from Brandon Wood and captain Lee Mitchell.
That made it 12-18 and rounded off the scoring.
This was a great game of rugby league and a credit to both sides. The effort from both sets of players was exceptional and this was appreciated by the crowd on a bad day.
The purpose of the game was as a pre-season friendly and in preparation for the upcoming season and it fullfilled the needs of both clubs as they prepare for their respective campaigns.
Mayfield head coach Sam Butterworth commented: “For our first hit out that was a terrific performance.
“There is still a lot of work to be done in certain areas but the effort and commitment from the lads was unreal.
“This is a great bunch of lads and I felt a draw would have been a fair reflection of the game, and what they deserved.
“We are now looking forward to our next game, the challenge cup match away at Egremont on the 26th of January.”