Rochdale Mayfield 30 vs 18 Heworth. NCRL Premier Division round 15. Saturday 11.7.26

A difficult trip across the Pennines ended in defeat for Heworth as Rochdale Mayfield used their experience and forward power to claim a 30-18 victory in sweltering conditions.

Played on a hot afternoon with only a stiff breeze offering some relief, the contest began brightly for Heworth, who enjoyed the better of the early exchanges. However, it was Mayfield who struck first after seven minutes when Adam Dent was penalised for a high tackle, allowing the hosts to take a 2-0 lead.

Both sides traded sets in a physical opening quarter, with Heworth held up over the line twice before Rochdale opened the try-scoring. A move finished by Metcalfe, converted by Connolly, stretched the advantage to 8-0 after 16 minutes.

The hosts quickly added to their lead four minutes later. A break and offload created space for Sheridan to cross, with Connolly again successful from the tee to make it 14-0.

Mayfield’s confidence grew and another breakaway try on 31 minutes, this time scored by Jacob Andrews, left Heworth with a mountain to climb. Connolly’s conversion gave the home side a commanding 20-0 lead at the interval.

The first half had been a tough and physical affair, with Mayfield’s experienced pack laying the platform for some breakaway scores down their left hand side.

Any hopes of a Heworth comeback suffered a further setback shortly after the restart. A slightly forward-looking pass was allowed to stand and Schofield crossed for Mayfield’s fourth try, extending the score to 24-0.

To their credit, Heworth refused to fold. Their determination was rewarded when a slick move from Barnard sent Sadler over for their opening try. Sadler added the extras to cut the deficit to 24-6.

Mayfield responded immediately. Sheridan grabbed his second try of the afternoon in the corner and Connolly produced an excellent conversion into the wind to push the score out to 30-6.

Heworth continued to battle and produced some of their best rugby of the match. A well-weighted cross-field kick from front-row Payne who had only been given his kicking license that morning, was collected and finished by Jones, with Sadler converting to make it 30-12.

The closing stages were played at a frantic end-to-end pace, with both sides guilty of squandering opportunities. Heworth had the final say when Freddie Wilson broke freed and sprinted from 40m out to score. Sadler’s conversion completed the scoring at 30-18.

While the scoreline reflected Mayfield’s clinical edge and powerful pack, Heworth’s young side can take encouragement from their second-half response and the character they showed in difficult conditions against one of the division’s more experienced sides.

Final Score: Rochdale Mayfield 30, Heworth 18.

Match report- Steve Towse