A YOUNG Rochdale Mayfield side took the spoils in the National Conference Summer League Pennine Division when they took on local rivals and one of the amateur game’s most famous names on Saturday.

The teams will meet again in the 2009/10 National Conference League first division, but Mayfield drew first blood with a hard-fought victory.

A 72nd-minute try from Andy Gregory and a John Marsland conversion secured Rochdale Mayfield a 20-16 win over Saddleworth Rangers. It was Marsland who opened the scoring with an early penalty before winger Paul Day raced in at the corner for a Marsland goaled try. Saddleworth hit back on the half hour and trailed 8-6 at half time.

The visitors took the lead against the run of play with two quickfire tries and it looked set for a Saddleworth success, but scrum half McKenna Gibson started the Mayfield revival with a converted try, before that winning Gregory score gave Mayfield the spoils.

Mayfield continued the solid approach play seen in the last two weeks but this time showed more determination in defence and greater prowess in attack. They will need those qualities in abundance when they travel to Ovenden (Halifax) on Saturday, 2.30pm kick off.

Pre-season training for all open age teams begins on Tuesday 23 July at 6.30pm at Tandle Hills, under coaches Sam Butterworth, Tony Appleyard and Dean Hartley. Training will then continue each Tuesday at Tandle Hills at 6.30pm and each Thursday at the club at 6.30pm. All old, existing and new players are welcome.

For further information contact Simon Howe on 07917 883779 or rochdalerugbyleague@live.co.uk