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Knight fight fright for ’Field

25/11/2003

Rugby League
Rochdale Mayfield 32
Normanton Knights 18

ROCHDALE Mayfield kept their undefeated home record intact on Saturday, but only after Normanton had given them a fright.

The game started well for Mayfield when good approach work allowed Ste Gartland to force his way over the line. Sam Butterworth converted.

Normanton were then awarded a penalty and Andy Ellis hit the target.

Mayfield's best move of the game saw quick hands put Rob Kershaw away to outstrip the defence for a try between the sticks.

Sam Butterworth added the extras.

He then mesmerised the visitors' defence to score a converted try and give Mayfield an 18-2 lead.

Five minutes before the break Mayfield sat back and when Kevin Martin did a snatch and grab on Butterworth to score, it seemed just a blip.

However, a second try soon followed for the visitors' when Matthew Lowe had a clear run to the corner for a half-time score of 18-12 in Mayfield's favour.

Early in the second half Sam Butterworth slotted over a penalty for a high tackle.

But Normanton, after their first half success, were now full of confidence and came within two points of Mayfield when Lee Garside strolled in for a converted try.

More ill discipline by the visitors gave Sam Butterworth another penalty chance which he dispatched for a four-point lead.

Gartland then scored the try of the match when he stepped and dummied his way to the line from 50 yards out.

The result was put beyond doubt when a poor long pass was kicked on by Ben Butterworth for David Chrimes to collect and dive over. Sam Butterworth added the extras to complete the scoring.

Man of the match was Ste Gartland, closely followed by a tireless Neil Ramsden.

Team: Danny Mortin, Rob Kershaw, Chris Hilton, Karl Platt, Trevor Balzan, Sam Butterworth, Ste Gartland, Dave Harmer, Neil Ramsden, Andy Proctor, Dave Chrimes, Ben Simpson, Ben Butterworth, Ste Wood, Leon Ashworth, Andy Sommerville, Shane Malloy.