Sheehan sets the standard

RUGBY: A FIRST-HALF try blitz set Rochdale Mayfield on their way to Standard Cup glory at Manor Park.

The National Conference League Division One side went over on six occasions to surge into a 36-8 lead against holders Saddleworth Rangers.

Emerson Jackman’s men improved after the interval, but were still on the wrong end of a 50-24 scoreline. Mayfield’s Taurean Sheehan bagged one try and kicked four conversions in the opening period and followed up with another goal in the second half to earn the Ben Powell Memorial Trophy for man-of-the-match.

Rangers were seeking a third straight victory in the Oldham Amateur League’s knock-out competition.

Without a win in the NCL Premier Division this season, they found themselves 12 points adrift after 10 minutes, with Aiden Gleeson improving tries from Jack Sampson and Ben Butterworth.

James Whalley and Jimmy Rogers responded with tries for Rangers, but the comeback was shortlived.

Butterworth again, Paul Brierley (two) and Sheehan went over before the break to put Mayfield in command of the final showdown.

Tries from Adam Jeffrey and Steven Kiss — Kiel Lancashire added a goal — reduced the deficit to 36-18.

However, touch downs from Sampson, Matt Moores and Liam Whalley — Sheehan converted the latter’s effort — brought up a half-century of points for Mayfield in pouring rain.

Ben Wood went in and Lancashire kicked the conversion a minute from time for Rangers, but it was Mayfield who celebrated a first Standard Cup final victory since 1984.