Mirfield Spartans dug in for another hard-earned away win at Drighlington this past Saturday, keeping the pressure firmly on at the top of the table as the club took stock of a remarkable first season at this level.
With both of their fellow top-three rivals meeting on the same day, the Spartans knew victory was essential – but there was nothing straightforward about earning it.
Drig pushed them all the way in hot conditions over in BD11, and it wasn’t until the hour mark that the visitors established a decisive advantage in what proved another closely fought contest.
Lewis Toner was the difference.
Back among the tries after a rare blank the previous week, he grabbed an important brace to move on to 21 for the season.
The second of those, laid on by a smart dummy and break from Kian Morgan midway through the second half, proved the crucial score.
Josh Willcock and Jamie McCarthy picked up where they left off a week earlier with a try apiece – their contributions once again telling in a tight game – while Jordan Rice also crossed.
The returning Lewis Martin kicked three goals from five to keep daylight between the sides.
The coaching staff hailed a strong team display, with debutant Josh Pengel putting in a good shift in the middle and Spencer Peel also catching the eye.
The win leaves the Spartans locked on 19 points with Keighley Albion and Moldgreen, though crucially with a game in hand on the latter.
As Mirfield ease past the halfway point of the regular season, there’s plenty to reflect on – with four sides set to qualify for the end-of-season play-offs.
The club was quick to pay tribute to the players, coaches and volunteers who pour so much time and effort into every weekend, on and off the pitch.
The A team, meanwhile, have five games under their belt this year, with more planned before the season is out as further players return to the fold.
Image: James Winterburn Photography
