Our first league game of the summer era ended in narrow defeat away at Bradford Dudley Hill on Saturday.
Heading into game on the back of a morale-boosting win away at Fryston, hopes were high that we could begin our YML Division 1 campaign on the front foot.
And the game was in the balance for the majority of the 80 minutes as we overcame no shortage of adversity to make our opponents work hard for the win.
Dudley Hill opened the scoring on the back of a flowing break, but we were level not long after when Casey Canterbury’s try-scoring start to the season continue with a neat show and go close to the home line.
Both tries were converted to make it 6-6, before the hosts found their way over the line before the interval to edge into the lead.
Alfie Copley connected with Lewis Martin’s grubber, which Dom Horn converted to tie things up once again afrer the break, but Dudley Hill wrestled back the advantage and then made sure of victory with a fourth try on the stroke of full-time to seal the two points.
With several absences already to contend with, Mirfield saw four players injured during the 80 minutes, while Dylan Goodward was shown a red card in the closing stages as tempers flared to make our task even harder.
But that does not detract from the performance of our hosts, who showed why they’re fancied as contenders for the title this season. We congratulate Bradford Dudley Hill on their deserved win and wish them the best for the coming weeks.
Mirfield return to action this Saturday, when we welcome Hunslet ARLFC A to Frank Middleton Park.