Hoppers 2nd XV 41-5 Fylde Hawks
The second team maintained their recent dominance over their local rivals with a comprehensive victory at Lightfoot Green. Hoppers’ heart and commitment had been questioned in some quarters before the game but Young’s men responded in perfect fashion. It was an effervescent performance from an exceptionally young side and the Hawks never looked like winning.
The home side took the lead after seven minutes with the prolific Jacob Browne latching onto a brilliant offload from debutant Edwards. Ward added the extras and Hoppers looked intent on banishing their recent spell of poor form.
Hoppers dominated possession and territory and every time the Hawks came round the corner they were waiting for them. As ever the visitors looked to run from deep but Preston repelled their neighbours with relative ease.
Ward added a penalty after good work by Wilkinson and Marshall whilst Lambert spilled the ball when he looked certain to score.
On the stroke of half time Browne grabbed his second, reacting fastest to a loose ball that ricocheted off the Fylde defence.
Jacob Browne scored two tries
Young’s men started the second stanza strongly and had the Hawks pinned in their own twenty two. The visitors tried to run from under their posts but their high profile signing Launders spilled the ball in contact. Good hands by Hoppers saw man of the match Reddick score the third try. Ward’s kick was good and Hoppers had a healthy twenty two point lead.
Three minutes later Hoppers all but sealed the game with a score from Marshall. The try came following smart work by Whyte who tapped quickly and breached the Fylde defence.
Hoppers were firmly in control and Proctor charged over. Ward made his kick and the home side led 34-0. The Hawks managed to exert a bit of late pressure and touched down in the right corner.
Proctor had the final word, charging over after picking up from the base of a scrum. The conversion was made and Hoppers had regained form and secured the local bragging rights until next season. Young’s men have a week off before their final league match of the season when they welcome Sale FC to Lightfoot Green.
@Jebbster1975
