Hoppers 5th 35 -27 Colne & Nelson 2nd
After a frantic week for all social team captains, we managed to get full teams out once again.
The 5th XV travelled the scenic route of the M65 to a damp and grey Colne & Nelson RUFC.
To Captain Singletons surprise, the host team had been struggling for players. Therefore, much thanks goes to Gari Douglas and new boy Claude for playing for Colne.
With the teams levelled out at 15 men each the game kicked off with both team’s eager to cross the whitewash (providing of course if you could see it). Hoppers Chris Jenkins duly could and claimed the first try of the game.
While the 5ths were still celebrating, Colne came straight back pushing the Hoppers defence backwards and scoring their first try. The Hoppers lads must have still been licking their wounds as Colne came straight back at them and scored their second try straight after.
With a rallying cry from Captain Singleton that could be heard in the shire, Hoppers drove hard back at Colne to score from a break away by Kai Burns (YES YOU READ THIS RIGHT) who had dusted his boots off to help. Many thanks Kai!
The second half started with both teams playing with pride and both pushing for a win.
It was soon obvious the second half would also show which team had the better fitness and stamina with the weather conditions and conditions under foot showing on the lads.
Soon into the 2nd half the scrums had to go uncontested due to injury of Hoppers hooker/prop James Chorley Love.
However undeterred by this setback, shortly afterwards Hoppers league convert Chris Jenkins had a break away run scoring his second try off the game.
Hoppers received the ball from the re-start and took the play straight back to Colne only to have the ball ripped from them leading to a Colne attack that at moving play into the Hoppers 22. After several phases, the home side forced the Hoppers line to finally break letting them through for a further try.
The score line stood at 27-27 with 10 mins to go and it was anybody’s game. Colne again pushed Hoppers back to their 22 again, but this time Hoppers stood firm and held out against a rampaging Colne attack.
Hoppers managed to secure the ball and with quick thinking and quick hands the ball made its way to winger Tinny who set off at his lightening pace running nearly the full length of the pitch. With young scrum half Joel scampering after him in support, the youngster was in the right place to receive the scoring pass from Tinny and score the final try of the game.
Final Score Hoppers 35-27 Colne & Nelson
Man of the Match – Chris Jenkins
Try Scorers: Chris Jenkins x2, Kai Burns, Jay, Rory and Joel
This week the 5ths host Garstang 2nds at home. The league table shows only 1 point between both teams so this should be a cracker.
Report: Mark “Singy” Singleton (aided and abetted by Micky M).
Would you like to play rugby for the Hoppers? We accommodate players of all ages and experiences, from new starters through to veterans looking to keep fit within an organised but fun environment. If you’re looking to start or return to the game then please contact the club by email on info@pgrfc.co.uk providing your contact details and we’ll get back to you straight away.
