Around the Teams

Date: 25 October 2017

Here is a round up of all the men’s senior side results from last weekend.

The 2nd XV entertained visitors Sedgley Park 2nd XV last Saturday. Difficult weather conditions saw a determined ‘Hoppers 2nd XV score some great tries and deliver a great result running out winners at 33-12. The game was never going to be a Harlem Globetrotters style high scoring affair, but the group players produced a fine result against an attritional Tigers team. 

A special mention to all the work horses in the pack who allowed Luke Proctor to dot down two tries from strong scrum drives close to the line which is always a tricky skill.

A well-deserved try rewarded Matt Frings for his relentless work rate around the park. Two more tries involving the whole team showed that good rugby can still be played in perspiration levels more suited to water polo but finished off by George Skofic and Jack Granby respectively. The players will be hoping for better playing conditions today where we face Macclesfield Lions who are looking to continue their run of wins over the last two weeks. Well done to Man of the Match Luke Proctor.

Report by Mark Murray.

The 3rd XV visited Wirral unfortunately only traveling with 15 players and were reduced to 14 players after a head injury after only 10 minutes play.

Weathering Storm Brian on a wet and windy day Hoppers lost 47-0 to a very well drilled Wirral team. Wirral were physically bigger than Hoppers and although some very good defensive work up front, the faster Wirral backs made us pay.

The match was interspersed with some good passages of play with big hits going in from Oliver Yates who also won man of the match. Flowing rugby was difficult due to the weather conditions and a good Wirral defence. DoD was Sam Colligan for getting bounced by the Wirral No.8 Hoppers are currently lying 7th in The Cotton Traders Championship.

Report by Tom McGuinness

The 4th XV travelled to Colne & Nelson 1st XV in the wild hills of East Lancashire. Despite knocking on the door for large portions of the match and putting in an unbelievably spirited performance, ‘Hoppers opponents played the terrible conditions to their own strengths far better, pulling away with 2 tries in the final 10 minutes to finish 27-13 victors.

A special mention must be given to the fearless Will Howard for throwing himself in the way of Colne No.8 and pulling off the tackle of the season despite being literally half the size of the man running at him. We look forward to the return match at Lightfoot Green. Hoppers 4th XV are currently lying 9th in Sale Sharks Division 3 North.

Report by Jimmy Gray.

The 5th XV were at home against league leaders Blackpool 1st XV in Division 5 North.

From the kick off it was obvious why Blackpool are top of the league. Unfortunately, ‘Hoppers had a few players playing out of position due to injuries together with other players moving up to support other ‘Hoppers teams. Reasons aside, ‘Hoppers fought valiantly not only against a strong Blackpool squad but also Storm Brian.

Tries from Thomas Davis DJ, Alan Howarth and Tinny, with Thomas Davis DJ adding to his tally with a penalty. Man of the Match was awarded to Thomas Davis for stepping up to replace injured skipper Mick Mortimer and fill the front row position, somewhere he’s not played since he was a ‘Hoppers Colt. Final score ’Hoppers 18-36. Hoppers are currently lying 7th in Division 5 North.

Report by Mick Mortimer.

The 6th XV Kirkby Lonsdale 3rd XV entertained ‘Hoppers 6th string at Underley Park. Again, the playing conditions weren’t conducive to free-flowing rugby and ‘Hoppers were unlucky to lose 39-31. ‘Hoppers are currently propping up Division 5 North lying in 10th place.

We are always looking for more players. Anyone interested in playing for the social rugby teams, please contact Richard Ellis Tel: 01772 863546 who will direct you to the respective club representative.

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