Manchester U16s 41 Hoppers U16s 24
Blacksticks Blue Cup
Round 7 of the Lancashire cup saw a repeat of last years final with Hoppers visiting reigning champions, and the stand out team in the age group, Manchester.
A surprisingly dry day, less wind than anticipated and the expanse of the 1st team pitch saw a fast and furious first half with both teams trading scores and a thoroughly entertaining encounter looking closely matched but the hosts ended the half with a 22-17 lead.
With Manchester executing a well rehearsed and expansive game plan they posed a significant threat with every attack and after scoring first after the restart they were in the ascendancy, and unfortunately Hoppers started to chase the game perhaps a little to hard. Chasing the game paid dividends for a time when the score was brought back once again to a ten point margin but with little time on the clock a brave attacking move from deep in our own half saw a chip ball collected by the opposition for an easy score under the posts and subsequent conversion.
Hoppers perhaps deserved a little closer score line for their efforts but there can be no complaints, Manchester are a superb team who play the game the right way and were deserving winners on the day playing superb rugby. Hoppers contributed fully to a great game of rugby and continue to improve and develop. Well done boys and good luck in the remaining qualifying group game against Blackburn at home on 25th January
