Hoppers 2nd XV see off Stockport in a comfortable win.
Hunger and confidence are two virtues that every Rugby player should have, so when golfing legend Arnie Palmer said that “Concentration comes from a combination of confidence and hunger” it was the tally from that formula that the coaches demanded upon Stockport’s visit to Lightfoot lane last Saturday. The exam result proved to be grade A.
Hoppers took to the field with Steve Tiernan’s words of “It’s always nil-nil” etched into their heads and started strongly with an early try from new addition, Corey Logan. With the conversion missed, Hoppers went 5-0 up. The home side started to build up their dominance, when Murray danced over, full back Milliken converted and the lead extended to 12-0. Another score came when Yates ghosted over after Milliken sliced through the Stockport defence.
Hoppers continued to pressure the set piece and a scrum turnover resulted in Logan plodding over the line. Milliken duly converted and the score went to 26-0. Stockport had not yet seen the Hoppers 22 and just before the half Tuff scored after receiving a great offload from Gale; the conversion was good and the teams changed ends at 36-0.
Hoppers opened the half with a fine finish from Yates, made by Swarbrick who ran a delightful line soon after kick off. The conversion drifted wide and Hoppers increased the lead to 41-0. Unfortunately, injuries forced the game to go to uncontested scrums and both teams took the opportunity to make some changes. Hoppers were transparent and continued to dominate, playing to keep the pace and intensity of their game high. This bore fruit with another 28 points rattling on the scoreboard after tries from Logan, Gale, Yates and Flanagan. Hoppers led 69-0.
Stockport grabbed a late consolation try to leave the game 69-7 to Hoppers.
Although a comfortable and convincing win for Hoppers, some disappointing lapses in concentration could have cost dearly against more taxing opposition, but the combined hunger and belief continued the ruthless efficiency shown last week. This week’s game is away to Rochdale 2’s where Hoppers hope to continue winning ways.
Team: Tuff, Taylor, Sheppard, Gage, Lambert, Logan, Gale, Proctor, Rowntree, Murray, Yates, Forster, Swarbrick, Foster, Milliken
Replacements: Steel, Flanagan, Clitheroe.
@Steve_Tiernan
