Hoppers 2nd XV 27-8 Vale of Lune 2nd XV
The second team finished off the season in fine style by winning the BEST Cup Competition on Saturday. Young’s men were roared on by a bunch of hardy Hoppers fans who travelled down the M6 to a soggy Sandbach. Furthermore they were doubtless inspired by a near faultless performance by Tom Peterson’s 3rd XV who destroyed rivals Leigh earlier in the afternoon.
Hoppers started poorly, failing to deal with the initial kick off and Vale took the lead with a penalty. The men from Lancaster started with gusto and it was clear that they were intent on making a battle out of every breakdown.
Hoppers began to assert themselves and a Ward penalty levelled the scores. Shortly after the Preston pack rumbled over and Proctor emerged from the pile having claimed the five pointer. Young’s men enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and were keen to play the rugby. Their efforts were rewarded when man of the match Jacob Browne hacked through, leading to a try for Hurst. Ward converted and Hoppers led 15-3 at the break.
An early score was needed to secure the spoils and Browne obliged, pouncing on a loose ball to score. Ward made no mistake with the conversion and Hoppers had a healthy 22-3 advantage.
Young’s men spurned a couple of opportunities but defensively they remained strong, repelling Vale’s best efforts to get back on terms. Preston won a line-out just near half-way and went off the top, the backs went through the hands and Yates finished well in the right corner for the try of the game.
Again Hoppers went close on a couple of occasions but could not add to their total. However credit to their spirited opponents whose pack grabbed a late consolation, driving over from a line-out.
Hoppers saw out time and completed a deserved victory which triggered unbridled celebrations which continued back to Lightfoot Green and long into the night. Enjoy the Summer lads.
@Jebbster1975
