Hoppers travelled to the Fylde coast to play in the 6th edition of the Brendan Hanavan Trophy on Good Friday as current holders.
The game also doubled up as a 2nd team Conference A fixture with league points on offer to both sides. Hoppers made a slow start and were 12-0 down with tries from former Hopper Tom Forster and scrum-half Adam Lannigan.
Luke Procter got Hoppers back into things with a converted try but 2 further Fylde tries from Will Atkinson and Matt Worship meant that Hoppers went into the break 26-7 down facing an uphill struggle to retain the Trophy.
A moment of individual brilliance from Tom Kin saw him find a gap and streak clear from long distance to make it 26-12. Tyler Sloane was next up as he forced his way over with ten minutes left to make it 26-19 with the tide seemingly in Hoppers favour.
Unfortunately Hoppers couldn’t force another try to level proceedings and retain the Hanavan Trophy. Final score 26-19 to Fylde. The overall record now tips in Fylde’s favour with 3 wins to Hoppers 2 and a draw. Well done to both teams on producing a great game of attacking rugby in the glorious sunshine.
