Hoppers U15s 10 Manchester U15s 45
Blacksticks Blue Challenge Cup Final
Well done to everyone involved with Preston Grasshoppers Under 15s. The Lancashire Cup final saw us facing Manchester who, since the Minis age rugby, have been the stand out team in the age group playing well drilled, committed, expansive rugby and securing the Lancashire title on many occasions.
As current Champions they brushed aside one of the other key teams in the age group recording a significant margin of victory away to Waterloo to reach the final. It’s fair to say they were seen as favourites!
Having worked hard to progress to the final, the Hoppers players were not prepared to simply rollover and took to the field determined to take the game to Manchester. The commitment and determination we showed saw us take the lead by a converted try and again through a well taken penalty to see the half time score incredibly close at 14-10. The game was wonderful to watch and the travelling support was incredibly proud of the team’s performance.
Hoppers stayed in the game for the next quarter, however with tiring bodies and a depleted bench we could not hold back the red tide as Manchester rolled on a stream of gifted, fresh replacements. The final score perhaps flattered Manchester a little as our heads seemed to drop a touch as the game gradually went beyond us but Manchester knew they were in a game for long periods and it was only at the very end that they were able to impose themselves.
A huge “Well Done” to everyone who contested the final, there is much to be proud of.
