Hoppers U16s 36 Ormskirk U16s 26
Blacksticks Blue Cup – Round 2
A full-blooded second round cup tie saw Hoppers safely home at 36-26 against a spirited Ormskirk side.
Hoppers started brightly, with the pack looking comfortable and fluency and power coursing through the whole back line as they set to with a series of devastating attacks and counter-attacks – some of the support play, passing and movement was a joy to watch. With tries from Chris, Matt S and Charlie, Hoppers raced to a 19-0 lead within only 10 minutes or so, playing into a strong wind, and many in the crowd looking forward to an entertaining game with plenty of tries, and a relaxing morning overall.
After the initial onslaught, Ormskirk started to find their feet and managed to steady things for a while until Laurence got in for our fourth try which took us into a 24-0 lead that looked like plain sailing. Then things started to level out and Ormskirk managed to build up a head of steam.
They found their way over from a rolling maul and converted to go 24-7, but just before half time the combative Charlie squeezed over in the corner for his second try to make it 29-7 and, seemingly all over as a 22 point lead and the wind on our backs should have made the second half a formality. It wasn’t.
Ormskirk really came at us into the wind with renewed vigour and reaped the just rewards of their efforts. Hoppers managed to pull together and got a grip on things again towards the end of the tie, with Laurence running in his second and the team’s final try, which Will W converted.
The whole side deserves credit and this really was a squad effort, as many players stepped up to fill gaps left by players on duty elsewhere and there was a fair stream of injuries, blood replacements and niggles to ensure the whole squad were fully involved. Thanks to Ormskirk for their committed and sporting play and we wish them well in their remaining cup fixtures.
