Hoppers Dominate in the Forwards Once Again
Rossendale 2nd XV 5 – 18 Hoppers 3rd XV
Hoppers travelled to Rossendale in good spirits, on the back of their first win of the season. Heath George returning from injury, a big positive for the side, led a dominant forward pack that produced all 3 tries.
An early penalty clipped over by Shakes put Hoppers ahead which they never let go.
Successive drives within the 22, controlled at the back by Heath allowed him to crash over the line for a score. Conversion missed by Shakes.
Powerful scrummaging from the pack caused the ball to squeeze out of the side, pounced on by Copper who drove over from 10 yards out. Conversion missed by Shakes.
Gav McQueen controlled the game well, stepping into the 10 shirt. He provided the platform for both Pete Hollis and Little Dan to make good yardage from their centre partnership.
Half time team talk was quite simple, continue the dominant forward play and strong running from the backs and Shakes improve your kicking!
Heath once again controlled the forwards well, a push over scrum resulting in a 2nd try for Heath. Conversion once again missed by Shakes!
Excellent ball stealing from Dan Fletcher restricted Rossendale’s possession throughout the game, the only time they breached the Hoppers defence was a breakaway try with 10 minutes left.
Wilmslow visit Hoppers next week, a third win on the bounce should take Hoppers out of the relegation zone.
