HOPPERS 3rd XV INTENSITY PROVES TOO MUCH FOR ROCHDALE

Date: 06 November 2017

ROCHDALE 2nd XV 14-15 PGRFC 3rd XV – COTTON TRADERS CHAMPIONSHIP

Hoppers pre-match talk highlighted the need for a quick start and the forwards did not disappoint. Bolstered by 3rd team debutants Rhys Phillips and James Coulthard the forwards dominated the opening 20 minutes with an intensity the backs had never seen before. Led by pack leader McGuinness the forwards continued to provide the backs with front foot ball.

With clean ball being a rarity over previous weeks the Hoppers backs began to show some flair, however 1 fancy move too much in our own 22 led to an interception for the Rochdale 13 to go in under sticks against the run of play.

The remaining 15 minutes of the half was an even contest, with both sides having opportunities to score.

The second half saw much of the same as the first but with Hoppers now clearly dictating the tempo of the game. With mounting pressure Hoppers were finally rewarded, a kick to the corner from Ellwood led to a seamless lineout by the forwards who drove from the 22 to the try line only to be held up, however Tinhead got the ball away quickly and allowed the backs to put the ball through hands for Whyte to score in the corner.

What came next was the stuff of dreams for Jonny Davies.

A lofted restart saw the Number 8 calmly collect the ball just outside the Hoppers 22. Handing off the first would be tackler Davies went on a rampaging run beating 6 or 7 players before diving down in the corner. We’re not sure where he pulled it out from but more tries like these are welcome JD!

With the Rochdale heads dropping after 2 quick tries Hoppers were keen to put them to the sword again. Just inside the Hoppers half Ellwood received quick ball and thanks to a blistering dummy run from Pye, drawing in the opposition centres, Ellwood was able to play the ball out the back to Yates who linked up nicely with Kin to score in the corner.

Rochdale came back into the game in the remaining 5 minutes when their 15 was able to beat a couple of defenders and score under the posts for a consolation try which was very much down to Hoppers fatigue.

The win moves Hoppers 3s to 5th in the league and one place above next week’s opposition Rossendale 2s.

Man of the Match: Jonny Davies for the try of the season & all the forwards for a dominating display.

D**k of the Day: Oliver Yates for indiscretions with the feisty Rochdale 9!

3XV: 1. Duncan Brown 2. Sam Colligan 3. Tom McGuinness 4. Anthony Dennison 5. James Coulthard 6. Rhys Phillips 7. Declan Norrington 8. Jonny Davies 9. Matt Tinsley 10. Jake Ellwood 11. Adam Yousuf 12. Oliver Yates 13. Owen Pye 14. Tom Kin 15. Alex Whyte 16. Andile Kalane 17. Marius Stanciu

Would you like to play rugby for the Hoppers? We accommodate players of all ages and experiences, from new starters through to veterans looking to keep fit within an organised but fun environment. If you’re looking to start or return to the game then please contact the club by email on info@pgrfc.co.uk providing your contact details and we’ll get back to you straight away.

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