The Minis started their competitive season taking in the Manchester Festival, while the Junior teams had a number of friendly fixtures.
The Under 8s had a squad of 10 at Manchester and 11 at Fylde – At Fylde there were lots of smiley happy kids on a warm dry morning at Fylde. Huge support from parents and grandparents with relatives coming as far away as Australia to support us. In Manchester the Under 8s fielded two teams of 5 each playing seven 8min games of tag rugby. This was our first outing of the season and conditions were tricky. It fortunately stayed dry but the ground was already wet and muddy! Despite being used to dryer nature of our 3G pitch, players took to the conditions well and seemed to have great fun. Each played with a great determination and resilience, showing some creative flair and good ball handling skill. Special mention to Zach, Thomas and Lachlan for earning Player of the Week honours for outstanding play and teamwork. Well done boys all new to the squad and all having major positive impact on our team.
The Under 9s had a squad of 10 venturing into contact rugby for their 1st festival of the season at Manchester Rugby Club. After a tentative start the team came into their own enjoying the contact and some great tackles were put in to save tries. In attack they showed great support play with good off loads to keep the game alive.
The Under 16s made the trip over the Pennines to Huddersfield. In a close well fought game, Hoppers lost out 19-21 to their hosts.
The Under U15 Hoppers girls had 6 players attending Lancashire county trials this weekend. This is the first time girls from the club have attended trials alongside over 100 girls from across the county. Well done to the girls who put themselves forward and put Hoppers girls on the map, and good luck in the selection process!
