It was Junior Challenge Cup action again this weekend for our Junior sides:
The Under 13s had another tough day at the office losing 30*-0 at home to Sefton.
The Under 14s lost a really tough encounter at home to last season’s champions Aldwinians 31-49. Aldwinians went ahead initially, but Hoppers countered playing some superb rugby to move into a 31-21 lead. However to Aldwinians credit they kept pressing and Hoppers contrived to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, Aldwinians scoring freely in the last 10 minutes to win 49-31, a score line that doesn’t reflect the closeness of the game.
The Under 15s lost away to last years Cup winners Waterloo 50-26. The score was not a true reflection of the game, Hoppers were within 5 points for a lot of the game but Waterloo pulled away in the final minutes.
The Under 16’s lost 19-15 away at Fylde, this was an absolutely cracking game and a great credit to both sides, the game was ferocious but played in a very good spirit. 7-7 at half time, it looked like Hoppers were going to sneak the win being 3 points ahead close to the end but good work from Fylde put them in at the corner for a try and a fantastic conversion gave them the victory.
The Colts put in a spirited performance but eventually lost 32-17 away to Waterloo. Hoppers were down a man for the entire game but looked the better team in the first half which ended 10-10. Even in the second half, Hoppers were never out of the game but the heat and lack of subs took its toll. Hoppers points came from tries by Townsend, Hill and Elliot with Neaven adding a conversion.
