The overnight frost claimed a number of fixtures this weekend but the AGP and the indoor pitches at Tulketh enabled the majority of the fixtures to go ahead at Hoppers this weekend, with several of the Minis teams hosting Fylde and Sedgley Park.
The Under 10’s fielded three full teams against Fylde, who brought two teams, and Sedgley Park with one. The boys from all sides played outstanding rugby, with plenty of strong tackling and were well disciplined in the rucks. Looking forward to a strong 2018 in such a developing age group for Hoppers Under 10’s squad.
The Under 14s travelled to Sedgley Park on a very crisp morning for their sixth round game in the Junior Challenge. Hoppers were advised that the pitches were playable so it was a little disappointing to see that the pitches were still crusty and the warm up had to include treading in partially frozen divots! The sun was however shining and trying to help the process of getting the pitch playable for the 11 o’clock kick off. Hoppers were very quickly into their stride and a flurry of tries were scored in the first twenty minutes. Hoppers were dominating most aspects of the game for those first twenty minutes. Whether it was the after effects of the Christmas lay off or possibly some complacency Hoppers let our foot of the gas to let Sedgley score twice. Added to this the official seemed to be playing 35 minutes rather than the 25 which should have been the case. With two scores needed to make the game safe the half time talk reflected the need to refocus and reassert dominance. The team duly obliged and within a short period of the second half secured the win. The final twenty minutes being continued as a training game. Hoppers under 14s are now top of their group with one more pool game to play.
The Under 15s Cup game away at Heaton Moor fell victim to the weather and has now been rearranged for Sunday 14th January.
The Colts faced Whitchurch at home – the third meeting between the sides this season, Hoppers just shading this one 12-10. Hoppers opened brightly as usual, but too many penalties conceeded handed the initiative to Whitchurch who took advantage to open up a 10 point lead. The second half saw Hoppers dominate territory and possession, good handling and support saw Singleton score Hoppers first try, and a fast flowing move saw Kinder score the second, Hayward’s kick just clearing the bar for the lead. Hoppers just held out for the win thanks to an interception on the line by Platt in the last play. A close game between evenly matched teams played in good spirit throughout with Hoppers earning a deserved victory.
