Hoppers travelled over to West Yorkshire off the back of an impressive win over Billingham last week, while their opponents suffered a 43-20 loss away to Sheffield.

Wharfdale got off to a flyer, with Jake Armstrong scoring after just four minutes. A missed tackle from Hoppers allowed the prop to burst through and he eventually made his way over the line.

And after just 10 minutes the hosts were 14-0 up, this time from a rolling maul, dotted down by Dan Stockdale.

Hoppers started to get hold of the ball, but mistakes denied them from crossing over.

After a lengthy stoppage due to a medical incident in the stands, who Hoppers send their best wishes to, they had to try and regain their focus.

And regain their focus they did, Sammy Russell finally getting the side on the board, a long pass found him out on the wing, and he had just enough space to dive into.

Just five minutes later, Dale responded with their third through Armstrong. Two excellent runs, from Oli Cicognini and Joe Fawcett, as well as several missed tackles from Hoppers, saw them get up to the line, and after several attempts at the pick and drive, they eventually powered over.

Hoppers got the last try of the half, this time the ball went coast to coast, before arriving into the hands of Jacob Browne, who managed to sneak his way into the corner.

Greg Smith produced two excellent conversions to have Dan Orwin’s men within just seven points at half time.

The second half was not one to enjoy for the Lancashire men, however. Rian Hamilton picked up a bonus point for Dale early with an excellent sidestep to beat his man.

Wharfdale’s lead grew with Robbie Davidson being afforded an easy run to make, with Hoppers missing more tackles in key areas.

Hoppers again started to make their way back into the match, but were still struggling with mistakes, passes being missed or dropped.

The final nail in the coffin was put in ten minutes from time. Dale’s winger burst through with a dynamic run but came just short, before Jack Pinder made his way round to bring their total to 40.

Hoppers now sit five points behind Wharfdale in the National 2 North, but remain in the top half, sitting in sixth place.

Match Report by Tom Kelly