In an action packed game on Saturday, Wharfedale were straight off the mark with a try from Bradley Viner after 2 minutes. Archie Haddon converted and added a penalty just minutes later. But, with virtually their first visit to the opponents 22, Ed Keohane ghosted in under the sticks and converted.

Haddon extended the lead with a further penalty, before Hoppers got some possession and a good backs’ move saw Glover touch down, but the kick failed.

A steepling kick from Keohane was then caught by Harry Holden and Jacob Browne outpaced the defence to run in from half way, and Keohane’s conversion put Hoppers ahead 19-13.

It was short-lived since Wharfedale replied with a second try from Viner and the kick regained the lead, only for a Keohane penalty to regain the lead at 22-20.

Again, Hoppers started poorly in the second half and Wharfedale pressure brought tries for Oli Riddiough and Sam Dickinson, both converted by Haddon to give his side a 12-point lead.

Hoppers were struggling in the tight, conceding several penalties, but a break by Scott Richardson led to a Billy Glover converted try and Keohane, using the wind for long up-and-unders, brought a try for Billy Glover, and conversion regained a 2-point lead.

With the wind literally in Preston’s sails, Ben Haigh added a further touch down, again converted, before Wharfedale had the last word with a converted try from Viner to make it 46-41.

Ken Moore.

And a big thanks to everyone that attended the game and supported our Breast Cancer Awareness charity day by wearing pink (hence why the Hoppers players are in pink socks), we raised over £1,500 for our chosen charity Breast Cancer Now.