A game played in great spirits with plenty of end-to-end action which kept both sets of supporters and coaches wondering which way the end result would go.

First Half

Hoppers couldn't seem to click in the first half with plenty of work rate which came to no avail. The effort was exerted in the wrong parts of the field with phase play being restricted by the damp drizzly conditions. The half time was concluded with a penalty being won in front of the posts five meters out with Captain George Noblett grasping the nettle and reducing the half time deficit to 17-8

Second Half

The half time key messages were reiterations of the referee's pre-match brief, being respectful and focused on the key values of the game, the coaching team were very proud of the players for not falling foul of football-like appeals. This very poignantly paid dividends in the final minutes of the game where hoppers stayed focussed took the lead, within the final minutes Hoppers colts defended their line like warriors despite the Wilmslow team's best efforts with strong runners.

Coaches' Comments:

"Winning ugly beats losing ugly… we are very proud of the players efforts and the commitment shown on and off the field. A big thanks to the lads who came to support and as always a great group of parents supporting the lads made the away fixture feel more like home support."

Next Fixture

29/9/24 Widnes at home