Hoppers back to winning ways

Hoppers got back to winning ways with a comfortable win over Leicester Lions. The home side dominated for most of the game and will feel they should have left with more. Hoppers played some inspired rugby and looked a different team than the side that lost a week ago.

It took 15 minutes for the first score its quality made it well worth the wait. Hoppers moved a 22m line-out quickly into the midfield unleashing the backs with a well worked move. Alex Zavallis-Roebuck found Owen McKenna, who moved the ball on to Sean Taylor who had come all the way over from his wing before passing James Williams, who stepped inside off his wing, powering through the tackle to score.

Hoppers soon increased their lead with a bit of good fortune and some opportunistic play. Zavallis-Roebuck’s high ball wasn’t dealt with by the visiting full back allowing the Hoppers to stream through and after the second hack on Tom Hughes was first to the loose ball and grounded by the posts. Zavallis-Roebuck added the conversion to take Hoppers out to a 12-0 lead.

While seemingly able to move the ball with ease Hoppers were unable to add to there lead and let Leicester back into the game before halftime. The visitors were awarded a generous penalty try when the referee adjudged to have pulled down a maul near the try line. The referee was quick to award the try much to the amazement of the home support. Jon Boden added the conversion and added a penalty kick moments later to take the sides in at the half 12-10.

The second half started in positive fashion with both teams trying to keep the ball alive and look for scoring opportunities. Leicester missed two kicks in the opening ten minutes and Hoppers made them pay in the 65^th when they finally crossed the try line after soaking up plenty of Leicester possession with a solid defensive effort. Again they worked well from a line-out, moving the ball into midfield and Hughes showed good strength to offload to the flying McKenna, who split the defence with a great line and had enough pace to beat the covering Lions to the line.

Leicester again tried to breakdown a resilient Hoppers but the home side’s resolute defence held out thanks to some strong work in the tight and excellent tackling in the loose. Things got worse for the visitors as they had to play the final minutes with 14 men when Hooker John Williamson was yellow carded for a dangerous late tackle on McKenna and Zavallis-Roebuck’s late penalty meant the visitors left with nothing.

Hoppers can take a lot away from a convincing win that not only produced some scintillating rugby but also some strong defence. More of the same will be required next week as they make the annual trip to local rivals Fylde for a mouth watering Christmas fixture.

Hoppers on the Ball

Two tries from scrum half Tom Ball and a dogged second half performance helped Hoppers maintain their recent string of good results. Hoppers are now unbeaten in five games but they had to fight for the win in difficult conditions and made life hard for themselves with some basic errors and poor judgement.

Both sides struggled to find any rhythm in the opening minutes and were unable to adjust to the heavy conditions. The game did however spring to life with one of the more bizarre sequences of play. Owen McKenna’s sliced, or brilliantly executed, clearing kick went directly across the field to Sean Taylor whose scintillating break almost produced a Hoppers score. Huddersfield could have scored from the resulting turn over if hooker James Davies had not inexplicably and blatantly taken out a man off the ball.

The visitors did take the lead through the trusty boot of fly half Chris Johnson, but Hoppers soon took the lead with their, and Ball’s, first try. From a five metre scrum Dominic Moon picked up and fed Jordan Pearson whose pass found Ball in space and the scrum half was able to cut back against the drifting defence to squeeze to the line.

Huddersfield however, regained the lead immediately with Johnson’s second penalty, this time from a strange obstruction penalty from the restart. Johnson stepped up and comfortably slotted the kick from just inside the 40m line. Huddersfield were then reduced to 14 men when Gareth Lewis was sin binned for persistent infringements but Hoppers could not take advantage and things got worse when Dominic Moon was shown a straight red card for a head butt on his opposite number, leaving Hoppers to play out the remaining 50 minutes a man light.

The visitors capitalised immediately with a superb try, the resulting line out was moved quickly into the backs and wing Donavan Van Vuuren cut a great line using his pace and then power to split the home defence before setting up Thomas Owen in the left corner. Johnson missed the difficult kick but Huddersfield went into the break with an 11-5 lead.

Hoppers set about the second half with steely determination and took the initiative from the start. With good possession inside the 22 the forwards dominated the visitors who again tried the referee’s patience, this time it was Davies who was shown a yellow card. The Hoppers pack used his absence to their advantage by pushing a five metre scrum across the line. This allowed Jordan Pearson to touchdown and continued his impressive scoring streak, leaving the Hoppers just a point adrift.

Moments later Huddersfield lost another man after Van Vuuren was shown a yellow for a dangerous high tackle. Hoppers now had a man advantage and used the increased space to work a good move down the left flank. Alex Zavallis-Roebuck broke the line and combined well with Russell Flynn and Pearson to take the ball into the 22. Ball got possession quickly from the resulting breakdown and took advantage of the rush defence to slip down the side of the ruck to score untouched by the posts. Zavallis-Roebuck added the conversion to take the score to 17-11.

Hoppers then put in a superb defensive stand to keep Huddersfield at bay for the remaining 25 minutes of the game. The visitors were camped deep inside Hoppers territory for most of the half but a gutsy performance and some great last ditch tackling sealed what for most of the game looked like an improbable victory.

Back to back 5 pointers for impressive Hoppers

Two tries by Dominic Moon set Hoppers all five points on the road at Waterloo. Moon put in a fine all round display, leading a forward pack that was too strong for a determined home side.

With a strong gusty wind and poor conditions throughout both sides took time to get into their stride, and it wasn’t until quarter of an hour in that the game saw its first points. Hoppers had started to get the upper hand and when Moon and his fellow back row led a surge up the middle of the home defence from the back of a Hoppers scrum and after being camped in the 22 for sometime the referee finally lost patience with the Waterloo defence, sending flanker Carl Nolan to the bin. Hoppers took the five metre scrum and after the initial drive was thwarted Jordan Pearson was on hand to power over from close range. Alex Zavallis-Roebuck was successful with the extras.

Waterloo came straight back with a try almost gifted to them by the Hoppers. First touch was missed from a penalty kick and after Waterloo returned the ball into the Hoppers 22 they were able to steal the line out. Quick ball allowed Liam Reeve space to break the line setting up prop Sean Gibney for the score. James O’Brien was unsuccessful with the conversion and made to pay and moments later Hoppers stretched their lead with a Zavallis-Roebuck penalty after a great turn over by Sean Hall and Jordan Pearson inside Waterloo’s 22.

Again the home side responded quickly and this time took the lead. After the forwards made good ground from a line out the ball was released to the backs and Jack Matthews found a gaping hole in the defence. O’Brien was successful with the kick.

Hoppers left it late but had reclaimed the lead before half time with Moon’s first try. The pack was dominant at a 5m scrum pushing the home side back across its own line and Moon was able to pick up from the base to score. Zavallis-Roebuck added the conversion to take Hoppers into the break with a 17-12 lead.

The second half started the same way as the first with neither side able to create chances. Hoppers second row Wayne Steel was shown a yellow card for a maul infringement and Waterloo made their extra man count and levelled the scores with a Carl Nolan push over try from a line out.

Hoppers weathered the storm and Moon scored his second try while they were down to 14 men. Tom Hughes broke the line with a strong run and quick ball stretched the home defence and replacement Mark Edwards perfectly timed inside ball met Moon at pace as he sliced through to score. Zavallis-Roebuck added the conversion and then two penalties in quick succession to put Hoppers firmly in the driving seat.

Hoppers were able to use the gusty conditions to their advantage and kick the home side deep into their own territory and Tom Hughes was able to seal the bonus point when he powered over after a great turn over at a maul.

Hoppers had one most score in them as Zavallis-Roebuck landed a penalty with the last kick of the game taking his personal tally to 18. Hoppers might not have been perfect but returned to winning ways and can take pride from picking up 12 points out of the possible 15 from three tricky back to back away fixtures.

Hoppers secure all 5 points at Kendal

Hoppers secured their second bonus point victory in a row with an impressive win on the road at Kendal. Once again the forwards provided an excellent platform as they took it to the Kendal pack from the outset.

The forwards set the tone early as a great catch and drive from a line out ate up the yards inside the home 22 and when the referee awarded a penalty Alex Zavallis-Roebuck got the Hoppers on the score sheet from in front of the posts.

Hoppers continued to dominate in the tight but let Kendal back into the game after a needless penalty reversal gave the host great field position inside the 22. Once again the referee awarded a penalty in front of the post and Mark Ireland levelled the score.

Almost immediately Hoppers got themselves back onto the front foot and into the Kendal 22. With the forwards again making good yards from line-outs Kendal’s Gareth Gore was shown a Yellow Card for persistent infringement. Hoppers again went for the line-out this time from just 5m out and Jordan Pearson was driven over for the try.

Pearson had his second try just a few minutes later from a similar distance. Owen McKenna took advantage of a poor kick and launched a counter attack. James Williams took the ball into the 22 and then the forwards took over sniping away around the contact area with Pearson touching down in a similar spot to his first. Zavallis-Roebuck added the conversion. Hoppers could have had another try before the half but Russell Flynn’s pass was adjudged to have gone forward, but Hoppers still went into the break with a 15-3 lead.

Both sides started the second half well and Hopper’s needed some good covering defence to stop the home side from closing the gap but it was the visitors who increased their lead. Starting on their own 22 with a scrum, won from disrupting a Kendal scrum and further showing the forwards dominance, Dominic Moon broke clear and powered across the half way line. Mark Edwards well judged kick stopped just before the line and the covering Kendal player was pushed back over his try line giving Hoppers a scrum 5, almost 80 metres away from where they were defending a scrum just a minute before. The Hopper’s pack again was too strong for the home side and after resetting the scrum referee Guy Steele-Bodger made the decision to award a penalty try. Edwards added the extras from straight in front of the posts.

Kendal finally got a try of their own when John Ladell scored midway through the half. The home side capitalised on a poor clearance kick and both backs and forwards linked up well. The forwards had carried the ball up the middle but were unable to smash over, so the ball was released to the backs and centre Rob Aloe found a little space and his well timed offload gave Ladell the ball in space to score, Ireland was successful with the conversion.

The home supporter’s joy was short lived however, after stealing a Hopper’s line-out the backs were hesitant in clearing their lines allowing Tom Hughes to charge down the kick. Hughes collected the ball and coasted in untouched for the try, securing the bonus point.

The closing minutes were a nervous affair as Kendal through everything at the Hoppers in search of points. Matters were not helped when James Smith was sin binned and Kendal scored from a quick tap penalty. They moved the ball quickly through the hands before Ben Robinson weaved his way to the line. When Ireland added the conversion Kendal were only 10 points down with plenty of time for a comeback but Hoppers dug deep and hung on, in part due to a wonderful try saving tackle by James Williams just before the line which Hoppers were then able to clear. Kendal did however manage to salvage the losing bonus point with the last kick of the game as Ireland landed his second penalty.

Hoppers outclassed by confident Caldy

Hoppers went down to a clinical Caldy team that ran in seven tries including four in a dominant fifteen minute spell. Even after conceding fifty points Hoppers can take heart from a gutsy and determined performance which showed their fighting spirit right to the end.

Caldy got off to a dream start and were ahead early from a Jonathon Nugent try, after multiple infringements in the 22 the visitor’s took a quick tap and on the second surge Nugent was able to power over, Richard Vasey was successful with the conversion to start his impressive day with the boot. Hoppers responded well and were soon on the score sheet, after a couple of line outs in the 22 Alex Zavallis-Roebuck confidently slotted home a drop goal when the move looked to be grinding to a halt.

The momentum however quickly shifted back to Caldy as they crossed the line for a second time. A missed tackle on the 40m line allowed second row Paul Arnold into acres of space and his well timed off load put John Broxson clear to score untouched.

Hoppers then lost two influential players as first Steffan Thomas was forced to leave the field with a leg injury and Zavallis-Roebuck was stretchered off and taken to hospital with a neck injury, happily he was back at the club by the end of the match.

Caldy increased their lead with a Vasey penalty and scored another try when a well worked line out move was given quickly to the backs stretching the Hoppers defence, wing Neil Kerfoot was the extra man, touching down in the corner, Vasey converted from the touch line.

Hoppers ended the half well, producing some good rugby and were rewarded with Richard Morton’s try from a well worked line out move from short range. Caldy were reduced to 14 men as Stuart Turner was sin binned and Hoppers took control of the game but were unable to reduce the deficit mainly due to some last ditch tackles and the visitor were lucky to go into the break with a 22-8 lead.

The second half started brightly as both teams looked to move the ball quickly but everything changed when Sean Hall was sin binned seven minutes in. This started the Caldy onslaught as they scored three tries with the man advantage as part of twenty eight unanswered points that took the game out of reach.

First number 8 Craig Smithson touched down after the pack had pushed a 5m scrum over the line, then centre Scott Rawlings intercepted a pass on the 40m line and sprinted under the posts. Caldy found the try line again after a scrum was moved out quickly and in a move similar to that in the first half Kerfoot was again the extra man. The visitors scoring was complete when another scrum inside the 22 was moved out to the backs and centre Gavin Roberts was able to round his man and score, Vasey was successful with all his second half kick taking his personal tally to fifteen.

Hoppers were able to cross the line when James Williams was the first to react to a loose ball and out ran the defence to score under the posts after a 60m sprint and could have scored a few tries in the final minutes as again they finished strong but were just unable to turn some good possession and individual effort into points that the build up deserved.

Late try denies Hoppers victory

After two thrilling come from behind victories it was Hoppers turn to feel last minute anguish as a late Harrogate try gave them a share of the spoils. Both sides will leave happy after securing the try bonus point but will believe they should left with more.

With a strong breeze blowing across the ground both teams were happy to keep the ball in hand which provided a fast paced open game with plenty of quality attacking rugby on display.

It was Hoppers who got on the score sheet first through a well struck penalty by Mark Edwards and they soon stretched the lead with the games opening try, Hopper’s turn the ball over in midfield and quickly launched a counter attack, Dominic Moon’s strong serge through the middle allowed Darren Wilson to use his pace to cross in the corner. Edwards was successful with the conversion.

Harrogate answered back quickly with well worked set piece move, a 5m scrum was moved into midfield and James Broadley came in off the wing to collect a well timed pass and score by the posts. Michael Aspinall added the extras.

Hoppers extended their lead when Dominic Moon powered over from close range, the ball looked to have been turned over but Moon was quick at the breakdown and was rewarded with five points. Harrogate scored at the end of the half as they were able to stretch Hoppers defence across the field and use the numbers to their advantage with full back Edward Smithies crossing in the corner, Aspinall was again successful taking the sides in 15-14 at the break.

Harrogate started the second half brightly and were rewarded with a Sam Bottomley try, from a 40m scrum Ryan Peacey broke out and made good ground and when the ball got to Bottomley he broke a tackle and scored in the right corner.

Hoppers answered straight back with an Edwards’s penalty and once again had the lead when Tom Hughes broke a tackle and raced away from the covering defence to score.

It was then Harrogate’s turn to re-take the lead after taking a quick tap penalty inside the 22, they caught Hoppers off guard and a well timed pass that just avoided the would be interception and Bottomley strolled in for his second.

Dominic Moon was then shown a straight red card for a punch, but it only seemed to rally the home side who scored again when Wilson and Hughes combined well to set up James Williams who galloped in from 40 yards, but Hoppers were unable to hang on and Harrogate used their man advantage to stretch the field allowing Dench to score and when Aspinall stepped up and drilled home the conversion the referee brought an end to an riveting contest.

Hopper claim dramatic away win

Hoppers came from behind to claim a dramatic win over Westoe in an enthralling contest. Trailing by nine points going into the last quarter of an hour, Hoppers rallied to secure the win and a try bonus point, coming away from the north-east with all 5 points.

Playing into a breeze and against a deceptive slope it was Hoppers that got off to the better start, with the forwards providing a good early platform in the loose and at the set piece it did not take long to get their first try. After Dominic Moon had made good ground with a powerful run off a line out, Hoppers were able to recycle the ball quickly and Mark Edwards well timed pass put James Williams into space and his well timed offload allowed centre partner Tom Hughes to score beneath the posts. Edwards added the extras.

Westoe then proceeded to score 16 unanswered points all coming from Hoppers mistakes. The first being a nicely taken try after a knock on gifted them possession in good territory. Mark Olugbodie combined well with Laurie Bridgett and James Clark down the right wing and flanker Aaron Myers was on hand to cross the line. James Phillips missed the conversion but added two penalties either side of a successful conversion attempt after No.8 Michael Ellery pounced on a loose ball to sprint in unopposed, giving the home side a 16-7 lead.

Hoppers bounced back straight away, as the clearing kick from the resulting kick off was kicked through the dead ball area awarding the visitors a scrum deep inside the Westoe 22. In typical fashion Hoppers captain Darren Wilson got the ball from the scrum and make a trademark dash for the line, cutting inside through the defensive line before side stepping the full back, Edwards was again successful with the conversion reducing the deficit to two points.

Westoe, however, ended the half on a high with 10 quick points. Phillips landed a penalty after Hoppers had infringed at a ruck and converted James Clark’s try in the final play of the half. Clark was first to his own kick through, collecting inside the 22 after another Hoppers handling error on halfway.

Hoppers again started the half brightly and were able to capitalize on Westoe turn-over’s. Edwards landed a penalty after Hoppers won the ball at the breakdown and Westoe strayed offside and Hoppers were able to close the gap to just four points soon after. A Westoe line out sailed over the top inside their 22 and the Hoppers forwards pilled through to claim the ball and take it up to the try line. After a couple of surges around the breakdown sucked in the home players, Wilson was able to spread the ball to Owen McKenna who cut inside the desperate defence to score.

Westoe thought they had sealed the game midway through the second half with their best move of the match. From a scrum just outside the Hoppers 22 the ball was moved out quickly and good hands from fly half David Haswell and James Clark put full back Phillips into space, setting up a two-on-one and he timed his pass well to put wing Chris Clark in at the corner.

Westoe enjoyed plenty of possession for the rest of the game but were unable to breakdown the resilient Hoppers defence and the effort was rewarded as the mounting pressure took its toll on the home side. Replacement Nick Smith brought a calming influence to the Hoppers and was kicking intelligently behind the home defence into the corners with the Westoe backs not looking comfortable. It was one of these kicks that was poorly dealt with that gave Matt Hughes the chance to charge down Phillips’ would be clearance. After claiming the ball Westoe could not compete around the breakdown an eventually gave away the penalty which Smith confidently dispatched.

It was a similar kicking frailty that was Westoe’s undoing and gave Hoppers the victory. After exchanging a couple of clearances Westoe made a mess inside their own 22 and full back Phillips tried to beat the onrushing Hoppers, failing to do so he kicked poorly off his weaker left foot and failed to find touch. Flanker Jordan Pearson called for the ball and seeing space in front made a dash for the Westoe line, the home defence was caught off guard and Pearson crossed without anyone getting close to laying a finger on him. Smith slotted home the conversion giving the Hoppers the lead.

With more than ten minutes left in the game Hoppers set about a fantastic defensive effort that saw them home to victory. They again kicked well into space behind Westoe gaining the territorial advantage. Westoe tried in vain to break the Hoppers but a turn over inside the 22 laid waste to the home side’s hopes. Hoppers were able to eat up the remaining minutes with solid work form the forwards before booting the ball off the park to give them a well deserved victory.

Hoppers downed but not without a fight

In a contest that was marred by penalties and numerous off the ball incidents Hoppers went down to their second consecutive defeat, this time at home to a physical Rugby Lions side.

Hoppers got of to a disastrous start and were behind in the opening minute. After failing to deal with the opening kick off, they surrendered possession to the Lions who spread the ball quickly from left to right where wing Tom Harris cut inside beating several defender, he was eventually tackled only for the ball to be recycled and moved to the left wing where Jeff Gregson touchdown in the corner. Full back Lloyd Warner slotted the conversion from the touchline.

It took Hoppers a while to get some prolonged possession and territory but they made it count with Dominic Moon making good ground from the base of a scrum and were awarded a penalty after interference around the next ruck which Mark Edwards was successful.

Rugby were able to restore their 7 point lead with a Warner penalty when Hoppers were penalized for being offside and increased the lead on the stroke of halftime with Gregson bagging his second try, touching down in virtually the same spot. He was on the end of a well worked backs move that came from a line out on the Hoppers 22. Warner was again successful with a difficult kick.

The second half started off in a similar vain, as Hoppers were unable to secure any quality ball and Rugby were able to stay on the front foot and play the ball into the corners well. They were rewarded with their third try not long after the restart when they disrupted a scrum inside the Hoppers 22 and once again move the ball quickly from one side of the field to the other with Warner hitting a good line and crossing for the try.

This, and a quartet of substitutions, seemed to spark Hoppers into action and they were able to cross the line for the first time. After a couple of scrums in the opponents 22 Hoppers took a quick tap from a penalty just 5 metres from the line, and while Rugby were able to stop the initial drive Richard Morton was able to power over from close range. Edwards added the extras.

Both sides enjoyed and spurned some good possession and things looked bleak the home side when Luke Cunningham was shown a yellow card for killing the ball. From the resulting penalty Rugby went for the win and a try bonus point by kicking to the corner but for once the backs were unable to press home the advantage and spilled the ball just in front of the post, Hoppers collected and moved the ball to Darren Wilson, who had moved to the wing, he beat the first man and sprinted the length of the field, leaving with Lions defenders in his wake to score beneath the post, with Edwards adding the conversion to make the score 17-22 a second miraculous home comeback looked possible.

However, a decision by the referee to award a kickable penalty to Rugby just minutes later for a 50/50 off the ball incident Warner was able to push the Rugby lead out to 8 points and in the last play of the game with Hoppers throwing caution to the wind Gregson pounced on a knock on and was able to sprint in from 60m to complete his hat trick.

Hoppers win a thrilling season opener

Preston Grasshoppers got the season off to a winning start after an enthralling contest at Lightfoot Green. An inspired performance from replacement Alex Zavallis-Roebuck helped the Hoppers to a 30-29 victory over Hull Ionians that had looked in doubt right up to the end.

Ionians made an impressive start to the game and kicked well into both corners early on, but where unable to capitalize when Fly Half Joseph Wright sent his opening kick wide. Once able to clear their lines Hoppers started to get themselves into the game and took the lead after 6 minutes. Mark Edwards intercepted an Ionians attack inside his own half and started a Hoppers counter, Full Back Owen McKenna broke through the line with a great break but was hauled down inside the 22, the resulting ruck incurred the wrath of the referee who sent Ionians flanker Mark Wigham to the bin. Hoppers kicked to the corner and won a scrum on the 5m line which Number 8 Dominic Moon picked up from the base and powered over through the would be tackles. Mark Edwards was successful with the conversion.

Hoppers had chances to increase their lead with the man advantage but were unable to do so and Ionians pulled level through Danny Smith. The full back returned a kick into Hoppers territory and was first to the ball, he hacked on and weighted his kick perfectly as it came to rest between the posts, and Wright added the extra to draw the side’s level. It was a kick of a different kind that helped give Ionians the lead, after being awarded a penalty for a scrum infringement Wright struck the resulting kick against the uprights, Tim Mennell was quickest to react and the Ionians were able to move around the breakdown well with Chris Starling touching down from close range, Wright duly converted.

After the break Ionians extended their lead with a well struck penalty to take them to a 17-7 advantage but Hoppers began to dominate and brought themselves back into the contest. Dominic Moon kicked well into the corner and when the ball did not find touch Ionians Full Back Smith tried to beat the chasing players but was unable and trapped behind his try line. The resulting scrum was solid and moved out into the backs where Russell Flynn picked a good line off Edwards, he was stopped just short but Moon picked up and drove over to score his second. Hoppers took the lead as a result of another scrum, this time however from further out. With the ball on the 10m line Hoppers moved the ball into the midfield allowing Steffen Thomas to smash through the Ionians defence, his subtle pass was collected by centre partner Tom Hughes, whose excellent line cut through to the line and showed great strength to power through the final tackle and stretch out for the score.

Hoppers then started to self destruct, starting with the sin binning of Moon for an illegal tackle. Ionians kicked to the corner and the resulting catch and drive saw Danny Hague score. It was then Hague’s time to turn provider as he picked up from the base of a scrum 40 yards out and sprinted down the blind side before off loading to scrum half Adam Thomas who scored in the corner, after failing with the first chance Wright stepped up to land a difficult kick form the right touchline giving Ionians a ten point lead. Wright could have added to his tally but was unsuccessful from distance, as was replacement Iain Gordon.

Entering the last ten minutes Hoppers introduce Zavallis-Roebuck, whose first major contribution was a penalty kick which he stepped up and confidently drilled over to reduce the deficit to 7 points. Minutes later and Hoppers started to pile on the pressure sensing that the game was there to be won, after good ball retention from the forwards Zavallis-Roebuck kicked behind the Ionians defence and was able to collect the ball making his way unchallenged to score, however the conversion was charged down much to the dismay of the home fans but not illegally to the officials.

Hoppers could easily have crumpled after such a disappointment but it only seemed to galvanise the home side. The kick off was taken cleanly and moved into the midfield and when it was released to the backs they set off with the move of the match, starting inside the Hoppers half a move down the right touchline involving Steffan Thomas, Tom Hughes, Tom Ball and Owen McKenna took them into the Ionians 22 and resulted in a penalty which Zavallis-Roebuck slotted through the uprights to snatch an unlikely victory.

NFL Draft

The NFL draft is the single biggest sporting event on the planet that does not actually involve the athletes to perform, with most of the 250 players hoping to be drafted not even being present at the event.

I will start by analysing the first round of the 2009 draft;

#1 Detroit Lions- Matthew Stafford (QB) Stafford was signed before the draft to a lucrative 6 year deal with $41.7m in guaranteed money that could earn the Georgia star $78 million dollars over its entirety. Stafford had a stellar college career and the Lions will be hoping he lives up to the pick and the money.

#2 St Louis Rams- Jason Smith (OT) Smith will bolster the Rams line and could form a tandem with Alex Barron for years to come, can play both sides on line and should slot in on the right side from day one.

#3 Kansas City Chiefs- Tyson Jackson (DE) The 1st mini surprise of the draft with the Chiefs passing up on higher rated players but Jackson is the best pure 3-4 defensive end in the draft, at 6'4 and 295lbs he has the size to be a force in the league.

#4 Seattle Seahawks- Aaron Curry (LB) Thought of by many as the best athlete if not the best player in the whole draft. Has great size and speed and could play across the LB positions, will be an ideal replacement for Julian Peterson and will form a dominating line backing group with Lofa Tatupu and Leroy Hill.

#5 New York Jets- Mark Sanchez (QB) With a blockbuster trade that caused the locals to nearly blow the roof off Radio City Music Hall, the Jets traded two picks and three players for the USC play maker. Both teams will be happy with the deal, the Jets may have a franchise QB and the Cleveland Browns (under former Jets head coach Eric Mangini) getting picks and players.

#6 Cincinnati Bengals- Andre Smith (OT) The Bengals may have got an elite pass protector but many will be quite surprised with the pick as Eugene Monroe was available and Smith had plenty of red flags on his character, he missed his teams bowl game and walked out of the combine. The Bengals have had player character issues before and this could add to a troubled team.

#7 Oakland Raiders- Darrius Hayward-Bay (WR) Al Davis (Raiders owner) does it again and passes up on plenty of talent for the most intriguing pick of the draft. Hayward-Bay amazed scouts with his blistering speed but did not have a consistent college career, Davis falls in love with speed and big armed QB's and now has a three pronged attack of Jamarcus Russell, Darren McFadden and Hayward-Bay, the potential is there but the bust factor is huge.

#8 Jacksonville Jaguars- Eugene Monroe (OT) The Jaguars get a premier tackle that most would have expected to be long gone by this spot. Monroe will be a major upgrade to the Jaguars in both the run and pass games, with some commentators believing he is the best tackle in the draft.

#9 Green Bay Packers- B.J.Raji (DT) A pick that will send a shiver down the spines of NFC North players and fans (like this one). Raji is a physical monster at 337lbs (24 stone) he is a dominating force that could ease the Packers transition to a 3-4 defense.

#10 San Francisco 49ers- Michael Crabtree (WR) Crabtree would have been the highest rated receiver on most boards and was projected as a top 5 pick until injury caused the Texas Tech stand out to require surgery in the build up to the draft. If he returns to fitness the 49ers may have a play maker to partner veteran Isaac Bruce and relieve pressure from the running game.

#11 Buffalo Bills- Aaron Maybin (DE) Maybin may be the ideal fit to bolster a poor Bill's pass rush, while only starting one year at Penn State he was able to rack up 12 sacks. He may need to add a few pounds but has top end speed that will trouble opposing linemen.

#12 Denver Broncos- Knowshon Moreno (RB) The Broncos surprised everyone by adding yet another running back and passing up the opportunity to improve there anemic defense. Moreno is however a telent that has all the skills required to play the position along with elite hands for a running back that could fit in well with new head coach Josh McDaniels' scheme.

#13 Washington Redskins- Brian Orakpo (DE) Orakpo could be one of the stars of the draft or its biggest bust as its difficult to asses hybrid pass rushers. This could be a blessing in disguise that he fell to the Skins as big Albert Hayneworth will take uo a double team inside allowing Orakpo some one-on-one match ups, this could be a real draft success.

#14 New Orleans Saints- Malcolm Jenkins (CB) Jenkins is believed to be the best defensive back in the draft though it is not sure which position he will fill in the NFL. A corner in college he may be better suited at safety, but which ever position the Ohio State Buckeye ends up at he will upgrade the Saints horrible secondary.

#15 Houston Texans- Brian Cushing (LB) The first of USC impressive line backing core to be selected, the Texans have landed a versitile player that can line up at either outside spot and be able to scheme an blitz heavy defense.

#16 San Diego Chargers- Larry English (DE) With the Chargers ability to get to the Quarterback taking sever hit after losing Shawn Merriman, English with give another option to improve the pass rush. Whether playing as a DE or as the outside linebacker in pass situations English with provide versatility and a high motor.

#17 Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Josh Freeman (QB) Even a change in head coach did not stop the Bucs from hoarding QB's. They traded up for Freeman who has a big arm and while he may be a project who wont play in 09 could turn out to be the best QB in the draft. Is sure to draw comparisson to Ben Roethlisburger and other larger QB's.

#18 Denver Broncos- Robert Ayers (DE) With there second 1st round pick, acquired in the Jay Cutler trade, Denver got an edge rusher to bolster a weak defensive line. Another player with 'Hybrid' stats, Ayers got better and better through out his college career. May be used across the defense giving the Broncos ability to create miss matches.

#19 Philadelphia Eagles- Jeremy Maclin (WR) The Eagles trade up a couple of spots to land, possibly, the biggest play maker in the draft. Maclin is an explosive talent that has the ability to score from anywhere and in tandem with DeSean Jackson could give McNabb a dynamic duo to throw to.

#20 Detroit Lions- Brandon Pettigrew (TE) The Lions shock the league by signing a Tight End and passing up on other glaring needs. No one, however, will deny Pettigrew is the premier player at his position with excellent hands and will serve as a great compliment to Calvin Johnson and #1 pick Matthew Stafford.

#21 Cleveland Browns- Alex Mack (C) After moving down several times in the first round, the Browns take Mack as their pivot of the future. Mack may not be a concensus 1st round pick but has outstanding overall skills and should man the middle of the Browns' line for years, he will fortify the interior line and should improve its dismal running game.

#22 Minnesota Vikings- Percy Harvin (WR) Harvin may have the best all round skill set at the reciever position but character issues and the recent news of a failed drugs test have seen him slide down most draft boards. The Vikings have taken a huge risk but if it pans out, the Harvin, Berrian tandem along with Adrian Peterson would scare teams into submission.

#23 Baltimore Ravens- Michael Oher (OT) The Ravens flew up a couple of places to land the massive Oher and bolster their offensive line. Oher is a wonderfull success story who may benefit from slotting in to a veteran Ravens line. While he may not start from day one this is an impressive young man who could emerge as an elite player.

#24 Atlanta Falcons- Peria Jerry (DT) The Falcons may have found the rock to build there defense around, after making huge leaps last season, mainly due to the improved offense, Atlanta address a glaring need with an aggressive gap shooting DT.

#25 Miami Dolphins- Vontae Davis (DB) Another impressive athlete with some slight issues. The word is that Davis has a poor work ethic but like his brother Vernon (49ers TE) he can play both cover and man defense systems with wonderfull natural ability and can match up one-on-one against the best recievers.

#26 Green Bay Packers- Clay Matthews (LB) The Pack trade back into the 1st round and select the second USC line backer. Matthews is a versitile pass rusher that has adequate cover skills. Will help the Packers with their move to a 3-4 scheme and will be a good compliment to Aaron Kampman.

#27 Indianapolis Colts- Donald Brown (RB) While many will be a little surprised by the pick the Colts get a running back that can split time with Joseph Addai and fit the scheme better than other runners. Has the ability to change direction well and is a good option in the passing game.

#28 Buffalo Bills- Eric Wood (C) With the Philadelphia pick acquired from the Jason Peters trade, the Bills look to add a versatile lineman that can play across the interior line. Has the size and ability to be a centre for years to come but its his high football IQ that saw him shoot up draft boards.

#29 New York Giants- Hakeem Nicks (WR) A top class receiver that should help to fill the void left by Plexico Burress. Nicks is a big, strong player with great hands, who may not have the top end speed but can make plays all across the field.

#30 Tennessee Titans- Kenny Brit (WR) Brit will give the Titans a possession receiver that could develop into a favourite target for Kerry Collins straight away. At 6'3" Brit has ideal size and great route running ability with a high work ethic.

#31 Arizona Cardinals- Chris Wells (RB) After their first Superbowl appearance things just keep getting better for the Cardinals, Wells a players who could of been a top ten pick if the draft was straight after the season will give a power running game that Arizona has been searching for. While durability has been an issue he could be a productive runner in a pass first system.

#32 Pittsburgh Steelers- Evander Hood (DT) Steelers continue to draft in an intellegent way with a DT that will upgrade depth along the defensive line. Hood is a high energy player with a great burst of speed that will slot into the rotation and be starting in a couple of years.