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.
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