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.