Hoppers got the season off to a winning start with a comfortable win against Huddersfield. On the back of a dominant display from the pack Hoppers were able to put together a string of impressive backs moves and will be slightly disappointed not to walk away with a try bonus point.
Mark Edwards got Hoppers off to a good start with two early penalties as Huddersfield fell afoul of the new tackle laws. The reliable boot of Chris Johnson reduced the visitor’s deficit to three points with the first of his five penalties in a near perfect kicking performance.
With the penalty count mounting up referee Dave Edmunds felt the need to assert some authority and sent Richard Morton to the bin reducing Hoppers to 14 men. Huddersfield failed to make their number advantage count and it fell to Hoppers to extend their lead while a man down. Great work from the forwards, starting with an excellent line out steal and continuing with some forceful work around the fringe, took Hoppers deep into the 22 and after Cameron Berry broke the line Tom Hughes showed his typical quick feet and strength to power over the line, dragging a couple of visiting defenders with him. Edwards added the extras to take Hoppers lead out to 13-3.
Hoppers back row again found there selves on the wrong side of the referee just as Morton was due to return to the field, Matt Charters was shown a yellow card for playing the ball on the ground. Johnson was successful with the kick at goal and added a third ten minutes later to take the sides into the break 13-9. Huddersfield could have taken further advantage of their man advantage if not for a superb goal line tackle by Tom Ashton in the left corner and were then reduced to 14 men when Mark Whitehead was sin binned on the stroke of half time.
It was in the ten minutes after half time, while playing with a man advantage, that Hoppers won the game. Hughes grabbed his second try of the game following a good break from full back Tom Ball, Hoppers recycled quickly and Edwards took advantage of the visitor’s blitz defence to put Hughes in space and he stepped inside the full back to touchdown near the posts, Edwards again added the extras.
The pack should take huge credit for Hoppers third try as they obliterated a Huddersfield scrum on the ten metre line to drive the visitor’s back 15 yards and again Edwards and Hughes combined well to this time set up Ashton in the corner who showed great strength and awareness to score.
Huddersfield tried to mount a comeback midway through the half as Johnson clawed back six more points with the boot, Edwards pushed the score out to 28-15 with his third penalty before Huddersfield scored a late try to give home fans a few nervous moments. Johnson kicked deep into the Hoppers 22 from a penalty and the Huddersfield pack executes a catch and drive to perfection with Captain Nick Sharpe touching down at the base.
Edwards’ fourth penalty five minutes from time calmed the nerves giving Hoppers a nine point lead and Hoppers were able to close out the game with some solid defence. Johnson had a chance to capture a bonus point for Huddersfield but he was unsuccessful with a late penalty from distance.
This was far from a perfect performance from the Hoppers but showed signs of an exciting brand of rugby that will be pleasing to watch. A strong mobile pack dominated from the outset with the set piece working well from the start and the backs looked dangerous when given the opportunity.
No comments:
Post a Comment