Hoppers denied at the death

Preston Grasshoppers Head Coach Dave Baldwin was “pleased with his side’s performance but disappointed not to get a more out of the game.” With just a couple of minutes remaining Mike Waywell burst through the home defence to snatch victory and secure all five points for Fylde.

Hoppers got off to a dream start with a try inside two minutes, Mark Edwards pin point cross kick was well collected by Matt Hughes who touched down in the corner. Fylde responded immediately and took the lead after Mark Stevenson benefited from a great break from back row partner Steve McGinnis, Steve Collins added the extras.

Fylde extended their lead with Waywell’s first try; they took a quick tap and got behind the scrambling defence allowing Waywell to cut inside and show good strength to score.

Hoppers dug deep and muscled their way back into the game, narrowing the gap with an Edwards penalty, but couldn’t capitalize on their territory even when Fylde were reduced to 13 men when Thomas Lavelle and Nick King were sin binned in quick succession and the sides went into the half with Fylde enjoying a slender 12-8 lead.

The second half started in the same high tempo fashion as both teams looked to run from deep and keep the ball alive. Hoppers took the lead when Matt Hughes latched onto a loose pass just outside his own 22; he sprinted down the touchline and chipped through for Edwards to ground in goal before cover could arrive. Once again the lead only lasted a couple of minutes as Fylde regained control with a Collins penalty.

Fylde stretched the lead, as they were able to quickly move the ball from a turn over and took advantage of there additional numbers to put wing Callum McShane in at the corner.

Dominic Moon’s converted try with ten minutes to go leveled the scores but Fylde were awarded a dubious scrum on half way and Waywell had too much pace for the tiring defence to sprint clear.

Baldwin commented on the game, saying it was a “good expansive contest in which both teams looked likely to score. I am pleased with the way we fronted up and stuck to an outstanding Fylde team. We started to look tire at the end and Fylde were able to take advantage of that but I am happy with the intensity and commitment shown.”

Hoppers angered at referee blunder

Hoppers were beaten at the death by local rivals Kendal in a physical error strewn game but mistakes by the referee would have the biggest outcome on the result. On a heavy and soggy Mint Bridge pitch that favoured the home side, neither team was able to produce much running rugby but Kendal used the conditions to ensure the game was a forwards-driven affair.

The opening minutes set the tempo for the match as Hoppers were twice penalised in the opening minutes with the second infringement, which Mark Ireland narrowly missed converting, baffling players and fans alike. After a fourth penalty in the opening five minutes Kendal kicked to the corner and got the scoring underway. They executed a catch and drive, which flirted with legality, and were able to rumble over the Hoppers line, Richard Harryman was on hand to touch down and although Ireland missed adding the extras the hosts did have a 5-0 lead.

Kendal dominated possession for the opening quarter but were unable to make anything of their superiority and Hoppers' defence held strong, limiting them to a couple of half chances and a further Ireland penalty which again narrowly missed in what were difficult kicking conditions.

Hoppers then took the lead from their first real opportunity. A long overdue penalty of their own was kicked to touch and after the line out was secured well, Russell Flynn made good yards through the centre in his usual direct fashion. Alex Zavallis-Roebuck made a good break from the second phase ball before offloading to Tom Hughes who showed his typical pace and finishing ability to cut inside the Kendal defence and score by the posts, Roebuck added the conversion. That ended the scoring for the half but not the referee’s involvement as both Harryman and Hoppers' James Smith were shown yellow cards for stamping to clear out a ruck. Neither seemed to be too serious and there were certainly other incidents that may have lead to a similar outcome.

The second half resulted in no tries and a series of missed opportunities and strange decision making in all areas. Hoppers lost Roebuck to injury and had to play the final 30 minutes without a recognised fly half, this certainly affected the flow of their game although James Smith played well in his absence. Hoppers stretched their lead with a Sean Taylor penalty after Kendal were guilty of going off their feet at a ruck, but lacked the cutting edge or the game management to put the game away.

This allowed Kendal, through a concerted forward effort and help in no small part from the referee, to drag themselves back into the game. They reduced the gap to two points when Ireland landed a penalty after Hoppers were judged to be offside at the breakdown, something that was happening all game and not called until then and with just minutes to go they took the lead and the points in even more bizarre circumstances.

While on the attack Kendal knocked on and lost possession, the referee appeared to give the advantage to Hoppers who gathered the ball but were tackled immediately. As the ruck formed, he blew his whistle and awarded a penalty to Kendal right in front of the posts just outside the 22, The decision wasn’t made clear and certainly no advantage was played, Ireland slotted the kick to steal the game.

Hoppers could have done more to win the game but with the loss of Roebuck, the conditions and the referee, this was one that was stacked against them from the start, taking nothing away from Kendal who stuck to a simple game plan and fought hard from whistle to whistle but this was a game Hoppers should have won.

Hughes heroics spares Hoppers blushes

Hoppers left it late but two tries in the final ten minutes saw them squeeze past Morley and record their first win since January. This was far from a perfect performance as they wasted several good chances against an inferior side that were comfortably disposed of in their first meeting back in October during Hoppers six game winning streak.

Head Coach Dave Baldwin was ‘pleased to get the win’ but wasn’t happy with the overall performance, he said: “the game was in the balance with 20 minutes to go and this was a game that we would have lost with the performances over the last few weeks, there is a hell of a lot to work on as we keep making simple mistakes. We missed out on picking up a bonus point as we ended up being dragged into a dog fight.”

Hoppers started brightly after absorbing some early pressure and scrum half James Smith continued his fine form from the previous week with a great break and after Morley infringed at the ruck Mark Edwards kicked Hoppers to a 3-0 lead. The joy was short lived as the restart wasn’t gathered properly and Peter Martin crossed for the visitors after a good break from centre partner Michael Ash.

Tom Hughes, in yet another man of the match performance, was a constant threat to the Morley defence and was at the heart of Hoppers good work, he twice made impressive breaks which fell just short, combining well with Tom Ashton and then Dominic Moon only for play to be held up in goal. From the resulting 5m scrum, after the pack had obliterated the visitors, Hughes took matters into his own hands to score. Edwards added the extras and Hoppers were back in front.

The lead however lasted just five minutes as Tom Moody was able to power over after Morley had worked an impressive catch and drive inside the Hoppers 22, after sucking in the defence the back row was able to break away into acres of space to touchdown, Mark Pease slotted the conversion. Hoppers did go into the half with the lead as Tommy Bell, who replaced the injured Edwards after half an hour, kicked a penalty just before halftime.

The second half continued in the same vain as Hoppers squandered opportunities to kill off the contest and Morley were able to capitalise on turn overs and some poor defence but lacked the finishing touch to convert themselves. Hoppers extended their lead with a booming Bell penalty from just inside his own half but fell behind again after more poor tackling allowed Morley deep into the 22 and a neat chip over the top was touched down by wing Koby Gyast when it looked like Hoppers had cover.

Hughes came to the rescue of Hoppers and took over the final minutes by scoring and the setting up a try to spare the home sides blushes. Hoppers pack launched into a physically dominating catch and drive, making at least 20 metres before Bell’s delicate chip was collected by Hughes by the posts. He then made a trademark scything through the heart of the defence before releasing Tom Ashton who had far too much pace for the visiting defence to seal the game in some style.

Hoppers need to build on these recent home performances and must improve if they are to get anything from the trip to Kendal and the next home game against local rival Fylde.

Hoppers and Hull share spoils

A real game of two halves saw a share of the spoils and will leave both sides frustrated that they could not come away with a win. Hull dominated the first half and could have made more of their possession and territory but Hoppers dug deep and came out with intensity in the second half that had been severely lacking from the start and could have snatched the game at the end.

Hoppers head coach Dave Baldwin said: “it’s a mixture of relief and disappointment, I would have been happy to take the draw at half time but we came out and played well in the second half and could have won the game.”

He went on to add: “we started badly and got worse, they put us under pressure with good simple rugby and we made too many mistakes. We should have held on but for a sloppy penalty and it was disappointing to miss the drop goal at the end.”

Baldwin was however happy to walk away with some points after a poor run of form after feeling that the side ‘lacked consistency’ but was happy that the team came out strong in the second half and had not capitulated.

It was a first half that Hull dominated right from the kick-off and they took the lead after just three minutes. They were camped in the Hoppers half and after sucking in the defence and recycling well the ball was spread wide and James Greene showed good power and pace to break the line and score, James Cameron added the extras.

Hoppers kicking and decision making did not help them to get any consistent ball and Hull stretched their lead with a Cameron penalty and scored their second try midway through the half.

After driving to the line second row Max Lewis somehow found some space to touch the ball down after it looked like the move had broken down, the conversion was missed but Hull had a 15-0 lead. Hoppers did finally put some points on the board just before half time with a Mark Edwards penalty but the momentum was with the visitors

Hoppers came out in the second half looking like a different team, finally the running rugby which had served them well before the enforced winter break came into effect. They narrowed the gap ten minutes into the half with a penalty try after several scrum infringements, which also saw Hull reduced to 14 men when prop Kristyan Fullman was shown a yellow card.

Hoppers drew level with a great team try as Tom Hughes’ great miss pass put Sean Taylor into space and he scored in the corner and took the lead with minutes to go after Taylor had ripped through the Hull defence but was stopped inches short, only for the visitors to be penalized for hands in the ruck, Edwards kicked Hoppers ahead but Hull drew level minutes later for a similar infringement and Edwards couldn’t snatch victory for Hoppers with a drop goal at the death.

Hoppers improve but discipline cost

Coach Dave Baldwin described his side’s performance as “a much improved performance over the last two weeks. The backs looked dangerous with ball in hand and we put the opposition under periods of sustained pressure only to lose the ball in promising positions. Again our discipline was poor and we paid for it.”

Another factor was that, whereas in the victory at Lightfoot Green in October, Hoppers outplayed the vaunted Luctonians’ pack, this time round they found themselves on the back foot, especially in the tight and, against an often retreating pack, scrum half James Smith did well to get his backs going at all.

The visitors were the first to attack but a dropped pass and a hack through relieved the pressure and home kicker Morris slotted a penalty on 7 minutes. An infringement at the restart, gave Tommy Bell a chance to reply from distance but his kick rebounded off the crossbar. But Hoppers kept the pressure on and a delayed inside pass from Mark Edwards was taken at pace by Matt Hughes for a well-constructed try and Bell added the extras after 14 minutes.

An infringement at the kick off reception, allowed Morris to reduce the deficit to 1 point and worse was to follow when pressure at a 5-metre scrum produced a turnover and the easiest of touchdowns for home No.8 Hulland and the kick gave his side a 13-7 lead.

Bell replied with a penalty but Hoppers’ pack were driven off their own ball and a forward pass denied Luctonians a try but, at the other end, a teasing cross kick from Bell just evaded chasing wing Tom Ashton. Strong runs from Dominic Moon and Will Bordill were spoiled by loose passing but Hoppers were still very much in touch 13-10 down at the break.

At the restart, Bell was wide with two penalty attempts and a break by Tom Hughes came close. Then a long touch from Bell appeared to set up another promising position but chasing players were adjudged offside and the territory advantage was reversed by the ensuing penalty. A powerful drive from the lineout made ground and the ball was released for centre Binham to crash over on 49 minutes and the kick was good.

Another break from Tom Hughes found his namesake Matt in support but the move was stopped by a deliberate knock on. Hoppers’ momentum was then derailed as replacement prop Mark Irving saw yellow and the home pack took full advantage of the extra man as flanker Smith was driven over with 60 minutes on the clock.

Hoppers then enjoyed a stroke of luck as Moon intercepted on halfway and raced to the posts for Bell to convert. Just 8 points adrift and restored to full strength, Hoppers’ backs continued to test the home defence but Luctonians had the last word when, with the last play of the match, a tiring Hoppers pack conceded a pushover try.

Hoppers hope to get back to winning ways next Saturday after three weeks on the road when they host Hull.

Hoppers demolished by Ionians

Hoppers crashed to their second consecutive defeat to a bottom six side in embarrassing fashion as struggling Hull Ionians ran in eight tries to rack up a much needed win. After stagnating at Nuneaton the week before Hoppers were looking to bounce back, but shoddy tackling and some basic errors cost them dearly.

In an open and free flowing game it was the host that started brightly capitalising on Hoppers mistakes to take a 3-0 lead with a James Ferguson penalty, the fly half had a near perfect kicking display and orchestrated much of Ionians good play. Hoppers took the lead after Sean Taylor and Matt Hughes combined well down the right and Taylor had way to much pace for the defence but the lead was short lived as Mark Duxbury crossed following a good break from the impressive Oli Marns and Ferguson stretched the lead with his second penalty.

Hoppers did take the lead again on the half hour mark when Mark Edwards delicate grubber kick was grounded by Tommy Bell but two tries in the final few minutes of the half by Marns sent Ionians in at the break with a 27-14 lead and all the momentum. Marns ran hard all day but both tries could have been avoided with better tackling, the Ionians centre capitalised well to first straighten the line against a scrambling defence and then coast in from half way as no Hoppers player seemed to want to lay a finger on him.

The second half saw similar patterns of play as Hoppers had plenty of possession but were unable to convert it into points. They were wasteful in possession, appeared sluggish and without impetus at the beginning of the half. The game really needed a try to snap it into life and it came, unfortunately for Hoppers, from a poor rushed pass that went to ground and wing Gary Stephenson kicked through and scored by the posts.

Hoppers again enjoyed a length period of possession but were unable to do much against an Ionians side now growing in confidence with the bonus point and win looking secured. Cameron Berry did cause a few nervous glances from the spectators when he crashed over with 15 minutes to go following a 5m line out to bring Hoppers within two converted tries at 34-21, but any chance of a famous comeback was quickly ended as Ionians ran in four tries in the final ten minutes.

Replacement Chris Cusack rounded off a wonderful counter attack, Ferguson intercepted on half way to sprint clear, Steve Quigley powered over from a stolen 5m line out and Marns rounded the game off in style to complete his hat trick.

Wind swept Hoppers go down to Nuneaton

Hoppers coach Karl Fitzpatrick described the loss to lowly Nuneaton as “frustrating” after the midlands club came from behind to record just their fifth win of the season. He went on to say the loss was down to; “bad decision making and not being able to make the most of chances, especially when Nuneaton were reduced to 13 men.”

The conditions were always going to play a huge part in the game as strong winds and driving rain made kicking a problem and certainly dictated the team’s style of play.

It was Hoppers who played into the wind in the first half and they handled the conditions well and got off to a great start taking the lead after just five minutes. The forwards kept the ball in the tight, in similar fashion to the style that put Loughborough Students to the sword, and were able to make good ground around the fringes, Tom Hughes was unlucky to be held up just short of the line, but from the resulting 5m scrum Hoppers pack shoved the host back allowing Dominic Moon to touch down at the base, Mark Edwards slotted the simple conversion.

That should have been the sign of things to come but for all Hoppers possession and territory they were never able to take control of the game and ill discipline let Nuneaton back into the game. First a well struck penalty by Jack Jolly reduced the deficit and further Hoppers infringements resulted with the host taking the lead with a well worked try which Elliot Brown scored in the corner, Jolly missed the conversion but slotted a penalty minutes later. Hoppers regained the lead when Sean Taylor rounded off a flowing move which started at the Hoppers 10m line, Edwards converted well from the touchline but Jolly’s third penalty took the sides in level at the break 14-14.

Hoppers second half performance beggar’s belief; they now had the wind at their backs but were unable to take advantage of numerous overlaps and try scoring opportunities were wasted. Even when Nuneaton were reduced to 13 men after Brown and Aaron Turner were yellow carded in quick succession Hoppers were still unable to score. Why Hoppers were not awarded a penalty try after a succession of penalties and two sin binning’s only the referee will know, it was certainly a mystery to the Hoppers supporters that had made the trip and to the home fans alike.

Nuneaton weathered the storm and showed the visitors how to make the most of their opportunities as they broke away well down the right touchline following a turn over and Brown turned provider to offload well just before going into touch and Tim Douglas coasted in to give the host an unlikely but thoroughly deserved victory.

Hoppers face two tricky away games in the coming weeks with trips to Hull Ionians and newcomers Luctonians and must improve considerably if they are to get anything out of those fixtures.

Hoppers ring changes but still too strong for Manchester

Hoppers secured a bonus point win with a comprehensive victory over winless Manchester. Hoppers scored six tries and dominated all areas against the leagues bottom club and considering the number of changes from last week’s stand out victory there is more to take from this victory than meets the eye.

Dave Baldwin made eight changes to the side that beat Loughborough Students the previous week and named a youthful and somewhat inexperienced side, although plenty of key men were still playing, that allowed him to recall a few familiar faces and get a look at some of the emerging players.

After a lackluster opening quarter the game was given a spark for the wrong reasons after a brawl inside the Manchester 22, several players were involved but the referee took no further action than to award a penalty. Hoppers kicked to touch and mounted an impressive catch and drive which stalled just short of the line, but the ball was moved quickly into the backs and Tom Hughes was on hand to score by the posts.
If the first try helped to calm the nerves, the second straight from the restart banished them all together. Mark Rigbye collected the kick off and newcomer James Mawdsley showed good pace to get behind the defence and he and Matt Charters worked the ball well put Matt Hughes in the clear.

That was all the scoring for the first half but Hoppers started the second with a bang, Alex Zavallis-Roebuck collected a clearing kick and launched a counter attack, Tom Hughes advanced with a typical scything run and offloaded to Matt Hughes who once again had far too much pace for the home defence.

Hoppers secured the try bonus point thanks to a penalty try, a Manchester line out on their own 5m line was slapped back into the in goal area and after seeing a Hoppers player cynically held back the referee had no choice but to go under the posts.

Manchester tried to force themselves back into the game, but even with a man advantage after Roebuck was shown a dubious yellow card they did not have the power or the panache to do so.

Two late tries sent the visiting fans away with a smile on their faces, Dominic Moon rounded off an impressive performance with a late cameo which took the final score to something that better reflected Hoppers dominance. Moon smashed his way over from the base of a 5m scrum and then launched a typically powerful run through the midfield to set up Charters who rounded the game off in some style.

Hoppers will be pleased with the strength in depth that the squad now has and their ability to bring players into the first team and have them perform at a high level. Once again the pack was dominant, with the front row getting the better of the scrum throughout and the back row once again working tirelessly all around the park. The backs were able to turn on the style on occasions but it was a game of missed opportunities and more points should really have been scored but the win and the try bonus point were secured and not a single point conceded, even at the end of the game when the result were a certainty the effort of the players to make tackles and turn over possession is testament to the attitude and commitment that is shown throughout the team.

Hoppers teach the students a lesson

Grasshoppers put in one of the performances of the season to tame the elements and beat the league leaders at Lightfoot Green. Hoppers heavyweight pack controlled proceedings from the start and never allowed the visitors to get into their stride.

Head Coach Dave Baldwin was full of praise for his teams performance, saying; “It was very pleasing to see us carry on the form from last week; we handled the conditions very well and controlled the game”. Adding; “we looked after the ball and played smart rugby with a lot of patience and this allowed us to build pressure.”

Hoppers pack was the rock from which everything was built, the front row never took a backwards step, Captain Wayne Steel lead by example with a forceful performance and a powerful back row of Richard Morton, Luke Cunningham and Dominic Moon was at its rampaging best constantly smashing over the gain line and giving the Students nothing. This was typified with many long periods of possession were Hoppers kept the ball for multiple phases.

Things got off to a flying start for the host and they took the lead inside the opening ten minutes. After some solid defence, which was to be the trademark throughout, Hoppers scored with their first meaningful attack. A catch and drive from inside the 22 was advanced towards the try line. Loughborough were able to repel the forwards but when the ball was released to the back they had no answer for Mark Edwards’ clever kick through and Cameron Berry was first to the ball to touchdown, Edwards added the conversion to give Hoppers a lead they would never surrender.

This was to be the story of the game as Hoppers used the elements to their advantage and were able to keep the ball for multiple phases, eating up the clock. Loughborough had no answer to the relentless forward pressure as the home pack dominated at the set piece and in the loose. Hoppers extended their lead on the back of this forward dominance as the pack recycled the ball over and over again on the 22 and when the back got their hands on the ball it was again Berry who smashed through the line to grab his second, Edwards was again successful with the conversion and Hoppers went in with a 14-0 halftime lead.

The Students came out in the second half with an added sense of urgency and looked to take on the hosts at their own game, with the bleak conditions making flowing running rugby difficult they attempted a catch and drive of their own and after sucking in the defence they were able to find the extra man and full back Craig Holland was on hand to score.

This sparked the visitors into life and they had plenty of ball in the second half but Hoppers resolute defence held strong and they were rewarded when Tom Hughes powered over to score. Hoppers again built pressure with the forwards and Hughes was able to break and smash his way over the try line. In the dying minutes the defence held strong to give Hoppers a well deserved victory.
It would be easy to underplay the performance of the backs in such a forward oriented tussle, but they were every bit as impressive. The half backs orchestrated some clinical rugby with Mark Edwards pulling the strings and the three tries coming from the centres were a mixture of guile and brute strength. The back three, while starved of good attacking ball, were always looking for work and solid in defence and under the high ball, and who knows what would have happened if Tom Ashton wasn’t on hand to not only collect a dangerous kick through but make yards and give his forwards a target soon after Loughborough had given themselves a glimmer of hope.

Hoppers have had a bright start to the New Year and put in excellent performances against two of the league’s top sides, now comes back to back games against teams at the wrong end of the table where they will hope for more of the same and hopefully some bonus points.

Hoppers leave Northeast with nothing

Hoppers deserved at least a losing bonus point from this bruising encounter in the Westoe mud but a late rally failed to produce the necessary scores.

Head Coach Dave Baldwin praised his team’s first half performance: “We played really well and implemented our game plan, keeping the ball tight against the wind and up the hill. But then some defensive slips and mistakes conceded another score and, despite battling back really well and dominating the last quarter, we failed to get the result we deserved.”

Hoppers were again slow to get started and the defence was severely tested before a drive from a 5-metre lineout put No.8 Scott over for an unconverted try in the 5th minute. Both sides struggled with the slippery surface and play centred around the packs with a series of pick and drives.

When the ball was released, the visiting backs looked the more threatening with Sean Taylor and Tom Hughes making ground but on 22 minutes more home pressure eventually saw prop Nesbitt power over for the reliable Bedworth to convert.

Hoppers established their first attacking platform with a lineout in the home 22 on 24 minutes and, after some strong forward drives, a half-break by Hughes was rounded off by Taylor but the kick failed. Hoppers’ pack kept the pressure on with debutant scrum half Tom Smith coping well with the difficult conditions and a deficit of just 5-12 at the break looked promising.

But Westoe raised their game at the start of the second period and again produced an early score. Wresting back the initiative, the home pack laid siege and desperate defence was at last breached as Nesbitt claimed his second touchdown and the kick was good.

Further pressure followed and Taylor’s last-ditch tackle prevented a score in the corner but, as the game entered the last quarter, Hoppers’ pack asserted themselves with Richard Morton very much in the thick of it. After sustained pressure and several near-misses, with the home pack in total disarray in the tight, Dominic Moon claimed a push-over try with four minutes left on the clock. Replacement kicker Tommy Bell was wide with the conversion and short with a speculative long range penalty to gain the losing bonus point and, frustratingly, a last minute break-away broke down near the line as the final whistle came as welcome relief to home players and supporters alike.

Despite the defeat, Dave Baldwin identified ‘promising signs’ as Hoppers host league leaders Loughborough Students next Saturday.

Hoppers back to winning ways in impressive style

Hoppers pulled off their third away win of the season with this workmanlike performance in a close encounter at Caldy who sit two places above them in the table.

Coach Dave Baldwin said: “It was an error-strewn game with both sides looking rusty after the two-week lay off. But we defended well and kept going and coming back to win with the last score of the game showed good spirit. At the end of the day, running in three tries to none at Caldy has to be a good result.”

In truth, the game could have gone either way but, whereas the home side squandered their chances, Hoppers capitalised on theirs and thoroughly deserved the win.

Caldy came close in the opening minutes and, despite crossing the line, failed to touch down and Hoppers turned over the ball and cleared. Next, Mark Edwards’ cross kick just eluded lively winger Matt Hughes but the pack then lost their own lineout, a weakness throughout the match.

The deadlock was broken when first Edwards and then Richard Vasey exchanged penalties and for once it was the opposition that failed to secure the kick off. From the ensuing possession, Edwards’ perfectly weighted grubber, fast becoming his party-piece, was touched down by Alex Zavallis-Roebuck and the provider converted on 19 minutes.

Some strong running from the home side was punching some holes and a forward pass denied them a touchdown but Hoppers defended in depth and the only return for the hosts was two more penalties from Vasey to put his side 9-10 down at the break.

At the restart, Dominic Moon, making his season’s debut, received kick off to go on the charge and when the ball was released from the ruck Tom Hughes made the half break to release his namesake Matt on half way who backed his speed to outstrip the defence and Edwards added the extras to make it 17-9.

Worryingly, Hoppers continued to offend at the ruck allowing Vasey to kick two more penalties to reduce the deficit to just two points. Some indecision in the backs spoiled some Hoppers’ possession although Tom Ball, was a continual threat at the base of the scrum.

With 10 minutes left on the clock, another ruck offence gave Vasey his sixth penalty to ease his side one point ahead and Hoppers were behind for the first time in the game and looking at just a losing bonus point.

But replacements Mark Murray and Luke Cunningham combined to set up an attacking platform and Ball used his pace off the mark to exploit the blindside for an excellent individual try. The kick failed but Hoppers were able to run down the clock to secure the win.

This puts Hoppers in good heart for the ‘big one’ next Saturday at Lightfoot Green when local rivals Fylde are the visitors.

Hoppers couldn't tame the Lions

High-flying Leicester Lions preserved their unbeaten run but certainly knew they had been in a battle at Lightfoot Green on Saturday. Regrettably so did Hoppers, losing big hitting centre Danny Halliwell with a badly broken ankle just 9 minutes into the game which undoubtedly aggravated the fact that at least five first choice players were kicking their heels in the treatment room.

Coach Dave Baldwin praised his side’s huge defensive effort but was disappointed that they fell down on basics, surrendered too much possession and let their opponents back into the game after they had got their noses in front.

Hoppers saw little of the ball in the first half but defended stoutly to keep out wave after wave of attacks, the only score being a penalty from Jon Boden on 25 minutes. As the first period drew to a close, Hoppers at last won some ball and came close twice with Matt Hughes tackled in the corner after a Sean Taylor break before Mark Edwards, on for the injured Halliwell, hacked through a loose ball and just failed to touch it down before it went dead.

At the restart, it was odds on that the defence would soon crack, but, against the run of play to date, it was Hoppers who made it happen. In the opening minute Taylor’s break put Mike Milward clear but the flanker lacked the pace to make the line. But after 55 minutes, Edwards worked the blindside from a scrum on halfway and his perfectly weighted pass was taken at pace by Adam Crisp who used his speed and strength to battle over for arguably the try of the game.

Tommy Bell’s kick drifted wide but Hoppers had showed their attacking flair but then, not for the first time this season, they made a complete mess of receiving kick off, gifting their opponents possession and position. Lions needed no second bidding and a strong drive by their pack put lock Solomon over and, although the kick failed, the visitors were back in front.

This proved to be the turning point of the game for, although Hoppers’ midfield defence contained Lions main attacking threat of the crash ball in the centre, they were kept on the back foot and on 67 minutes Tommy Ball’s attempted clearance was charged down by Pepe Nanci who followed up to score and Boden converted.

Hopers tried to make the best of limited possession on the counter but a tiring defence was broached again after 76 minutes when replacement Jamie Wilkins exploited an overlap to run in and Boden’s conversion made the game safe.

Some positives can be taken from this performance, however and, with the possibility of some injured players back next week, Hoppers can travel to struggling Nuneaton with the objective of getting back into winning ways.

Harrogate deny a magnificent seven

Hoppers were brought down to earth with a bump to end their unbeaten run at the hands of a confident Harrogate side. Disappointed coach Dave Baldwin said “We never got going and lost it in the first half. With tight defences, timing in the backs is split second and we failed to find any fluency. If the early try had been awarded, it might have been a different story.”

Hoppers almost had a dream start as a dropped ball was hacked through and the Hughes’s chased through but, with no defenders in sight, Tom was adjudged to be offside at the touch down.

Play was scrappy with both sides guilty of handling errors but the home side monopolised possession and looked sharper in attack and Hoppers again began to concede penalties. After a shot at goal went wide, ‘Gate’ opted for the touchline and the inevitable catch and drive put flanker Wilson over in the 11th minute and the kick was good.

The home backs continued to be more enterprising and tested the defence but it was the pack that extended the lead when open side Wood exploited an undefended blind side from a lineout to touch down in the corner after 29 minutes.

The home side were now well on top and from the restart, a break from fly half Aspinal produced a try for centre Dench and the conversion made it 17-0.

A little late in the day, Hoppers started to get into the game and Tom Hughes at last broke the line and Mark Edwards’ 35th minute penalty made it 17-3 at the break

Hoppers continued to infringe and once again failed to defend a 5-metre lineout and Wood was driven over for his second try to extend the lead and earn the bonus point with just 45 minutes on the clock.

Things took a turn for the worse for Hoppers as Luke Cunningham saw yellow and Rothwell kicked the penalty. But the pack responded with some driving play in which Matt Charters was prominent and his charge deep into the 22 allowed Richie Sands to muscle over for a try after 55 minutes.

Hoppers rang the changes from the bench, with replacement Marc Balshaw having an impact and probably shaded the final quarter. A trademark dart from Tom Ball came close but some loose handling in the backs again failed to make the most of the possession to produce a late score.

Some work needed before the visit of high-flying Leicester Lions next Saturday.

Hoppers make it six in a row

The man from BBC Radio Cumbria aptly summed up the first half as Hoppers left the field 25-0 up as he speculated as to what the position might have been if they had played well! The fact was that Kendal almost completely dominated the first 20 minutes and only at times desperate defence and a succession of errors prevented a score. In contrast, the first and only time Hoppers lifted the siege, Mark Edwards was able to kick a penalty from halfway on 14 minutes to put his side ahead completely against the run of play.

Kendal continued to attack but, after 22 minutes, Matt Hughes pounced on a dropped ball in his own 22, beat his man and made ground before finding namesake, Tom, in support and his chip behind the defence was touched down by Edwards but he put the conversion wide.

Marc Balshaw, on for Luke Cunningham, announced his arrival with a charge in mid field and Tom Ball was tackled just short of the line with a typical sniping run. But at last Hoppers were getting their act together and, in the 26th minute, punished another Kendal error when a miscued clearance kick was returned with interest and Matt Hughes used his pace to sprint in but again the kick failed.

Hoppers kept the pressure on with some good handling between forwards and backs and, receiving the ball some 35 metres out with much to do, Sean Taylor scythed through the defence and powered over to extend the lead.

Kendal at last regained their composure and drove play deep into the home 22 but a quickly taken lineout cleared home lines and, as the half drew to a close, Edwards’ grubber got a fortuitous rebound off a defender and Paul White gathered for the easiest of touchdowns. Edwards at last found his kicking boots and Hoppers had the bonus point in the bag and were 25-0 up at the break.

The beginning of the second period was almost a replay of the first with the Cumbrians again taking the game by the scruff of the neck and at last making the pressure tell as hooker Duncan Green was bundled over from a catch and drive, Mark Ireland converting. Hoppers came near after a powerful midfield burst from new signing Danny Halliwell but Kendal repeated their successful tactic with another forward drive and prop Richard Harryman claimed the touchdown, this time unconverted to bring the deficit back to 13 points with 20 minutes still to play.

With their once commanding lead under threat, Hoppers raised their game with Tom Hughes breaking the defence and, after a long rolling maul had made ground, Edwards’ found White with an inside pass and the winger used his pace and power to race in wide out after 66 minutes.

Hoppers were straight back on to the attack and made the game absolutely safe in the 70th minute when Edwards’ pin point cross kick was fielded by White who rounded the defence for his hat trick and this time the kick was good.

With nothing to lose, Kendal had another throw of the dice and some careless defending allowed Simon Mulholland to weave his way through to the line and he completed the conversion in the 78th minute.

Coach Dave Baldwin is a hard task-master and, while satisfied with the bonus point win, judged his side’s performance to be ‘below par’, especially conceding three tries in the second half and is looking for improvement in future games against stronger opposition.

It is however Hoppers sixth win on the bounce which they will hope to extend at Harrogate next Saturday

Hoppers keep momentum going with impressive away win

Hoppers absorbed an early home onslaught to take control and, although a temporary loss of focus allowed Morley to hit back with two tries in the second period, they proved worthy winners and the 4-try bonus point lifts them to 6th in the table.

The visitors took time to settle and sustained home pressure and possession brought a penalty for Bradshaw and drop goal for Burnell to put the home side 6 points ahead within 6 minutes before Mark Edwards replied when Morley were penalised when receiving kick off.

Hoppers’ pack were struggling in the tight, conceding a free kick and a strike against the head but, in the 18th minute, Luke Cunningham was upended in a line out and, in the ensuing fracas, Rich Morton and home flanker, Hamilton were despatched to the sin bin. Hoppers opted to kick for touch with the penalty and it paid off as, after a long driving maul, Cameron Berry touched down Edwards’ delicate grubber but the kick sailed wide.

While Morley kicked away much of their possession, Hoppers’ pack began to assert themselves and another long penalty to touch produced a forward drive, John Peterson claiming the touchdown and Edwards’ conversion extended the lead.

Morley took a leaf out of Hoppers’ book and, surprisingly, passed up two eminently kickable penalties in favour of touch and catch and drives but a much-improved defence kept them out and the score remained 15-6 at the break.

Whatever coach Dave Baldwin said to his pack during the interval, it certainly had an effect as they produced a turnover at the first scrum and Tom Ball’s scorching break was rounded off by Matt Hughes, Edwards converting.

Hoppers continued to turn the screw and on 51 minutes, another Edwards grubber was seized on by Matt Hughes and the winger again used his pace to outstrip the defence and the conversion was good.

With the bonus point in the bag, Hoppers rang the changes from the bench but lost possession in mid-field was exploited by the home backs and wing Bradshaw converted his own try to reduce the deficit.

Edwards replied with a penalty on 60 minutes but Morley raised their game and a storming break by lock Stannard set up a platform from which recycled ball brought a second try for Bradshaw but his kick rebounded off a post.

But any chance of a late home comeback was snuffed out as Hoppers dominated the last 10 minutes and, after home prop Gabriel saw yellow for a ruck offence, more forward pressure took play deep into the 22 and, when the ball was released, prolific centre Tom Hughes powered over for his 9th try of the season and Edwards’ conversion brought him a 14-point haul.