HOPPERS progressed to the third round of the National Senior Cup thanks to a combination of dogged defence and devastating counter attack.

A brace of tries at the end of each half stunned the hosts who had enjoyed their fair share of possession.

Early offences by the home side gave Hoppers just the start they wanted with Chris Glynn opening his account with a fourth minute penalty

Bedford pressure was rewarded on the quarter hour mark when prop Mitchelson crossed under the posts.

Elphick converted. Glynn and Elphick then exchanged penalties before Hoppers first display of running skills.

When Michael Lough broke up centre field from his own 22, Gary Monaghan was at his shoulder to take the pass and race to the line.

Then a Paul Bailey run down the wing found Chris Glynn on hand to put Charlie Du Pre away for the second try.

Glynn added both conversions. Hoppers soon increased their lead as the second half opened.

The familiar rolling maul following a line out was the route with Peter Carter the scorer.

Glynn was again on target with a difficult conversion. It was then Hoppers turn to defend as Athletic strove to keep the tie alive. Two Elphick penalties restored their hopes before Hoppers second surge.

A Chris Glynn penalty from 45 metres was the starting point.

Then Gary Monaghan ran three quarters of the length of the field leaving would be tacklers floundering on his way to a fine individual try.

In injury time scrum half Du Pre also claimed a second try with a 50 metre dash to the line. Glynn converted both to end with 19 points and continue his impressive start to the season.

On Saturday Hoppers have a National League game at Newbury where they have won for the last two seasons.

RESULT: Bedford Athletic 16 Grasshoppers 44