Hoppers 'pointless' rugby match

HOPPERS came away pointless from a game they led and should have won. Taking the lead early in the second half, Hoppers again failed to consolidate and paid the penalty.

Rugby had the better of the opening stages but met some stubborn resistance from Hoppers defence.

Having weathered the storm, Hoppers finally put together an attack. A blatant offence on the Rugby 22 brought a penalty with Hoppers' Rob Parkinson earning a visit to the sin bin.

The Rugby forwards took advantage of their side's numerical superiority to put Jock Fields in at the posts. Kiwi half Muir converted.

Hoppers quickly retaliated, putting together a better spell. Despite wasting a close range line-out Hoppers kept up the pressure and were rewarded when Glyn Dewhurst charged down a clearance kick to claim a try in the corner.

Hoppers opened the second half as they had finished the first. The second visitor to the sin bin was home prop Shadbolt. His indiscretion proved costly as Paul Bailey kicked the resulting penalty to put Hoppers in front.

A Muir penalty edged Rugby back in front with Hoppers forced to put in a desperate tackling stint to protect their try line.

A series of scrums close to Hoppers line looked to have produced no reward but a penalty gave Muir the chance to put more points on the board.

The game was not over as Hoppers again looked lively. Handling errors cost them dearly and it was Rugby who finished the game with a score.

Skipper Wingham's try converted by Muir gave the final scoreline a rather flattering look.

On Saturday Hoppers return to Lightfoot Green for the first time since October 7. Their opponents will be local rivals Kendal who currently share top spot in National League Two. Kick off is at 2.15pm.