Points in the bag for hoppers'

HOPPERS Development side made it three wins in a row under new captain Craig Steel. They continue to climb the Northern Second XV's table and are putting in some sterling performances.

Sound defence was the key to this game against a side whose strength was in its forwards.

With Martin Emmett and John Chesworth both returning from injury, Hoppers had plenty of experience in the backs. Two Emmett penalties gave Hoppers the half time lead in a game played in the pouring rain.

it was Chesworth who sparked Hoppers second half try with a strong run. Recycled ball found hooker Kieron Chadwick on the blind side with enough room to make the line.

Pressure provided a late penalty chance for Emmett to complete the scoring. Accurate though his kick was, there were some who believed that the plan was to launch a cross kick and claim a try.

Widnes Colts ... 11 Grasshoppers Colts ... 10

IT WAS a lacklustre performance from Hoppers, with the only area of satisfaction the set piece.

An early penalty from Widnes was soon matched by Hoppers Robert Johnston. The remainder of the first half produced no further score.

Widnes took the lead with an unconverted try from a tap penalty and then kicked a second penalty.

Late in the game, Hoppers produced their best passage of play. A Michael Watkinson line out take the lead to a well controlled maul. Watkinson emerged with the ball to put Edward Scott in at the posts. James Morley converted.