HOPPERS now stand alone in fourth place in Jewson National One after this hard fought 27-15 win against Bracknell.

An early Iain Bruce try gave them the lead and was converted by Martin Emmett. The full back added a penalty as Hoppers enjoyed the better of the opening stages.

Bracknell hit back with pop Kelly claiming a try.

Kenworthy converted and then added a penalty to bring the scores level.

Early in the second half Hoppers were awarded a penalty try after a maul had been illegally halted.

Caution for their captain Jackson and prop Kelly followed.

When Bracknell winger Spencer scored an unconverted try 10 minutes from time the scene was set for a dramatic finish.

It was Hoppers who seized the initiative with a fine individual try from Michael Lough.

Immediately on the restart, Martin Boyd and Steven Fee combined to take play back into the Bracknell territory.

A close range line out soon followed giving John Blesdale the chance to burrow over.

Next Saturday, Hoppers make the short trip to Ansdell for their next league game against Fylde.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.