Deja vu for Hoppers

Seniors: First XV: 18th January 2020

Grasshoppers 36 40 Hemel Hempstead
Hoppers on the wrong end of 76-point thriller, in a match reminiscent of the corresponding away fixture back in September. Gs kicked off from the school end and kept play in Hemel’s half, and with the forwards pressing forward saw a fine break from Sean Connor to touch down between the posts – converted by Jason Lee for Gs to take a 7-0 lead after 6 minutes. Gs were soon back in Hemel’s half pressing their line, after a few forward phases Mark Cunningham cut through their defence for a try – unconverted after 10 minutes to extend lead to 12-0. Gs forwards now had the upper hand and were again camped on Hemel’s line which lead to a try for James Kent – unconverted after 15 minutes for a 17-0 lead. Hemel now started to gain some momentum applying their own pressure resulting in a try – unconverted after 22 minutes to reduce the deficit to 17-5. Handling errors began to creep in for both sides as the temperature dropped, and this saw Blaise Salle break clear for a try – converted by Jason Lee after 30 minutes to stretch lead to 24-5. Play stayed in Gs half finally resulting in a Hemel try – converted after 38 minutes to bring the closing half time score to 24-12. Hemel were soon back on the scoreboard with a try – converted after 42 minutes to bring the score to 24-19. Hemel were now on the front foot and ran in a further try – converted after 50 minutes to take the lead 24-26. Gs finally woke up and steamed into Hemel’s 22, and with a fine juggling act from Callum McCormack saw him crash over for a try – unconverted after 55 minutes to retake the lead 29-26. With Gs now applying all the pressure pinning Hemel on their line, from a break by Louis Brown from a scrum the ball came back to Jason Lee to dart through a gap for a try – converted by himself to stretch the lead to 36-26 after 65 minutes. From the restart Hemel pressed forward and eventually broke Gs defence for a try – converted after 70 minutes to reduce the deficit to 36-33. Hemel now pinned Gs down in their 22 leading to a try – converted after 78 minutes to take the lead and the win 36-40. If any consolation could be taken from the match it was 2 bonus points achieved by Gs.

Recruitment

Grasshoppers Rugby is always recruiting players of all standards to join our great club. We boast fabulous facilities consisting of three floodlit pitches. The main pitch is an AGP 3G surface which is used for training and league fixtures.

We boast an excellent onsite purpose-built gym for the use of all our players.

We have a great coaching team, with Clive See as Head Coach ably assisted by Munster man Asst Head & Defence Coach, Jerry Hedigan, Attack Coach Sean Conner and Defence Coach, Rory Damant all with a wealth of coaching experience.

In addition, and ongoing throughout the season, we have a specialist Rugby Strength & Conditioning Coach, Joe Murray.

If you are interested in joining a friendly but ambitious club then please turn up on a Tuesday evening at 7.30pm.

Alternatively email Director of Rugby, Alastair Lydon: dor@grasshoppersrfc.com.


RFU Accredited Club