Hoppers Storm To Bounce Back Win
Seniors: First XV: 19th February 2022
Prior to the kickoff players and spectators took part in a minute’s round of applause in memory of Jack Jeffery who tragically died following an injury sustained while playing for his club side Evesham RFC from Worcestershire on the 12th of February 2022. Gs kicked off the match from the Railway End, again with Jack Walkden captaining the side, with a strong blustery wind blowing across the pitch towards the clubhouse and were soon on the scoreboard when Jasper Rose marked his return to First team action following a shoulder injury scoring a try after 2 minutes, converted by Conor Gilmore. From the restart Gs continued to have good possession and territory resulting in a try from Aaron Sheehan, again converted by Conor Gilmore after 8 minutes, another Aaron Sheehan try (unconverted) quickly followed this after 10 minutes for Gs to lead 19 – 0. Datchworth finally made their way into Gs half, but Gs defended well clearing their line seeing Kieron Ttouli break away to touch down between the posts with the extras again added by Conor Gilmore after 15 minutes to increase the lead to 26 – 0. This again was quickly followed by a Reiss Davison try (unconverted) after 17 minutes. Gs again continued to make all the play, dominating Datchworth seeing Eddy Fogg run in a try, converted by Conor Gilmore after 35 minutes. Datchworth briefly came back but to no avail and halftime was reached with Gs leading 38 – 0. Datchworth started the 2nd half brightly pinning Gs back, but again Gs defence held firm seeing them breakout taking play deep into Datchworth’s 22 leading to Reiss Davison’s second try (unconverted) after 47 minutes. Again, Datchworth rallied pushing Gs back only to see Gs breakout again and seeing Reiss Davison complete his hat-trick with a try (unconverted) after 53 minutes to take Gs lead to 48 – 0 Gs now began to dominate play and territory and this saw Aaron Sheehan make a powerful 22 metre run to touch down between the posts to complete his hat-trick, again with Conor Gilmore adding the extras to bring the score to 55 – 0 after 61 minutes. Play continued for a while until an injury to Kieron Ttouli brought the game to a premature end with both teams and the referee’s agreement, leaving the final score 55 – 0 Fortunately, I can report thanks to the excellent work and attention from Gs physio Sarah Didier and other staff, Kieron was up and walking in the clubhouse a short while after. In conclusion a great all-round team performance, five league points (try bonus point achieved after 15 minutes), nine tries, two hat-tricks and a First team debut from the bench for Harry Milne. Things are hotting up in pursuit of Leading Try Scorer 2021/22 with several players in contention.
